By Nathan Kollie
Gbarnga, Bong County, Liberia — The Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI), in collaboration with the Mining Industry of Liberia and supported by GYZ, convened a day-long stakeholder dialogue aimed at deepening public understanding of mining laws and governance frameworks in Liberia.
Held in Gbarnga, the event brought together citizens, civil society organizations, women’s groups, and county authorities to discuss the Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) and the broader implications of extractive industry operations on local communities.
Speaking to journalists after the dialogue, Mr. Abraham B. Gappie, President of the Mining Industry of Liberia, emphasized the importance of citizen awareness in shaping a more equitable mining sector. “These community dialogues are designed to build knowledge among citizens and stakeholders.
LEITI and its partners remain committed to educating the public about the Multi-Stakeholder Platform and the laws that govern our extractive industries,” he stated.
Mr. Gappie also urged Liberians to pay closer attention to the energy sector and climate change, noting that strategic engagement in these areas could drive sustainable economic growth.
Highlighting current challenges, he pointed out that foreign investors continue to reap the majority of benefits from Liberia’s mining sector, often leaving local communities without fair compensation or meaningful participation. He called for a more transparent and inclusive approach to resource governance, one that ensures Liberians are active beneficiaries of their country’s natural wealth.
Mulbah Howard, another key stakeholder, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for ongoing public education and legal literacy. “By empowering citizens with knowledge of their rights and the laws governing the mining sector, we can foster a more transparent and inclusive industry that serves the nation as a whole,” Howard said.
Participants expressed appreciation to LEITI and its partners for initiating the dialogue and recommended increased support for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to expand awareness campaigns across communities.
The Gbarnga event marks the first in a series of nationwide engagements designed to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in Liberia’s extractive industries.
