Nimba County Superintendent Kou Miapeh Gono on Thursday evening held a major town hall meeting in Gbarpa, Nimba County, bringing together local leaders, youth groups, and residents to discuss the future of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) in the county.
Superintendent Gono acknowledged the recent decision by traditional leaders and community members to ask the government to extend AML’s stay in Liberia. She said while this is a good move, the people of Nimba must be involved in the discussion.
“This is not a bad thing,” Gono told the gathering. “But the people of Nimba need to be at the table. That’s why I am here—to sit with the stakeholders, the young people, and everyone so we can engage AML and the government and make sure things are done the right way.”
She stressed that job creation remains a big concern for the people of Nimba. “We talk about jobs—it’s a serious matter. We need to create jobs all the time,” she said. However, she pointed out that since AML is Liberia’s biggest concession company, people from all over the country compete for employment.
“Our young people need jobs too,” she emphasised.
Gono assured residents that she has been in talks with AML’s top management to ensure that community concerns are addressed. “We know things have not been 100% in the past, but I have been having good discussions with the CEO and top management about what our people expect,” she stated.
She also clarified that the recent statement from the affected communities supporting AML’s expansion was not just about allowing the company to grow but a strong call for change. “That statement was not just to say AML should expand—it was about telling our leaders and the government what must be done to benefit the people.”
Superintendent Gono promised to visit affected communities, meet with local leaders, and engage the Nimba Legislative Caucus before submitting their concerns to the national government. She called for unity in negotiations, stressing that the decision to extend AML’s operations is not just in Nimba’s hands but also with the central government.
On March 18, 2025, chiefs, elders, and citizens of Yarmein, Zor, and Seh publicly endorsed AML’s expansion and the ratification of its Third Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). They credited AML for job creation, infrastructure development, and support during national crises such as Ebola and COVID-19.
However, community leaders also demanded improvements in education and vocational training, calling for the enhancement of technical institutions beyond the Yekepa Vocational Training Center. They pushed for programs to boost local businesses and called for 50% of unskilled jobs and 25% of skilled jobs to be reserved for Nimba citizens.
Other major concerns included water supply, with calls for stronger measures to prevent pollution and limit the negative effects of mining. Leaders also stressed the need for better infrastructure in Yekepa and an expansion of the community’s water system.
The issue of transparency was another key point. Community representatives want to be part of an independent team that will monitor AML’s compliance with the MDA to ensure that the company follows through on its commitments.
The chiefs and elders urged the government to approve AML’s expansion but insisted that community concerns must be addressed in the amended MDA to ensure long-term peace and development.
Nimba’s endorsement of AML’s expansion has been followed by similar support from Grand Bassa and Bong counties.
With Superintendent Gono leading discussions, the people of Nimba County are determined to take an active role in shaping AML’s future operations. The town hall meeting marked a key step in making sure that the voices of the affected communities are heard and that their demands are met.
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