The Plenary of the House of Representatives has officially endorsed the final report of the specialized committee on Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC) and has issued instructions mandating the Office of the Chief Clerk to summon the Chief Executive Officer and top managers to account for their action.
Plenary took the decision Tuesday, 2 April 2024 during the 1st Extraordinary Day Sitting of the 1st Quarter of the 1st session.
After thorough examination and consideration, the committee has put forward a series of recommendations aimed at addressing issues within the mining sector of Liberia and ensuring adherence to the nation’s laws. The report highlights incidents in Grand Cape Mount County and presents recommendations to rectify the situation.
Key recommendations included: mandating the Office of the Chief Clerk to summon the Chief Executive Officer and top managers of BMMC to account for violating agreements with the Government of Liberia, which resulted in the loss of Liberian lives. Furthermore, the committee urged the Liberia National Police to identify and hand over officers responsible for fatal shootings at the Kinjor protest site for swift arrest and prosecution, demonstrating the government’s commitment to justice.
Additionally, the committee called for the resignation or transfer of the Country Manager of BMMC to foster accountability and restore community confidence. It was also recommended to enlist qualified longtime contractors as employees within the company and require BMMC to submit employment records of top Liberian employees and undergo an employee audit by the Ministry of Labor.
Moreover, the report suggests imposing fines on BMMC for violations related to employment and permits. It also requires BMMC to procure ambulances, upgrade health facilities, and provide medical supplies to address health concerns within the affected communities.
The endorsement of this report signifies a crucial step towards addressing grievances within the mining sector and ensuring accountability for actions that have impacted Liberian lives. It reflects the commitment of the House of Representatives to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the interests of the Liberian people. As the recommendations are set into motion, stakeholders will be closely watching for their implementation to bring about positive changes in the mining industry and the affected communities.
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