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Hottfm 107.9 Liberia, Snapper Hill, Broad Street, Monrovia (2025)

11/12/2025

ONGOING: Discussion On Draft 1.2 Billion Budget For 2026

11/12/2025

𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗵𝗼𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗟𝘁𝗱. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

The Plenary of the House of Representatives has voted to ratify the Concession and Access Agreement (CAA) entered into between the Government of Liberia, Société des Mines de Fer de Guinée (SMFG), and Ivanhoe Liberia Limited.

The decision was reached on Thursday during the 17th Day Sitting of the 3rd Quarter of the 2nd Session, following the submission of a comprehensive report from the Joint Committee on Investment & Concessions, Judiciary, Ways & Means, and Good Governance, mandated to review the agreement.

The Joint Committee presented findings following an extensive review of the CAA dated July 5, 2025, and testimonies from members of the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC).

The report says on August 19, 2021, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Transport, granted SMFG/Ivanhoe a conditional Right of Access for export of Guinean iron ore through Liberia.

After negotiations, the IMCC and SMFG/Ivanhoe signed the CAA, which received attestation from the Ministry of Justice and was subsequently approved by the President and submitted to the Legislature for ratification.

The report inserts that the CAA grants SMFG and Ivanhoe Liberia Limited a 25-year right to transport iron ore from Guinea through Liberia using the existing rail line and the Port of Buchanan.
Concessionaires are required to upgrade rail capacity and improve the Buchanan Commercial Quay to support safe, multi-user operations.

The report says Liberia will serve as a transit route for industrial goods destined for Guinea.
• The agreement provides for:
o 1.5% customs user fee on imports (CIF-based)
o US$500,000 annual customs transit fee
Infrastructure Investments
• Phase 1: Over US$64 million in rail and port upgrades.
• Phase 2: Approximately US$888 million in rail expansion and port improvements — totaling nearly US$1 billion in direct Liberian infrastructure investments.

The Concessionaires will make the following payments:
• US$1 million — within 10 business days after signing
• US$10 million — within 10 business days after the Effective Date
• US$15 million — on the Commencement Date
• US$2.33 million — upon enactment of the NRA Act
• US$3.33 million — upon appointment of the Independent Operator
• US$3.33 million — first anniversary of the appointment
• Rail Access Fee: sliding scale of US$1.95 to US$1.55 per ton, indexed to inflation
• Cross-Border Transit Fee: US$0.10 per wet ton
• A previously advanced US$37 million remains non-refundable unless access is denied.

The CAA provides a structured Community Development Fund:
• Year 1: US$1 million
• Year 2–3: US$1.5 million annually
• Year 4–5: US$2.5 million annually
• Year 6 onward: US$5 million annually
This totals more than US$110 million for communities along the rail corridor.

• Over US$1 billion in projected rail access fee revenues
• Approximately US$176 million in additional taxes and duties
• Preference for Liberian employment at all levels
• Preference for Liberian businesses in goods and service supply
• Mandatory compliance with Liberia’s environmental, safety, and medical standards

• 2026: Project development begins (pending ratification)
• 2027: First shipment of 2–5 million tons annually
• Phase 2: Increase to 30 million tons per year after feasibility studies
• ArcelorMittal Liberia remains operator until September 23, 2030
• Thereafter, rail use transitions to a multi-user regime managed by a neutral Independent Operator under the National Rail Authority.

Representatives from the IMCC stated that the agreement will:
• Boost national revenue
• Create direct and indirect jobs
• Expand Liberia’s rail capacity
• Strengthen regional economic integration
• Support multi-user rail governance in the national interest
All required approvals were confirmed to have been obtained.

• Ivanhoe Atlantic completed and submitted an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to the EPA.
• The ESIA included extensive consultations with communities along the Yekepa-Buchanan corridor and provides grievance mechanisms and environmental/social management plans.

The Joint Committee concluded that the CAA:
• Will benefit Liberia,
• Supports the goals of the Mano River Union and ECOWAS, and
• Should be ratified without reservation.

Following debate, a motion by Hon. Sekou Kanneh of Montserrado County District #2 was endorsed by Plenary, thereby passing the Agreement and forwarding it to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.

11/12/2025

Honorable Taa Wongbe Raises Transparency Concerns Over $176M Liberia–U.S. Health Deal

Nimba County District #9 Representative Taa Wongbe is calling for full transparency surrounding Liberia’s newly signed US$176 million health agreement with the United States, warning that the country must safeguard its sovereignty as it embraces the major investment.

The agreement comprising up to US$125 million in direct U.S. support and nearly US$51 million in required Liberian co-financing—is being hailed as a milestone for the country’s health sector. But Rep. Wongbe says the public deserves to know precisely what obligations Liberia is entering into, particularly in areas involving digital health systems, disease surveillance, electronic medical records, and national health data.

“We welcome this historic investment,” he wrote, “but partnership must not replace responsibility. Our duty is to protect the Liberian people and safeguard national sovereignty".

Wongbe pointed to developments elsewhere on the continent, including a recent decision by Kenya’s High Court to temporarily halt a US$1.6 billion U.S. Kenya health agreement over concerns around data privacy and constitutional oversight. That ruling, he said, should prompt Liberia to take a closer look at its own deal.

He also referenced warnings from institutions such as Africa CDC, Public Citizen, Chatham House, Georgetown University’s O’Neill Institute, the Center for Global Development, and the Council on Foreign Relations’ Think Global Health. These groups have cautioned that the new wave of bilateral “America First” health agreements could undermine African control over health data and create long-term structural imbalances if not properly regulated.

Liberia is particularly exposed, Wongbe noted, because the country lacks a comprehensive national data protection law—making any agreement involving electronic medical records or outbreak data especially sensitive.

To address these concerns, the lawmaker is calling for three immediate steps:

1. Full public disclosure of the entire health MOU, including all annexes, appendixes, and any clauses governing data or specimen sharing.

2. A temporary pause on implementing sensitive data-sharing or audit provisions until the document is properly reviewed and aligned with Liberian law.

3. Creation of a national health data protection framework to guarantee Liberian ownership and control over all digital health records and surveillance information.

According to Wongbe, a formal letter has already been sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs requesting the immediate release of the full agreement.

He emphasized that Liberia can welcome U.S. support while still demanding transparency and accountability.

“Liberia’s health system must improve,” he wrote, “but not at the cost of our sovereignty. Transparency strengthens trust, and trust strengthens partnerships".

11/12/2025

BREAKING NEWS: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RATIFIES CONCESSION AND ACCESS AGREEMENT (THE "CAA") ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA AND SOCIETE DES MINES DE FER DE GUINEE (SMFG) AND IVANHOE LIBERIA LIMITED ("IVANHOE")
CAPITOL BUILDING:

In a significant development, the House of Representatives has officially approved the Concession and Access Agreement (often referred to as the "CAA") that was established between the Liberian government and two entities: Societe des Mines de Fer de Guinee (SMFG) and Ivanhoe Liberia Limited, commonly known as Ivanhoe.

This pivotal agreement is expected to enhance the economic landscape of Liberia by facilitating mining operations and ensuring that the involved parties adhere to regulatory frameworks that promote sustainable development.

The ratification marks a crucial step in fostering foreign investment, particularly in the mining sector, which holds substantial potential for job creation and revenue generation for the country.

Legislators highlighted the importance of this agreement in advancing Liberia's mineral resources, suggesting that it could lead to improved infrastructure and community development initiatives.

Furthermore, representatives expressed optimism that the collaboration between the government and these mining companies will not only boost the local economy but also ensure that the benefits are equitably shared among the communities affected by the mining activities.

The passage of the CAA is seen as a forward-looking move that aligns with Liberia's broader economic objectives while also adhering to international standards of corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Stakeholders and industry experts are closely monitoring the implementation of this agreement, as its success could set a precedent for future concessions in the region.

11/12/2025

Former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah Hails MCC Compact Approval as “National Victory”

He Writes:

"Yesterday, the Millennium Challenge Corporation reaffirmed Liberia’s second Compact. It is a big victory for the Government and people of Liberia. But more importantly, it is a victory symbolic of the gains that can ensue when our leaders work together in the larger interest of our common good.

President WEAH laid the foundation for this victory by cementing the gains of governance, without which an MCC compact is NEVER possible! In doing so, he both sustained and advanced the boundaries of governance handed to him by his predecessor President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who secured the country’s first Compact. This Compact award memorializes his legacy in governance! Thank you and congratulations President Weah!

But while eligibility through the sccorecard is a necessary condition, it is NOT a sufficient condition. Securing a compact means the requesting Government must make the case for the award through diplomatic and other means. This is where President Boakai has shown strong leadership. The President made Liberia’s case to the MCC board and achieved a Compact for the country. Congratulations Mr. President. You leaveraged and navigated your predecessor’s foundation with dexterity, skill and dipomatic finesse! Thank you for the leadership and the close!

Congratulations to the people of Liberia. May this victory egg us all toward a common national purpose irrespective of political suasion!

11/12/2025

KEEP WATCHING: As House of Representatives To Debate And Pass Draft FY 2026 National Budget

11/12/2025

BREAKING NEWS: House of Representatives To Debate And Pass Draft 1.2 Billion Budget For Fiscal Year 2026 Tonight

11/12/2025

A days before the planned December 17 protest, the National Headquarters of STAND (Solidarity for Trust and A New Day) has reportedly been burned.

The cause of the fire is still unknown and authorities are expected to begin a full investigation.

11/12/2025

Cllr Kanio Bai Gbala, LLB, LLM Explains What Winning an MCC Compact Means for Liberia

"𝐈𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐂𝐂 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚"?

1. Liberia will receive large grant money (not a loan).

This is free support from the United States to help Liberia grow without increasing national debt.

2. It shows Liberia is improving in good governance and fighting corruption.

Only countries that pass strict tests on transparency, democracy, and rule of law can qualify.

3. Liberia can now fix major national problems like electricity, roads, and jobs.

The compact focuses on solving the biggest issues slowing down the economy.

4. It brings more jobs and business opportunities.

Infrastructure projects and reforms supported by the MCC create short-term and long-term employment.

5. It builds confidence in Liberia internationally.

Winning again shows the world that Liberia is stable, serious about development, and ready for investment.

11/12/2025

PRESS STATEMENT

Liberia Labour and Governance Alliance (LILGA) Commends NPA workers and Management for CBA

For Immediate Release

A few weeks ago, the Dock Workers Union of Liberia (DOWUL) staged a peaceful protest in demand of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a protest that was supported by the Liberia Labour & Governance Alliance. Their action was lawful and fully within their rights. The right to organize, assemble, and protest for positive change is protected under both the Constitution of Liberia and the country’s labour laws.

The Liberia Labour and Governance Alliance (LILGA) extends its sincere appreciation to the courageous workers of the National Port Authority (NPA) for speaking up and standing firm in defense of their rights. Your commitment to justice and fair treatment embodies the true spirit of the Liberian workforce.

We also acknowledge the NPA management for openly recognizing that poor labour practices constitute violations of workers’ rights under Liberian law. This admission is an important step toward accountability and positive reform.

LILGA commends the management of the National Port Authority for the successful negotiation and introduction of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which includes:

a. A 10% salary increase
b. Improved health benefits
c. A US$50 monthly food allowance

These improvements represent meaningful progress for workers and demonstrate the value of social dialogue.

However, to ensure sustainable fairness, safety, and legal compliance, LILGA presents the following demands for immediate action:

1. Establish an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Committee
To strengthen workplace safety systems and enforce OSH standards in accordance with national and international labour laws.
2. Create a Labour Relations Office
To ensure effective communication, timely resolution of grievances, and structured engagement between workers and management.
3. Transition long-serving contract workers into full employment
All contractors who have served the NPA for more than two years must be regularized. Contractor arrangements do not provide full protections and benefits guaranteed by Liberian labour law.

LILGA reaffirms that Workers’ Rights are Human Rights. These rights must be upheld, respected, and protected without compromise.

Signed:

George S. Tengbeh
CEO & Founder
Liberia Labour and Governance Alliance (LILGA)

11/12/2025

A grieving mother has accused Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman and his officers of responsibility in her son’s death, alleging he was found with multiple bullet wounds before his body was taken to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center.

“My son was discovered with bullet wounds all over his body,” she said. “I want to thank Gregory Coleman and his officers for killing my son and bringing his rotten body to JFK".

Video Credit: DN News

Hottfm 107.9 Liberia

11/12/2025

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