Monrovia – The Ministry of Mines and Energy held a major turning-over and induction ceremony in Monrovia over the weekend.
By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr(231886458910)[email protected]
The program brought together the outgoing Minister, Wilmot J. M. Paye, the new Minister, R. Matenokay Tingban and the President of the Liberia Chamber of Mines and dignitaries including government officials. Each speaker at the program talked about the past, the present and the future of Liberia’s mining and energy sectors.
Outgoing Minister Paye Reflects on His 20 Months of Service
Outgoing Minister Wilmot Paye spoke first and explained the tough situation he met when he took over the Ministry. He said things were not in good shape at all. According to him, “the Ministry had limited electricity, no internet, outdated equipment, and weak technical capacity.” He said the mining and energy sectors were behind because “the laws and systems were old and needed serious work.”
Paye explained that he and his team worked very hard for almost two years to fix these problems. He said the Ministry now has better electricity systems, more solar energy projects, stronger leadership at the Liberia Electricity Corporation, updated mineral surveys, and new rules to help control mining. He also said revenue has increased.
According to him, “the Ministry today is more organized, more transparent, and more confident than the one I met.” He encouraged the new Minister to keep the progress going, saying, “Our country depends on this sector. We must keep moving forward.”
He ended by thanking the President for allowing him to serve and reminded everyone that the improvements made are only the beginning of a larger plan for Liberia.
Incoming Minister Tingban Shares His Vision for the Future
After being inducted, the new Minister, R. Matenokay Tingban, spoke about the work ahead. He said he feels honored to take the job and understands how important it is. “Mining and energy hold the key to Liberia’s economic future,” he said.
Minister Tingban talked about his strong background in mining and geology. He said his experience as a mining engineer, geologist, environmental supervisor, and former Director of Mines has prepared him to lead well.
He explained that his leadership will be based on “efficiency, transparency, and inclusive growth.” He said he plans to complete new mining laws, improve how the government works with companies, stop illegal mining, train young Liberians, and increase access to electricity through solar and other clean energy.
He added, “We will run a Ministry where information flows, where rules are followed, and where every partner feels respected.” He promised to work with communities, civil society, women, youth, and the private sector to make sure the mining and energy industries grow fairly.
Liberia Chamber of Mines Calls for Strong Partnerships
The President of the Liberia Chamber of Mines, Amara Kamara, also spoke at the event. He thanked Minister Paye for his service, saying, “You helped lay a foundation that the next leadership can build on.”
Mr. Kamara welcomed the new Minister and said Liberia is at a very important point in its development. “Our country has great opportunities in gold, iron ore, critical minerals, and energy. But we must manage them well,” he said.
He promised that the private sector will support the government to make mining more responsible and more helpful to communities. He also called for unity, saying, “To succeed, we must work together. Liberia’s minerals must help create real jobs, real growth, and real development.”
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