BUCHANAN, GRAND BASSA COUNTY – Residents from communities affected by Arcelor Mittal Liberia’s (AML) operations have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to county officials, demanding a response to their petition following what they describe as years of neglect and broken promises.
In a dramatic turn of events on May 9, 2025, during a citizens’ meeting at the Moore Town Hall, tensions flared when community members barred AML’s Community Liaison, Madam Maurer L. Hutcheson, from entering the hall. Chanting angrily, “AML is not invited, we don’t need your presence,” the crowd voiced their frustrations over what they allege is AML’s persistent non-compliance with the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), which they claim has led to suffering in affected communities.
The meeting, convened to formally present the community’s grievances, was marked by placards bearing messages such as:
- “Enough is enough, we’re tired of promises, we need action”
- “Stop the marginalization and violation of the law”
- “We need jobs”
The petition was read by Mr. Augustine Geegbe, Secretary of the Moore Town Community, and officially presented by the group’s Chairman, Mr. Dixon Dugbe. In his remarks, Mr. Dugbe extended appreciation to the Grassroots Agency for Social Services (GRASS) for their technical and logistical support, as well as to community members and leaders committed to bringing about meaningful change.
The petition was presented to several dignitaries, including:
- The proxy of Superintendent Karyou Johnson
- The proxy of Representative Matthew Joe
- City Mayor George Gaybueh
- Mr. Bunty Lee, Secretary of the Civil Society Council
- Mr. Barley Togba, National Program Coordinator of GRASS
Chairman Dixon Dudge presenting petition to K. M. Barley Togba National Program Coordinator of GRASS
ISSUES CAPTURED
Community members who suffer the direct adverse effects of Arcelor Mittal’s operations must be prioritized for employment opportunities within the company.
Affected communities must have a decisive role in the governance and management of the 20% allocation intended for their development. It is unacceptable for Arcelor Mittal both contribute to and solely manage these funds without community representation or input.
The recurring flooding experienced during the rainy season, caused by Arcelor Mittal’s operations, must be promptly and effectively addressed.
The Company must implement sustainable livelihood projects in our communities, as has been done in other counties, to compensate for the environmental and economic disruption caused.
The annual USD $200,000 international scholarship fund must be managed with full transparency and accountability to ensure fair and equitable access for deserving community members.
In their separate remarks the secretary of the Zonal thanked the communities for the level of organization seen and pledged to work with all parties for the better outcome. GRASS National Program Coordinator said its institution is happy to see communities waking up to the occasion, holding duty bearers accountable, our work is teach people to advocate for themselves.
He concluded by telling the communities to take full charge of the advocacy so as to get better outcome. What seems to be the best remark was made by the secretary of the Grand Bassa Civil Society Council. In reference, he said if the house does not sell you, the street will not buy meaning the problem we are going through with AML, our leaders have a huge part to play. He said, who give such power to AML as a contributor of funds to the communities and at the same time managing it.”
He also mentioned about the scrap metal that should be given to the county for education purposes is now done under the cover of darkness by some elements in AML and their counterpart for the people not to benefit. Their motto is transforming for the future in the context of Grand Bassa what are they transforming? For his part the mayor of the city of Buchanan said he will work with his colleagues so that solution can be found.
In what appear to be controversy statement came from the proxy of the law maker Mr. Augustus Greaves indicted his boss by saying the county leadership is responsible including his boss man for the problems the people of Bassa are going through with AML. His statement did not go on noticed, the Council said it will respond adequately for including the CSO as part of the problem. Finally the proxy of the superintendent thank the organizer and promised to present the document on Monday to the Superintendent for action.
