Monrovia, Liberia – August 5, 2025 –
The House of Representatives, through its Joint Committee on Concessions Compliance and Review, has revealed that Humminbird Liberia Ltd, a mining concessionaire operating in Southeastern Liberia, has formally acknowledged owing the Government of Liberia a sum of US$2.4 million in unpaid financial obligations.
The revelation came during a public concession compliance hearing held Tuesday at the Capitol Building in Monrovia, where top executives of the company, including Chief Executive Officer Mr. Brett Richards and Administrative Finance Manager Mr. Claus Massaquoi, admitted to the outstanding debt.
However, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has assessed the company’s total arrears at US$3.4 million, highlighting a discrepancy between what the company admits and what the government’s revenue agency records.
Speaking after the hearing, Bong County District #7 Representative Foday E. Fahnbulleh, who chairs the House Committee on Investment and Concessions, expressed optimism that continued dialogue and legal enforcement would lead to a resolution and the recovery of much-needed funds for national development.
“We remain hopeful that through sustained engagement, this matter will be resolved quickly. These revenues are critical to national priorities, and no concessionaire should operate outside of its legal financial obligations,” Rep. Fahnbulleh noted.
Official Correspondence and Government Oversight
The ongoing scrutiny of Humminbird Liberia Ltd is part of a broader effort by the Legislature to assess compliance among concessionaires. In a letter dated July 8, 2025, the House invited Mr. Richards to appear before the Committee with all relevant documentation, including the company’s original concession agreement and records of tax and corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions to local communities.
The correspondence emphasized that the review is not only about recovering arrears but ensuring that the terms of agreements with concessionaires are being honored, especially in the context of community benefits and social accountability.
Broader Concession Review Underway
Meanwhile, the House has also directed a separate review of the Liberia Traffic Management (LTM) concession agreement. In a communication addressed to President Joseph N. Boakai, the House leadership has requested a temporary suspension of LTM’s role in vehicle registration, driver’s license, and license plate issuance.
This request follows petitions from transport sector stakeholders and disgruntled employees of the Ministry of Transport, prompting a full-scale legislative investigation.
“The suspension will allow for a fair and thorough review of the concession terms and alleged irregularities,” the House stated in its letter to the President, dated August 4, 2025.
Legislative Watchdog Role Strengthened
The House of Representatives appears to be tightening its grip on concession oversight amid growing public pressure for transparency, accountability, and proper management of national resources. The Joint Committees on Transport, Investment, and Concessions have all been tasked with ensuring that agreements signed in the name of the Liberian people are executed with integrity.
As investigations and hearings continue, several other concessionaires are expected to face similar scrutiny in the weeks ahead.
