Calls for Renegotiation, Greater Equity, and Community Protections in Controversial MDA
By Matthias F. Larbeindee | Contributing Reporter
Monrovia, Liberia- Wednesday, August 6, 2025-In a scathing press statement released today, former President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Hon. Armah Zolu Jallah, has condemned the recently amended Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) between the Government of Liberia and Bea Mountain Mining Company, calling it a “gross betrayal of national sovereignty, economic justice, and the rights of the people of Grand Cape Mount County.”
The agreement, which was recently passed by the Legislature, has sparked public outcry and widespread criticism among civil society groups and community members in the mining-affected areas. Hon. Jallah, a seasoned statesman and long-time advocate for equitable resource governance, warned that the deal heavily favors foreign corporate interests at the expense of Liberians.
“The agreement is tilted in favor of foreign corporate interests while neglecting the suffering and aspirations of the very communities affected by mining operations,” Jallah stated.
Key Points of Contention
The former Senate leader outlined several specific grievances with the amended agreement, including:
- Reduction of Liberia’s Equity: The country’s share in Bea Mountain has reportedly been reduced from 10% to 5%, a move Jallah described as unjust and economically short-sighted.
- Minimal Community Development Support: The agreement provides only US$250,000 annually toward a Community Development Fund (CDF), an amount he says is “disgracefully low” and insufficient to address the developmental needs of the county’s towns and villages.
- Environmental and Labor Concerns: Jallah accused Bea Mountain of repeated environmental violations, including chemical spills and water pollution, as well as labor rights abuses such as wage disparities and favoritism toward foreign laborers over qualified Liberians.
- Failure to Meet Social Obligations: He further accused the company of blatant failure to meet its commitments in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as laid out in the original MDA.
“Such an agreement is not in the best interest of Liberia or the good people of Cape Mount,” he said. “It is an affront to our laws, our dignity, and the vision of a resource-driven national development.”
Jallah called for the immediate review and renegotiation of the agreement, urging President Joseph N. Boakai and members of the National Legislature to act in the national interest.
He mentioned the restoration of Liberia’s 10% equity stake in Bea Mountain, increase in the Community Development Fund to 2.5% of the company’s gross annual profit, with mechanisms for community oversight, Strict enforcement of the MDA’s obligations, particularly those related to labor rights, environmental protection, and social services; A comprehensive, independent audit of the company’s compliance, conducted by a reputable third-party institution and made public; The hosting of a national forum involving affected communities, civil society actors, and traditional leadership to develop a more transparent and inclusive approach to resource governance, as his recommendations.
Jallah appealed to President Boakai to “demonstrate bold leadership” in revisiting the agreement and to lawmakers to uphold their constitutional responsibility to protect the Liberian people.
“The wealth of Liberia belongs to all Liberians—not to foreign corporations, and certainly not to political actors who prioritize self-interest over national duty,” he declared.
Bea Mountain has faced growing resistance in Grand Cape Mount County, where community protests and allegations of neglect have intensified in recent months. Today’s statement by Jallah adds significant political weight to the calls for a renegotiation of the deal, as pressure mounts on both the company and the government to respond.
With national elections behind and the Boakai administration vowing to improve transparency and local empowerment, Jallah’s intervention could shape the political debate over Liberia’s extractive industry agreements in the months ahead.
This story is developing. The Ministry of Mines and Energy and Bea Mountain Mining Company have not yet issued a response to the statement.
