Bong County’s district #7 Representative, Foday E. Fahnbulleh, alongside local officials of the county have launched the Fuamah District scholarship program, aimed at fostering youth development in central Liberia. The program will provide educational opportunities to over 1,000 deserving students, easing the financial burden on their parents.
The scholarship initiative is funded with about L$5.5 million, a sum secured after persistent efforts by Representative Fahnbulleh to hold China Union accountable for its commitments under the mineral development agreement (MDA) with the Government of Liberia (GOL).
Earlier this year, Representative Fahnbulleh raised concerns in the House of Representatives over China Union’s failure to fulfill its obligations to the communities impacted by its mining operations. He emphasized the company’s non-compliance with key terms of the MDA, which require China Union to contribute to local development initiatives, including education, infrastructure and health services.
Following a comprehensive investigation by the House of Representatives, China Union was found guilty of neglecting its obligations. During the investigation, the company admitted its shortcomings and requested additional time to implement key aspects of the agreement. The scholarship fund is a direct result of these proceedings.
At the scholarship launch in Bong Mines, Representative Fahnbulleh highlighted the importance of corporate accountability, particularly for companies operating in resource-rich communities. “This scholarship is not just a handout; it is the result of tireless efforts to ensure that companies like China Union live up to their promises to the people,” Representative Fahnbulleh said. “My office has continuously advocated for corporate responsibility, and we will not relent until these companies fully honor their commitments.”
Fahnbulleh, a consistent advocate for corporate oversight and transparency, vowed to push for further development initiatives from China Union. “If China Union is taking iron ore from here, they must pay every cent they are required to pay by law. I am committed to ensuring this,” Fahnbulleh asserted.
Fuamah District Commissioner, Hampton Giddings, hailed the scholarship program, calling it a “new day” for the district. He expressed optimism that the initiative will provide substantial relief to parents who struggle to afford school fees for their children.
“This initiative will greatly support the education of our children and ease the financial burden on families,” Giddings remarked. “We commend Representative Fahnbulleh for his relentless efforts in holding China Union accountable and ensuring that the people of Fuamah benefit from the company’s presence in the district.”
Commissioner Giddings also noted that this is the first time since China Union began operations in 2009 that the company has made such a substantial contribution to education in the district. He encouraged the scholarship recipients to seize this opportunity to further their studies.
China Union, which began operations in Liberia in 2009, has faced significant scrutiny regarding its failure to uphold commitments to communities affected by its mining activities. Under the MDA signed with the Liberian government, China Union pledged to invest in local infrastructure, education, and health services. However, for years, there have been complaints that the company was not fulfilling its promises. The company admitted its shortcomings during the investigation by the House of Representatives and agreed to implement several overdue commitments, starting with this scholarship fund.
Representative Fahnbulleh has remained a staunch advocate for corporate accountability, frequently using his platform in the Legislature to hold companies like China Union accountable. His effort has made him a prominent figure in his district, where he was elected due to his commitment to ensuring that communities affected by mining operations see tangible benefits.
With the scholarship program now officially launched, there is growing optimism in Bong County’s District #7 that China Union will continue to fulfill other obligations to Fuamah District.
Representative Fahnbulleh has promised to remain vigilant, ensuring that the company honors its commitments and that further development initiatives are implemented.
Local leaders view the scholarship program as a key first step toward improving access to education in the district, and are hopeful it will lead to additional community development projects.
Beneficiaries of the scholarship have been urged to maximize this opportunity to advance their education. “The journey to hold China Union accountable has not been easy, but we are starting to see results,” Fahnbulleh said. “This scholarship is just the beginning, and we will continue to push for more support from the company to improve the lives of our people.”
As Fuamah District looks toward the future, local leaders and the scholarship committee emphasized the importance of corporate accountability. They say they are committed to ensuring that companies like China Union are held responsible for their obligations and that communities affected by mining operations receive the support they deserve.