30/10/2025
Poor Health Care in Rural Liberia: Why the Elite Benefit from What God Has Given to the People
By Raymond Sarmie
My recent trip to Nimba County—my second visit—was both exciting and eye-opening. Allow me to share a few of my experiences and observations with you.
Nimba County, sometimes called the “People’s Republic,” is not just talk—it is truly a vast, beautiful, and resource-rich part of Liberia. The people of Nimba are blessed with fertile land and a strong agricultural heritage. Cassava, in particular, is their staple crop and can be prepared in countless delicious ways. That is why many refer to Nimba as “the breadbasket of Monrovia.”
One of the most beloved dishes among Nimbians is GB, made from cassava and usually served with rich, meaty soup. Once you taste it, you’ll want more! But let me pause there and get to the real issue of this write-up—the challenges I witnessed during my visit.
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My Visit and Observation
My first trip to Nimba was in 2019, to my village Ya-wo-li-pu-la, for the mourning feast of my late great-grandmother. Thanks to my father, PK. Sarmie, that journey was possible.
My most recent visit, however, was on a professional note—as a journalist. I was invited by the Elizabeth Medical Health Center to provide media consultancy and public relations support for their medical outreach across the county. What I discovered during this time was both inspiring and troubling.
We worked mainly in two districts: District #7 (Saclepea) and District #3 (Yekepa). Both are wonderful places, but their realities are very different.
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Saclepea: Signs of Progress
In Saclepea, I observed several access roads that made it easier for residents to move around. There are government schools where children can attend classes, as well as both public and private hospitals serving the area.
From what I gathered, the District Representative, Hon. Musa Bility, has ambitious developmental plans for Saclepea, and many believe it could soon become the next Ganta in terms of progress. I commend both the Liberian government and the representative for their efforts—please keep it up for the people of that district.
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Yekepa: A Land of Wealth and Suffering
Weeks later, we arrived in Yekepa to continue our outreach. What I saw—and heard from the locals—was heartbreaking. Let me put it plainly: “The people of Yekepa are dying to live.”
This is a region full of concession companies, including ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML)—one of the largest mining companies in the country. Yet, the people are living in poverty and neglect.
Is ArcelorMittal the main problem? I don’t believe so entirely. The company seems to be living up to its corporate social responsibility in part. The real problem, in my view, lies with the elite—those who control and mismanage the resources meant for the people.
Despite the millions of dollars the Liberian government reportedly receives from these companies, health care remains poor. Many mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters are dying slowly due to lack of access to proper medical facilities.
Schools are few, roads are terrible, and clean drinking water is almost nonexistent. Imagine that! According to the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI), the government has collected significant revenue from ArcelorMittal over the years—yet the people of Yekepa see no tangible benefits.
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A Call for Accountability
To be clear, I’m not suggesting that ArcelorMittal should take on all development responsibilities beyond its agreement. However, we must ask: What happens to the funds the government collects every month or year?
The Representative of District #3, Hon. Naker Gaye, should be deeply concerned about the poor living conditions of his people.
Now, there is talk about ArcelorMittal Liberia wanting to extend its agreement with the government. Do I support that? Absolutely not—at least not yet. The company’s presence has brought little visible improvement to the lives of ordinary Liberians outside its operational zone.
How can such a large corporation not have a private hospital in Yekepa? Not even a single hand pump for safe drinking water? That is unacceptable—for both the government and the company.
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Conclusion and Recommendations
Yekepa is one of Liberia’s richest regions in terms of natural resources—especially its mountains. Yet, its people are among the most disadvantaged.
I therefore call on the Government of Liberia and ArcelorMittal Liberia to take urgent steps to improve the lives of the people of Yekepa and the wider Nimba County. True development must be seen and felt by those whose land produces the wealth of the nation.
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About the Writer
Raymond Sarmie is a Liberian from Nimba County of the Gio tribe.
He is a high school graduate and holds a diploma in Journalism and Public Relations (PR).
He currently serves as IT Manager at Quality Newspaper/TV and CEO of Reality Online TV.
Raymond is also a content creator, human rights advocate, media educator, and director of a high school press club.
Contact him via WhatsApp at +231 88 183 8832.
