The House of Representatives has passed into law two landmark pieces of legislation: An Act for the Establishment of a Probate Court and An Act for the Establishment of a Labour Court in Nimba County. The decision was reached during the 17th Day Sitting of the 2nd Quarter of the 2nd Session held on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
The passage follows a comprehensive report from the Joint Committees on Judiciary, Internal Affairs, Ways, Means & Finance, and Good Governance.
The bills, which were introduced on March 7, 2025, by Hon. Samuel Kogarโthen Representative and now Senator of Nimba Countyโseeks to decentralize judicial services and expand legal access to residents of the county.
“This is a major step forward in ensuring equitable access to justice across Liberia,” said the Presiding Officer, who directed the Chief Clerk to forward the Acts to the Liberian Senate for concurrence, moving the legislation one step closer to full enactment.
The House considers the establishment of the Probate and Labour Courts in Nimba County a vital component of broader judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law and promoting good governance. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the burden on Monrovia-based courts and bring justice services closer to the people. If approved by the Senate, these courts will play a key role in handling matters related to wills, estates, and employment disputes within the countyโareas that have historically lacked adequate legal infrastructure in rural Liberia.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has taken decisive action by summoning the Management of Bea Mountain Mining Company to appear before its Joint Concession Compliance Review Committee.
This move follows serious allegations regarding the companyโs failure to remit its required contributions to the National Road Fund, alongside reported mining and environmental violations in Grand Cape Mount County.
During its 17th day sitting of the 2nd quarter, 2nd session on Thursday, July 10, 2025, the Plenary reached the decision in response to a formal communication from Maryland County (Pleebo Sodokan District) Representative Hon. Anthony Williams. Hon. Williams craved the indulgence of the August body to invite the companyโs senior management, along with Hon. Wilmot Paye, Minister of Mines and Energy, and Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yakpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to address growing concerns about the companyโs operations.
According to Hon. Williams, Bea Mountain Mining Company has allegedly failed to fulfill its financial obligations to the National Road Fund, a critical source for the development and maintenance of national infrastructure. He further highlighted reports of unauthorized underground mining, restricted access for government monitoring teams, and potential environmental degradation, including risks to vital water resources.
โThese are not just administrative lapses,โ said Hon. Williams. โThey raise serious questions about compliance, environmental responsibility, and corporate accountability. We must ensure that any company operating within our borders does so in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Republic.โ
In line with this, Bea Mountain Mining Company has been officially summoned to appear before the Joint Committee on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Speakerโs Conference Room. The company will be expected to: Explain its alleged non-payment of contributions to the Road Fund; Respond to allegations of mining and environmental violations; Present supporting documentation or evidence; and Answer inquiries from members of the Plenary.
The House emphasized the importance of this engagement as part of its oversight responsibility to uphold transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship across all sectors, especially within the extractive industries.
The public and media will be duly informed of the outcomes of the committeeโs findings and recommendations.
