In a bold step toward strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of Liberia’s natural resources, members of the Legislature have gained critical skills for effectively reviewing Mineral Development Agreements (MDAs) and Concession Contracts.
With support from the Government of Ireland through (Irish Aid), Integrity Watch Liberia (IWL), in partnership with the Africa Parliamentary Network on Illicit Financial Flows and Taxation (APNIFFT), has developed a Standardized Framework for Reviewing Mineral Development Agreements and Concession Contracts.
The newly developed tool aligns with international best practices and provides a structured, multi-dimensional approach for assessing agreements across legal, fiscal, social, and environmental governance components.
In his opening remarks, Harold Aidoo, Executive Director of Integrity Watch Liberia, expressed delight over the lawmakers’ strong participation and commitment to improving governance in Liberia’s extractive sector. “This marks a powerful demonstration of commitment to transparency and accountability in managing our nation’s resources for the greater well,” Aidoo stated.
He also extended appreciation to the Government of Ireland for its continued support toward promoting integrity and good governance in Liberia.
Echoing similar sentiments, River Gee County Senator Francis S. Dopoh, Chairperson of the APNIFFT-Liberia Caucus, described the training as “a bold march toward greater transparency and accountability” in legislative oversight of mineral and concession agreements.
“Our presence here clearly demonstrates our determination to explore avenues that ensure every agreement coming out of the Legislature serves the greater good of our people,” Senator Dopoh emphasized.
Speaking at the event, Ireland’s Ambassador to Liberia Gerard Considine hailed the framework as more than just a technical tool, calling it “a catalyst for institutional transformation.”
“We are optimistic that this initiative will strengthen lawmakers’ capacity to conduct rigorous, evidence-based reviews of agreements — helping to ensure that Liberia’s vast natural wealth becomes a true engine of shared prosperity for all Liberians,” Ambassador Considine remarked.
Adding to the discourse, Senator Nimene Bartekwa, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Concessions and Natural Resources, described the training as a timely effort to improve natural resource governance.
“This will help broaden our understanding of the fiscal, environmental, and social implications of mineral and concession agreements. We are more than ready to do the best for our people,” Senator Bartekwa stated confidently.
For Representative P. Mike Jury of Maryland County, the initiative goes beyond capacity building.
“This is a bold and transformative step toward enhancing our legislative oversight,” he said. “We are eager to acquire the right skills and expertise to conduct people-centered, evidence-based reviews of mineral and concession agreements.”
The training sessions were facilitated by a team of seasoned professionals, including Cllr. Urias Goll, a respected environmental lawyer, and other experts in governance, fiscal policy, and extractive industry regulation.
As Liberia continues its efforts to ensure transparency in natural resource management, initiatives like this , backed by credible institutions and development partners , are expected to strengthen the Legislature’s ability to make decisions that foster accountability, inclusiveness, and sustainable national development.
