The plenary of the Liberian Senate has mandated its Committees on Concession and Investment, Land and Mines, as well as Judiciary to investigate claims that Liberian-owned businesses are being disenfranchised by concession companies in the country.
Plenary’s decision was triggered by a communication submitted during the 9th day sitting of the Senate on Tuesday, Februay 18, 2025 by Bomi County Senator, Edwin Melvin Snowe, seeking the indulgence of the Senate to probe the matter.
Senator Snowe detailed in his communication that, despite being legislated and duly ratified in concession agreements, there is a growing wave of disenfranchisement of Liberians in their own economy.
Senator Snowe, who is also Chairman of the Senate Committee on Hydrocarbon, Energy and Environment, further mentioned that it has come to his attention that concession companies are engaging in activities beyond their primary mandates, thereby depriving Liberian-owned businesses of opportunities that would otherwise contribute to economic empowerment and job creation.
Senator Snowe made specific reference to the Bi-Chico Mining Company in Gbarpolu County, which he said, in addition to its mining operations, has taken on trucking of iron ore. “This is a business that could be effectively handled by Liberian-owned trucking companies, thereby fostering the growth of a middle-class economy and creating employment opportunities for our people,” Senator Snowe stated.
Similarly, the Bomi County lawmaker pointed to the Bea Mountain Mining Company in Grand Cape Mount County, which he observed does not only operate its own petroleum storage tanks and imports thousands of metric tons of petroleum products, but has ventured into transportation of these products, as well as production of mineral water, to state a few.
Senator Snowe intoned that these activities directly compete with local Liberian-owned businesses that are fully capable of providing such services, thereby undermining the core objectivities of the Liberianization Policy and making Liberians spectators in their own economy.
Senator Snowe however acknowledged that it is deeply concerning to see these companies assuming control over essential service industries, including the transportation of iron ore and petroleum products, as though no Liberian-owned company is capable of executing these tasks. “If left unchecked, this practice will continue to marginalize Liberian entrepreneurs, weaken local enterprise development and stifle economic growth,” the senator maintained.
Addressing the matter, Senator Snowe reiterated that it is essential to promote sustainable economic development, fostering job creation and ensuring that Liberians are not sidelined in their own economy.