–Vows Independent Scrutiny of Liberia’s Resources
MONROVIA — Tamba Ralph Brown launched the Liberia Institute for Strategic Studies and Development (LISSD) on Wednesday, vowing to independently monitor Liberia’s natural resources sector rather than rely on government, international organizations, or concession companies for information.
Brown, the institute’s executive director and founder, announced the launch at the Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinion (CEIO) on Carey Street in central Monrovia. He said LISSD will strengthen Liberia’s capacity to examine national policies, economic activities and development decisions on its own terms.
The institute’s profile describes LISSD as an independent, non-partisan policy research institution established in 2025. Its mission is to advance evidence-based policy through research, inclusive dialogue and strategic partnerships. Brown said LISSD will zero in on Liberia’s natural resources sector, particularly companies extracting minerals.
He explained the institute wants to independently evaluate what mining companies do in Liberia — what resources they extract and what those activities mean for the Liberian people. Brown said such assessments should not depend solely on information from government, international organizations or the concession companies themselves.
He stressed the need for Liberian researchers and independent institutions capable of generating analysis that helps citizens understand the country’s economic activities and the use of its natural resources. Brown disclosed that LISSD will partner with civil society organizations and the Liberian media.
He said media collaboration will help make research findings public, while civil society partnerships will strengthen independent monitoring and public engagement on national issues. The institute’s profile emphasizes inclusive consultation and partnerships, saying its research agenda will be rooted in Liberian institutional needs and include voices from affected communities.
“Not Government, Not Opposition”
Brown rejected any political label for LISSD, saying it serves neither government nor opposition. He argued the institute’s responsibility is to serve Liberia’s interest, not any political party or administration. He said LISSD will scrutinize any institution — government, private sector or otherwise — when its actions run contrary to the Liberian people’s interests.
Brown presented LISSD as an institution that will maintain independence while engaging government, the private sector, civil society, the media and other stakeholders.
The institute’s website states it operates independently and does not accept research funding with conditions attached to findings. It also says board members and staff must disclose conflicts of interest.
LISSD’s launch comes as Liberia debates natural-resource governance, investment, concession agreements, economic development, public accountability and civil society’s role in monitoring national institutions. The institute says its broader goal is to strengthen locally generated policy research so Liberian decision-making rests on credible data and analysis.
According to its published profile, LISSD’s vision is policy decisions informed by credible data, shaped by inclusive voices and connected to international expertise while remaining locally grounded. Brown’s launch message centered on independence, research, accountability, and public interest. He said LISSD will remain open to working with government and other stakeholders but will maintain its responsibility to independently [verify and report on issues affecting Liberians].
