By Kruah Thompson
MONROVIA, Liberia, April 30, 2026 – The Government of Liberia has dismissed reports suggesting that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai ordered a halt to the Putu Mountain concession deal, describing the claims as false.
Authorities stated that the government’s position on the agreement remains unchanged, emphasizing that at no time has the President instructed that the deal be stopped.
The Putu Range, located in Grand Gedeh County, is one of Liberia’s key iron ore deposits. Over the years, the Putu Mountain concession has attracted interest from foreign investors seeking to develop the resource.
A major agreement was previously signed between the Government of Liberia and Putu Iron Ore Mining Inc., granting rights to explore and mine iron ore in the area. However, the project has faced repeated delays due to financing challenges, changes in ownership, and compliance concerns.
In recent years, the government has been reviewing concession agreements across the extractive sector to improve transparency, ensure compliance, and maximize national benefits. The Putu deal has remained under scrutiny amid ongoing discussions about its viability and possible restructuring.
Recent reports suggested that the President ordered a halt to the concession for further scrutiny. However, speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Thursday, April 30, 2026, Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando dismissed the claims as untrue. He clarified that no such directive has been issued by the President.
According to Sando, official presidential decisions are communicated through established government channels, including the Executive Mansion’s website and the Ministry of Information’s platforms. He emphasized that no instruction to stop the Putu Mountain concession has been announced through those channels.
The clarification came in response to a journalist’s question during the briefing, with the Deputy Minister urging the public to rely on verified government sources and avoid speculation.
