The Senate Pro-Tempore; members of the Senate and House Committees on Mines and Energy; representatives from the Office of the Vic President and the Ministry of State; the outgoing Minister and other former ministers and officials of the Ministry of Mines and Energy; government officials; distinguished guests; development partners; Chiefs and Elders of Nimba and other citizens; the Nimba Bar Association; the National Investment Commission; the Liberia Chamber of Mines; colleagues from the Ministry of Mines and Energy; members of the media; ladies and gentlemen.
Today marks both an honour and a major responsibility. It is an honour because I stand here as a son of Liberia called to serve at a higher level. It is a responsibility, as the Ministry of Mines and Energy sits at the heart of Liberia’s economic future.
The decisions we take, the policies we craft, and the systems we build will determine how well our country transforms its natural wealth into human and national development.
My professional journey has been guided by three interconnected and complementary paths: technical proficiency in the mining sector, strategic leadership in governance and policy, and dedicated service in national legislative and developmental initiatives.
I previously served as Mining Engineer, Geologist Field Assistant, Environmental Site Supervisor, Assistant Director of Mines, Director of Mines, Acting Assistant Minister of Mines, and National Mining Expert to the ECOWAS and AU sector forums on minerals from 2005 to 2012.
I also hold the honour of serving as a member of the House of Representatives, chairing the committee on natural resources and environment, Deputy Minister for Operations (MIA), and later worked as a consultant within the mineral and mining sectors.
Together, these experiences have provided me with an in-depth understanding of the opportunities and challenges that shape Liberia’s mineral and energy sectors.
They have also underscored the importance of collaboration among the Executive, the Legislature, the private sector, local communities, and our international partners.
As I assume office today, I base my leadership on three strategic pillars: Efficiency, Transparency, and Inclusive Growth, guided by humility, respect for the complexity of the task ahead, and a firm commitment to advancing the goals of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and the National Development Plan 2025–2029.
Our mandate is clear: to ensure that Liberia’s mineral, energy, and water resources are managed sustainably and in a manner that serves the best interests of the Liberian people.
Liberia's mineral sector is one of the strongest drivers of national economic growth, contributing significantly to the country's GDP. However, its full potential remains unrealized. In the coming months, we will focus on:
1. Finalize and implement the new Mineral and Mining Law, and revise the Exploration and Mining Regulations to replace outdated frameworks and align Liberia with international best practices.
2. Review the Model Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) to ensure it delivers fair, transparent, and equitable benefits to the state and local communities, while protecting security of tenure for all mining and energy concessions.
3. Restructure and operationalize the Mineral Development Funds to ensure independent management, strong accountability, and tangible developmental impact.
4. Reinforce the Inspectorate and Investigative Divisions to effectively address issues arising from mining activities, including illicit mining and related disputes, supported robustly by the Ministry's Legal Department.
These reforms are crucial for strengthening Liberia’s negotiating power, increasing revenue flows, and ensuring that communities affected by mining receive fair and timely benefits.
To put Liberia first, we must ensure Liberians take a stronger role in managing the nation’s resources and driving modern, sustainable development. Accordingly, we will pursue:
1. Full implementation of the law that mandates government equity participation in Class A mining operations.
2. Review the proposal to establish a State-Owned Mining Company, ensuring a clear separation between its regulatory role and commercial activities.
3. Strengthen support for artisanal and small-scale miners by offering training, promoting formalization, and improving access to safer and more efficient technologies.
4. The Ministry will collaborate with the Central Bank of Liberia and other relevant agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the proposed gold reserve programs, as the lead agency.
This approach will create more employment opportunities, boost local entrepreneurship, and ensure that Liberians play an active and meaningful role in the mineral and energy resource governance.
No reform can succeed without a Ministry that is strong and technically equipped. Therefore, we will take steps to:
1. Strengthen the Mining Cadastre Information Management System and improve the Ministry’s online repository for greater efficiency and accessibility.
2. Provide specialized training for geologists, mining engineers, hydrologists, GIS and ICT technicians, mining agents, and mine surveyors to strengthen expertise and promote professional excellence.
3. Develop updated operational guidelines and manuals to reduce discretion, perception, and ensure accountability.
A modernized mineral and energy sector is the foundation of a strong, sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development.
Therefore, the energy sector is key and critical to Liberia’s economic reconstruction, industrial growth, and national competitiveness. As part of the broader energy sector strategy to improve available and affordable access to energy resources, the Ministry will work closely with the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Authority, Liberia Electricity Corporation, the Rural Renewable Energy Agency, development partners, and private investors to:
1. Build stronger and more effective regulatory systems;
2. Promote renewable energy solutions to power sustainable growth; and
3. Support the national effort to achieve energy security and diversify energy sources.
A country cannot industrialize without reliable power. Energy, therefore, will be treated not only as a technical issue, but also as a national development priority.
I fully recognize that the expectations of the Liberian people are high. Our citizens expect transparency in the issuance of licenses, fairness in concession agreements, responsible management of revenues, protection of the environment, expansion of employment opportunities, and promotion of economic growth.
Let me assure you that, under my leadership, the Ministry of Mines and Energy will operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will consult widely, engage stakeholders openly, and ensure that every decision we take reflects the long-term interests of Liberia.
I also extend a hand of partnership to civil society, the private sector, traditional leaders, women and youth groups, development partners, local authorities, and all stakeholders committed to the responsible governance of our natural resources. Together, we will move forward.
As I assume this office, I do so with a deep sense of duty and patriotism. Liberia is blessed with abundant natural resource potential, including its minerals, water resources, energy prospects, and resilient people.
The way we manage these blessings will determine the future of our children and the strength of our nation. I therefore urge a professional, collaborative, and positive working environment, one that is cordial and free from conflict. By working together in unity, we can ensure the success of this industry.
With God’s guidance and the support of His Excellency the President, collaboration across government and civil society, and your partnership as stakeholders, we will build a vibrant mineral and energy sectors that drive inclusive growth, strengthens national ownership, and delivers prosperity for all Liberians.
I thank you, and I look forward to working together in service to our nation.