NBC Establishes Stakeholders Platform -In Mineral-rich Kokoyah District

By: Patrick Tokpah

The National Bureau of Concession (NBC), in collaboration with partners, last Saturday established another branch of the Multi- Stakeholders Platform (MSP) in mineral rich Kokoyah District in Bong County.

The Multi- Stakeholders Platform, according to its Regional Coordinator Emmanuel F. Karneh Sr., intends to cement cordial relationship between MNG Gold Mining Company – Liberia and residents of the affected communities in the District.

Mr. Karneh told this paper that the project also seeks to enhance peace, security and support to community dwellers in their undertakings for livelihood in that part of the County.

The Multi- Stakeholders Platform, which is being sponsored by the UNDP’s Peace Building Fund, intends to promote peace and food and human security in and around communities affected by MNG Gold Liberia operations the county.

Mr. Karneh explained that the MSP is a politically and religiously unaffiliated legal body comprising a committee of 20 persons with the leadership of seven persons. Currently, the MSP is operating in one of Liberia’s fifteen counties.

Following the three-day consultative gathering in David Dean’s Town, Kokoyah District, a resolution of the Leseah Advocacy Network (LAN) was crafted and singed.

According to the resolution, the LAN will be the intervening party to negotiate with conflicting parties, thereby considering a win-win situation for the most party and recognizing the top ranking priority issues needed for harmony and peaceful co-existence among citizens and  between the residents and the company.

Following the gathering, the Leseah Advocacy Network is expected to engage friendly partners, both national and international, in other to promote sustainable development for all affected communities in Kokoyah District.

The resolution stated that the Leseah Advocacy Network will be recognized by the management of MNG Gold Liberia as an established legal body to advocate, negotiate and dialogue.

During the gathering, Madam Rose Somah was appointed chairperson, while six other persons were appointed in various capacities by their colleagues to steer the affairs of the newly established MSP.

Others appointed include Matthew Whymah. Vice Chairman; Andrew J. Kermue, General Secretary; Nymah Clark, Financial Secretary; Victoria Sumo, treasurer; Elizabeth Beadeh,  chaplain; and James Tarr, advisor.

Some residents of MNG Gold affected communities lauded the National Bureau of Concession and partners for the establishment of the MSP.

Two officials of the committee, Rose Somah and James Tarr, said the MSP will discourage the constant unlawful dismissal of the company’s employees and will strengthen relationship among citizens and MNG Gold.

Also speaking, the community liaison officer of MNG Gold, Keith Gboe, termed the establishment of the MSP as a good beginning by the NBC.

He believes the Multi- Stakeholders Platform will help discourage violence between the citizens and the company.

Mr. Gboe cautioned the 20 members of the MSP headed by Madam Rose Somah to serve with passion.

The consultative gathering was facilitated by Madam Cecelia Danuweli, a representative of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Monrovia.

The ceremony brought together Kokoyah District local leadership headed by Commissioner Dennis Chapay, and a cross section of citizens including elders, Civil Society actors, amongst others.

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