Zwedru- The Global Alliance of Grand Gedeans (GAGG) has sounded a strong warning against a leaked draft of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) proposed Third Amendment to its Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), describing it as a potential setback to Liberia’s economic reforms and a direct threat to fair development opportunities for mineral-rich counties such as Grand Gedeh.
In a press release issued November 10, 2025, the advocacy group lauded the Daily Observer for its investigative report published on November 6, which revealed that the leaked document grants ArcelorMittal Liberia renewed monopoly control over both the Yekepa–Buchanan railway and the Buchanan Port.
According to GAGG, such monopoly power would not only undermine President Joseph Boakai’s pledge to ensure a transparent, multi-user rail system but also contradict reforms championed by the United States Congress calling for an inclusive and independently managed railway structure.
“This is not merely an issue about Nimba or Bong,” the statement noted. “It is a national concern with serious implications for Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and other counties whose mineral development depends on equitable rail access.”
Citing analysts quoted by the Daily Observer, GAGG warned that the draft amendment could “create legal uncertainty across all future concessions,” thereby discouraging new investments and locking Liberia into a cycle of dependency on a single corporate operator.
The organization revealed that it has held separate engagements with Grand Gedeh Representatives Jeremiah Sokan and Jacob Debee on the Putu Mountain concession and broader county issues. GAGG has also requested a meeting with the Grand Gedeh Legislative Caucus to push for a united county position on any amendments to AML’s MDA.
“Our lawmakers must act collectively to defend the county’s interest,” said Acting Chair Annie Cooper Wilson-Zaza. “We cannot afford to let history repeat itself where investors dictate the terms and Liberians are left with crumbs.”
GAGG further called for transparency, community participation, and guarantees for jobs, infrastructure, and social development in any new mining agreement.
“Liberia’s natural resources belong to all Liberians,” Wilson-Zaza emphasized. “We must remain vigilant and informed to protect our land, our people, and our shared future.”
