By Patrick N. Mensah, Maryland County
PLEEBO, Maryland County – Former House Speaker Dr. Bhofal Chambers has called on the Government of Liberia to ensure an independent and transparent review of the concession agreements involving Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP) and Cavalla Rubber Corporation, amid an ongoing government assessment of the companies’ compliance with their obligations.
A government team comprising representatives of the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee, National Investment Commission and Ministry of Agriculture is currently in Maryland County reviewing the operations of the two concession companies and their compliance with their respective agreements.
Speaking on a local radio station in Pleebo over the weekend, Chambers urged the review team to go beyond documents provided by the companies and independently verify whether commitments made to the Government and affected communities have been fulfilled.
He called on the team to visit project sites, engage employees and residents, and consult communities affected by the operations of the two companies before reaching conclusions.
The former Speaker particularly wants the review to assess the companies’ commitments to education, healthcare, vocational training, employee housing, roads, safe drinking water and other community development obligations.
Chambers argued that concession agreements should produce tangible benefits for communities hosting companies that exploit Liberia’s natural resources.
He also raised concerns over unverified reports that members of the government review team may have received hospitality from the concession companies or political actors during their visit.
While acknowledging that the reports have not been independently verified, Chambers urged members of the team to avoid circumstances that could create questions about the credibility or independence of the review process.
He maintained that officials conducting such an assessment should remain impartial and ensure that their findings reflect conditions on the ground rather than the interests of concessionaires or political actors.
Chambers further called on the Government to take appropriate action if the review establishes serious breaches of the concession agreements, including sanctions or possible suspension of operations where warranted.
He stressed that Liberia’s natural resources should translate into meaningful development and improved living conditions for people in concession-affected communities.
The former Speaker said residents should be able to see tangible benefits from companies operating in their communities, particularly through employment opportunities, infrastructure and essential social services.
MOPP and Cavalla Rubber Corporation are among major concession operations in southeastern Liberia, with activities in Maryland County.
The companies and relevant government authorities have not publicly responded in detail to Chambers’ concerns.
