MONROVIA — The Chairman of the House’s Committee on Lands, Mines, Natural Resource and Environment, Rep. Eugene Kollie, has called on President Joseph Boakai to fast track the appointment of a Mines and Energy Minister.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Addressing the press at his Capitol Building office on Monday, February 5, 2023, Rep. Kollie described as crucial, the appointment of a Minister of Mines and Energy for a government that has just taken office with so many expectations from citizens.
The Bong County District #5 lawmaker noted that the mining sector is one of the bedrocks of the country’s economy, which should not be overlooked in terms of priority.
He believes the appointment and subsequent confirmation of a Minister of Mines and Energy will mark the beginning of his oversight responsibilities to endeavor making the mining sector viably beneficial to the country.
“The appointment of a Mines and Energy Minister and subsequent confirmation will begin our robust oversight responsibility that we intend to endeavor to make the mining sector vibrant and beneficial to the State”, he furthered.
Rep. Kollie also disclosed that his Committee will be sending communications to all Licence “B” mining companies operating in the bailiwick of the country aimed at reviewing their documents and accreditations.
“We will be sending communications to all “B” mining companies to review the documents that accreditate them to operate within Liberia and the over six active class “A” mining companies to provide their Mineral Development Agreements and MOU signed with the community, where applicable, ” he said.
Rep. Kollie, at the same time, used the medium to publicly declare his support for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia.
He ceased the moment to send a clarion call to President Boakai to reinforce the establishment of the court, as stated in his inaugural address.
Rep. Kollie: “Let it be known to all Liberians that this office is in full support of the War and Economic Crimes Court to be established in Liberia. Therefore, I am calling on President Boakai Sr. to reinforce the establishment of the War and Economy Crimes Court, which he mentioned during his inaugural speech, but did not re-emphasize during his State of the Nation Address.
He concluded by calling on all mining companies in Liberia to begin bracing for the presentation of their various Mineral Development Agreements and all other necessary documents of exploration to the committee.