Monrovia, Liberia – Concerned Citizens of Grand Cape Mount County have levied serious allegations of corruption, negligence, and complicity against elected officials of the county, accusing them of colluding with Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC).
The accusations center on alleged bribery, misuse of company resources, and a deliberate cover-up of tragic incidents within the BMMC concession area.
In a statement obtained by this paper, the citizens claimed that every member of the County Caucus benefits directly from BMMC through monthly compensation, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), housing support, and access to scrap metal and other company resources.
They argue that these benefits have effectively compromised the caucus’s impartiality and ability to advocate for the county’s interests.
Unresolved Deaths Spark Outrage
The accusations come amid ongoing public anger over the deaths of three young Liberians during a protest in Kinjor, Gola Konneh District.
The protest, held on February 28, 2023, was organized under Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution and was aimed at demanding benefits long promised by BMMC.
Protesters allege that police, acting on BMMC’s behalf, used tear gas and live ammunition against unarmed citizens.
Three individuals, Abraham Kekulah (17), Bangalie S. Kamara (21), and an unidentified third victim, were allegedly killed during the protest.
The Concerned Citizens of Cape Mount refer to the incident as the “Kinjor Massacre.” stating that despite social media videos and widespread condemnation, the deaths remain unsolved.
The group believes the case was intentionally buried, with the County Caucus allegedly playing a central role in derailing calls for an investigation.
Legislative Inaction
In 2023, the Concerned Citizens submitted a 38-count petition to the National Legislature outlined multiple grievances, including: Environmental degradation, Labor rights violations, BMMC’s alleged failure to fulfill contractual obligations, a call for an independent investigation into the Kinjor Massacre.
The petition, however, was ignored, allegedly due to political interference by the County Caucus.
The citizens are now demanding a full, independent inquiry involving international bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Commission.
Questionable MDA Revisions
The Concerned Citizens of Cape Mount have also raised serious concerns about the 25-Year Amended Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) between the Government of Liberia and BMMC, ratified in 2023.
They argue that: No performance review was conducted before extending the MDA.
According to them, the amendment reduced Liberian ownership in BMMC from 10% to 5%, in violation of the Local Government and Land Rights Acts.
They further that equity vested in local communities is structured in a way that delays or denies dividends, making it a symbolic gesture with no real benefit.
Section 33.1 of the 2013 MDA granted the Liberian government 10% equity in BMMC.
Yet, no government appointees serve on the BMMC board, and there is no evidence that this ownership stake has ever been implemented, the group added.
The group, amongst other things noted that Mr. Debar W. Allen, BMMC’s Country Manager, admitted under oath that he was recruited by the company board without government involvement—an apparent breach of corporate governance and the terms of the MDA.
Tragic Deaths & Unsafe Working Conditions
The petition indicated that thirteen Liberian workers have died in recent years at BMMC sites, particularly in Kinjor.
It further revealed that most were seasonal employees, some with multiple contract renewals without permanent status—a violation of the Decent Work Act.
Causes of death include
The group named the following as major causes of death at BMMC mining sites, including, Chemical inhalation, Equipment accidents, unsafe underground conditions, inadequate safety protocols, noting that and occupational injuries are also widespread.
Victims include: Mohammed Sheriff (Blast Department), now permanently disabled, Joe Kollie (concrete mixer), injured by chemical exposure, Arthur Zar (Camp Management), disabled on duty, BMMC has not provided compensation for these injuries.
The group, however, noted that workers are not offered life insurance, and underground facilities lack proper ventilation, escape routes, refuge chambers, or trained emergency response teams.
Complaints about toxic gas exposure and inadequate PPEs have allegedly led to retaliatory dismissals rather than improvements.
Citizens’ Demands
The concerned citizens are demanding the following from the BMMC including but not limited to: Immediate replacement of BMMC Country Manager Debar W. Allen, appointment of Mr. S. Sando Wayne II as Country Manager and Mr. Henry Vincent as Community & Government Relations Manager, and Reinstatement of Mr. Sam G. Roberts to his IT role and union leadership position.
They are also demanding full compliance reports on environmental, labor, safety, and tax obligations, a full independent investigation into the Kinjor Massacre, Compensation for occupational injuries, Equal pay for equal work, regardless of nationality, Mandatory life insurance for all underground workers, Annual wage increases linked to gold prices and inflation, and Revocation or revision of the 25-Year Amended MDA to reflect national interests.
The statement concluded with a powerful message to the Government of Liberia stating that Liberia must not cede its sovereignty to any concessionaire, emphasizing that to continue on this path is to invite systemic injustice and institutional failure.
As Grand Cape Mount citizens await action, they have vowed to submit further documentation, including photos and videos, in support of their claims.
