MONROVIA, Liberia — The Government of Liberia has signaled renewed focus on strengthening governance, transparency, and regulation within the country’s mining sector, as part of broader efforts to safeguard natural resources and boost economic returns.
Speaking at the Executive Mansion’s regular weekly press briefing on Friday, Presidential Press Secretary, Attorney Kula Bona Fofana, outlined a series of policy priorities and ongoing actions by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai aimed at reforming the sector and addressing long-standing challenges.
According to PS Fofana, the President remains actively engaged in advancing key reforms, particularly around the development of a new mining law and the finalization of general mining regulations.
“The President’s interest is really looking at the resource governance component… strengthening the different frameworks and really supporting the sector,” she said, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to accountability and institutional reform.
Crackdown on Smuggling, Push for Formalization
A central concern raised during the briefing was the issue of mineral smuggling, especially within Liberia’s artisanal mining subsector. The government is now prioritizing the formalization of small-scale mining operations to curb illegal activities and ensure communities and the state benefit from the country’s resources.
“There have been challenges within the mining sector… companies reporting what they’re mining,” PS Fofana disclosed, noting that enforcement gaps and weak oversight have undermined transparency.
She added that the administration is exploring measures to strengthen local expertise and regulatory capacity, enabling authorities to better monitor extraction activities and protect both communities and investors.
Plans for Gold Refinery and Sector Investment
The government is also considering the establishment of a gold refinery—an initiative expected to enhance value addition, improve revenue generation, and reduce reliance on raw mineral exports.
Cabinet discussions, she revealed, have focused on how such infrastructure could “advance key fiscal and institutional priorities,” while positioning Liberia as a more competitive destination for mining investment.
Atty. Fofana noted that Liberia’s mineral prospects remain strong, with increasing investor interest in the sector. However, she stressed that future engagements will be guided by improved legal, environmental, and social frameworks to ensure sustainable development.
Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks
Beyond mining, the press briefing highlighted broader government efforts to reinforce legal and regulatory systems across sectors. These include measures tied to existing laws such as the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015, as well as policies from the Ministry of Mines and Energy aimed at improving oversight and compliance.
The administration is also placing emphasis on documentation, licensing, and training within key sectors, particularly for individuals operating informally. Officials believe that formalization will not only enhance regulation but also provide opportunities for skills development and economic inclusion.
Transport and Pricing Concerns
Addressing public concerns in the transport sector, Ms. Fofana acknowledged ongoing challenges with fare enforcement and regulatory compliance. She urged stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Transport, law enforcement, and transport unions to ensure adherence to approved fare structures.
“We hope you identify specific drivers… and understand why they are charging like this,” she said, pointing to enforcement gaps and the need for accountability within the system.
Inclusive Media Engagement
The briefing also took note of efforts to promote gender inclusion within the Executive Mansion press corps, with PS Fofana welcoming a new female journalist and encouraging broader participation by women in political reporting.
She emphasized that while inclusivity is being promoted, all journalists will continue to be treated equally in the discharge of their duties.
A Reform-Oriented Agenda
Overall, Friday’s briefing underscored the Boakai administration’s intent to tighten regulatory controls, attract responsible investment, and ensure that Liberia’s natural resources translate into tangible benefits for its citizens.
With reforms in the mining sector taking center stage, the government appears poised to confront structural weaknesses that have long limited the country’s ability to fully capitalize on its resource wealth.
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