Monrovia-President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has appointed a new Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) to oversee the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI), a key mechanism for promoting transparency and accountability in the country’s oil, gas, and mining sectors.
The appointments, announced through the Executive Mansion, follow extensive consultations with diverse constituencies in alignment with the LEITI Act of 2009 and the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard.
The MSG comprises representatives from Civil Society Organizations, the Private Sector, the Government, and International Observers. Its mandate includes improving public understanding of extractive licenses and contracts, ensuring accountability in resource management, and enhancing data disclosure in the sector.
The new MSG features a wide range of stakeholders, including Civil Society Representatives, Cecelia Danuweli (Publish What You Pay – Liberia), Winston W. Wreh (Liberia Labour Congress), Abraham B. Gappie (Mineral Civil Society Organizations of Liberia), and Ambassador George Kingsley (National Civil Society Council of Liberia).
Those appointed from the Private Sector Representatives include: Michael V. Suah (Liberia Chamber of Mines), Elvis G. Morris (Liberia Agriculture Companies Association), James M. Strother (Liberia Business Association) and Eliza D. J. Kronyanh (Liberia Timber Association).
Those represented Government Representatives include Rudolph J. Merab Sr. (Forestry Development Authority), Augustine K. Ngafuan (Ministry of Finance and Development Planning), Wilmot J. M. Paye (Ministry of Mines and Energy), Rustolyn S. Dennis (National Oil Company of Liberia), Dr. Alexander J. Nuetah (Ministry of Agriculture), Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh (Ministry of Justice), James Dorbor Jallah (Liberia Revenue Authority) as well as Marilyn T. Logan (Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority).
At the same time, observers appointed include the United States Embassy/USAID, GIZ while those appointed from the Legislature include Representatives Sam P. Jallah of Bomi County, District #3, and Senator Abraham D. Dillon of Montserrado County
President Boakai also designated Representative Wilmot J. M. Paye, Minister of Mines and Energy, as the MSG Chairperson, with
Augustine K. Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, serving as Co-Chairperson.
The MSG has been required to serve a three-year term, focusing on achieving full compliance with the EITI Standard, addressing outstanding corrective actions from the last validation, and preparing Liberia for its next validation in January 2026.
In the release, President Boakai emphasized the importance of LEITI in ensuring public trust and transparency.
He described the EITI framework as both a global commitment and a moral obligation for Liberia’s sustainable development.
“The effective implementation of the EITI Standard is not just a global obligation but a strategic imperative for Liberia’s sustainable development,” the President said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to leveraging Liberia’s natural resources to attract responsible investments, strengthen resource mobilization, and maximize benefits for current and future generations.
The release noted that the inclusion of diverse stakeholders reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability, critical to transforming Liberia’s extractive sector into a driver of economic growth and development.
