By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
Monrovia — The Youth Chairman of Liberia’s ruling party has publicly opposed efforts to expel Representative Yekeh Kolubah, describing the move as a misplaced priority at a time when the country faces more pressing national challenges.
In a statement released Thursday, the youth leader argued that while maintaining discipline within the Legislature is important, the proposed expulsion of the outspoken lawmaker does little to address the economic hardships confronting ordinary Liberians.
“The expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah is not the most pressing issue facing Liberia today,” the chairman said. “Liberians are struggling with real economic and developmental challenges that require urgent attention.”
Instead, the youth leader called on lawmakers to redirect their focus toward what he described as a more consequential matter—the controversial Bea Mountain mining agreement. The deal, renegotiated in 2023, has drawn criticism from some quarters over concerns that it does not adequately benefit the Liberian people.
According to the chairman, the agreement continues to allow the exploitation of Liberia’s mineral resources without delivering fair returns to the nation. He urged the Legislature, currently in extended session, to prioritize a thorough review or possible deratification of the deal.
“A far more critical priority, one with lasting consequences for the nation’s future, is the revisiting of the Bea Mountain mining agreement,” he said. “This is the perfect opportunity to scrutinize that deeply flawed agreement.”
The youth chairman also defended Rep. Kolubah, noting that the lawmaker has remained consistent in his political stance over time.
“The same Yekeh Kolubah of yesterday is the same today,” he added, suggesting that political differences should not overshadow broader national interests.
He concluded by calling on policymakers to remain focused on safeguarding Liberia’s natural resources for the benefit of its citizens.
“Our nation’s minerals should serve the public good, not private interests,” he said. “It’s time to put the people first and revisit agreements that undermine our sovereignty and development.”
The debate over Rep. Kolubah’s status and the future of the Bea Mountain agreement is expected to intensify as the Legislature continues its extended deliberations.
