Senator Francis Dopoh of Rivergee County calls for the Road User Exemption Permit granted to Bea Mountain Mining Company to be re-characterized for equitability.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, Liberia, October 30, 2024—River Gee County Senator Francis S. Dopoh writes the Senate to notify the Executive Branches of Government through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to re-characterize the Road User Exemption Permit granted to Bea Mountain Mining Company operating in Western Liberia.
In a communication to the Liberian Senate, which was read here Tuesday, October 29, 2024, during the 41-day regular sitting, 1st Session of the 55th Legislature, Sen. Dopoh said his letter is directed to a matter of significant importance.
According to him, it is about the Nation’s fiscal integrity and equitable treatment of all stakeholders in the mining industry.
The River Gee Lawmaker notes that he has learned that the exemption granted to Bea Mountain Mining Corporation under Section 24.2.a.viii (Road Uses Charges) of the First Amendment to the Restated and Amended Mineral Development Agreement is inconsistent with the overarching principles enshrined in the Liberia Revenue Code.
He argues that Section 17 of the Liberia Revenue Code, which speaks to Fiscal Stabilization, along with Section 15, the Anti-avoidance rule, underscores the necessity for a uniform application of the country’s taxation framework.
He explains that Section 13. 3, Subsection (b) of the Liberia Revenue Code clearly establishes the Revenue Code’s superiority over all other legislation concerning taxation matters.
However, he notes that the exemption provided to Bea Mountain on Road User Charges, which are critical for the maintenance of the roads utilized by their operations, poses an inherent inequality in the mining sector.
The Senator believes that such an exemption not only undermines revenue that could be generated for the maintenance of essential infrastructure but also creates an unlevel playing field for industry players who do not benefit from similar exemptions.
Dopoh contends that Section 1708 of the Liberia Revenue Code explicitly prohibits exemptions on import duties for petroleum products, reinforcing the principle of equal taxation for all entities.
“In light of these considerations, we hereby call upon the Liberian Senate to notify the Executive through the Minister of Finance to re-characterize the exemption mentioned above in order to align it with the fiscal policies and regulations of our country. It is my request that said action by the Executive should be realized before the Fiscal Year 2025”, Senator Dopoh underscores.
Meanwhile, the Rivergee County Senator urges the Senate to resolve and seek fairness in Liberia’s tax system and strive for an environment where all companies can operate on an equal footing, fostering healthy competition and ensuring that Liberia benefits from its resources.
“May this body stand united in our commitment to uphold the integrity of our fiscal policies and ensure that the laws of Liberia are applied equitably,” Sen. Dopoh concludes in his communication. Editing by Jonathan Browne
