By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia – Senator Amara Konneh is urging the Liberian government to prioritize and support the expansion of the Yekepa to Buchanan transport corridor, arguing that the country’s economic future depends heavily on the capacity of this strategic rail and road network.
In a statement posted earlier today, Senator Konneh stressed that Liberia must modernize the corridor if it hopes to move up to twenty million metric tons of iron ore exports annually.
“The government needs to support the expansion of the Yekepa–Buchanan corridor because it is the backbone of Liberia’s mining economy,” he wrote. “If we want to move twenty million tons of ore and attract new investment, this corridor must be upgraded, protected, and efficiently managed.”
The senator’s remarks come at a critical moment. ArcelorMittal Liberia is finalizing its Phase Two expansion and is expected to begin transporting up to fifteen million metric tons of iron ore per year once its new concentrator plant becomes operational. The upgraded output has the potential to rise over time, making the country a major supplier in the global iron ore market.
Senator Konneh noted that Liberia’s competitiveness depends on getting the infrastructure right. “No mining economy succeeds without a reliable and modern transport system,” he emphasized. “We cannot talk about economic growth while ignoring the very infrastructure that drives it.”
ArcelorMittal’s expansion already includes major rail improvements, such as upgraded tracks, stronger bridges, new passing loops, and advanced signaling systems. These developments are expected to increase rail efficiency and safety, paving the way for higher export volumes.
But Senator Konneh believes additional government involvement is essential, especially as multiple mining companies begin to express interest in using the same corridor. “We must protect national infrastructure and ensure it serves the Liberian people,” he said. “That means creating clear rules, enforcing standards, and making sure the rail is used in a way that does not undermine existing investments or compromise safety.”
The economic implications are enormous. Once AML’s expansion becomes fully operational, its annual contribution to the Liberian budget is projected to rise to more than two hundred million United States dollars. Senator Konneh argued that such revenue should motivate the government to act swiftly and strategically.
“When one corridor generates this level of revenue and employment, it is no longer a company asset alone. It becomes a national development priority,” he stated.
Communities along the Yekepa–Buchanan line could also benefit from increased traffic and new support services. Better roads, expanded rail employment, and increased commercial activity have the potential to revive towns and stimulate trade in Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties.
Still, the senator warned that Liberia must avoid missteps. “We have to make decisions based on facts and long-term national interest, not short-term politics,” he cautioned. “If we damage the reliability of this rail, we damage Liberia’s credibility.”
Senator Konneh’s message is unmistakable. Liberia’s ability to move twenty million tons of exports, strengthen government revenue, and attract future investments hinges on the decisions made today about the Yekepa–Buchanan corridor. “This is the moment for leadership,” he concluded. “The government must act with clarity and purpose. Our economic future depends on it.”
