GANTA, NIMBA COUNTY — The Joint Legislative Committee on Mineral Development Agreements (MDA) has responded firmly to claims made by Senator Nya D. Twanyen, Jr., of Nimba County, regarding its ongoing oversight visit to ArcelorMittal Liberia’s concession area. In a statement issued Saturday, September 20, 2025, and signed by Committee Chairman Senator Numene T. H. Bartekwa and Co-Chair Senator Simeon B. Taylor, the lawmakers rejected accusations that the visit was secretive or intended to shield wrongdoing.
According to the statement, the Committee’s mission to the AML concession was a routine, fully authorized fact-finding exercise to verify the company’s compliance with the Mineral Development Agreement. “This official oversight visit was communicated, coordinated, and planned in advance with the relevant authorities,” the statement noted.
The lawmakers emphasized that there is nothing clandestine about legislators inspecting a major concession that is vital to Liberia’s economy. The Committee said it categorically rejects Senator Twanyen’s characterization of their visit as a “secret meeting” or a luxury tour.
“The work we are doing is in plain daylight, with accountability and transparency,” the Committee declared. “We have nothing to hide and are committed to upholding the trust placed in us to oversee concession agreements responsibly.”
The Committee described Senator Twanyen’s Facebook post as deeply concerning and misleading, suggesting it misrepresents their actions and implies ulterior motives. “By posting such allegations without basis, our colleague has effectively launched a reckless campaign of misinformation and political agitation,” the statement said.
The lawmakers underscored that their mission is not a pleasure trip, but a fact-finding operation designed to ask tough questions, verify compliance, and ensure that AML fulfills its obligations under the MDA. They called it “utterly unacceptable” for a fellow legislator to cast aspersions on colleagues performing oversight duties.
Addressing claims that the Committee should adopt hostility toward ArcelorMittal, the statement said that constructive engagement, rather than acrimony, is essential. AML, the largest private employer in Liberia, provides over 5,000 jobs, and the company’s Phase II expansion is expected to create thousands more. The Committee stressed that jeopardizing these opportunities for political posturing would be irresponsible.
“Progress is built through dialogue, negotiation, and a shared commitment to do better for all Liberians,” the lawmakers said, citing President Joseph Boakai’s call for cooperation during the commissioning of AML’s new iron ore concentrator. “We cannot protect Liberia’s image or interests through knee-jerk antagonism against investors.”
The statement also criticized Senator Twanyen for his repeated combative posture, arguing that such rhetoric undermines the authority of the Legislature and erodes unity among lawmakers. The Committee insisted it will not be swayed by public pressure or inflammatory statements and will continue to perform its oversight duties in accordance with the law.
Highlighting the Committee’s commitment to compliance, the statement acknowledged that ArcelorMittal has admitted to instances of non-compliance with its MDA, including unfulfilled infrastructure and community development obligations. “It is because of these compliance concerns that we are in the field right now,” the lawmakers emphasized.
The Committee stressed that accountability does not require hostility, asserting that a balanced, solution-oriented approach is the most effective way to ensure that AML fulfills its commitments while maintaining jobs and investment. “We refuse to push our nation toward crisis,” the statement said, “and will pursue compliance while supporting the company’s positive contributions.”
Lawmakers reiterated that their visit is intended to identify shortcomings and opportunities within AML’s operations and to ensure that all provisions of the MDA are enforced. They called on Senator Twanyen to join them in constructive engagement rather than issuing inflammatory statements on social media.
Concluding the statement, the Committee affirmed its unwavering commitment to the Liberian people. “We are here on the ground because we are serious about finding the facts, hearing from local communities, and seeing with our own eyes what ArcelorMittal has done and not done,” the lawmakers said, pledging to report their findings transparently and pursue remedies where necessary.
The Committee urged unity, measured leadership, and prudence, warning that division and antagonistic rhetoric only threaten the livelihoods of thousands of Liberians employed by AML and the broader economy. They called on all lawmakers, including Senator Twanyen, to present a united front in ensuring compliance, protecting jobs, and fostering an environment where investments can flourish for the benefit of the nation.
