MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Speaker of Liberia’s 54th Legislature, Dr. Bhofal Chambers, who left the legislature in January recently spoke to the Liberian media about practical governance and the country’s current state of affairs.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, April 30, in Monrovia, the former Maryland County Representative emphasized the importance of addressing issues responsibly, cautioning against premature demonstrations or impeachment discussions.
Dr. Chambers, drawing from his legislative experience, highlighted the significance of employing leadership and governance skills to engage with critics constructively, rather than resorting to distractions or formal processes. He stressed the need for accountability and suggested that the current government, led by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of the Unity Party, should take action to close illegal mining areas to prevent ecological damage and loss of revenue.
“I suggest that all illegal mining areas be closed down. The reason is that some officials have mining sites that, in my view, will ecologically destroy this country. If we destroy the country, we defraud the government of much-needed resources,” Dr. Chambers said.
According to him, when was in the legislature, he once suggested that Liberia be divided into regions to attract good investors, adding, “We could adopt the Botswana approach, where Botswana has a relationship with the bears and the arrangement leads to a company called Dswana, a blend of Botswana and the bear. In this arrangement, there’s a profit-sharing ratio of 60% for the government of Botswana and 40% for the company.” “This should happen at all our mining sites because mining is an extractive industry. Once extracted, nothing else can go there.”
He said he also believes that Liberia should deposit its gold at the Central Bank because gold’s value is increasing. “As of April 12 this year, gold was valued at $2400 for an ounce. So, for instance, if Liberia were to extract about five tons of gold in a year, it could generate over 400 million. So, when you get 400 million, how does Liberia fit into the profit-sharing ratio?
“How does Liberia fare in terms of iron ore extraction and profit-sharing? We cannot allow our land to be exploited, leaving nothing for our people. What will be the legacy when people leave Cape Mount County and can only say, ‘There was a gold mine here’? The world knows the value of gold; it is precious.”
Dr. Chambers continued, “What will be left for the people? There should be development, including rural infrastructure, housing units, and medical centers. These are the things that should be happening there.”
“All the other areas, such as Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Nimba, and Bong Counties, where illegal mining sites exist, should be closed. Furthermore, the equipment at these sites should be confiscated and repurposed for road construction.”
“In some other countries, like in parts of Ghana, authorities burn the machines used by illegal miners when illegal mining activities are discovered. However, Ghana’s well-developed roads mitigate the impact of burning these machines. In Liberia, I suggest that these machines be repurposed for road construction, and those involved in illegal mining should be penalized. Besides Bea Mountain, nobody can claim they are not affected by the virus,” Dr. Chambers added.
Dr. Chambers concluded with a call for holistic development in mining regions, including infrastructure, housing, and medical facilities, to ensure that local communities benefit from the country’s natural resources. He emphasized the necessity of strict enforcement of laws and penalties for illegal activities to protect Liberia’s environment and resources for future generations.
