Published: September 25, 2025
GBELETA, Gbarpolu County — Residents of the Korninga A Authorized Community Forest are demanding that Coveiyalah Investment Enterprises Inc. pay US$4 million in compensation for unfulfilled promises before talks begin on renewing a 15-year logging contract.
“If the company meets the community’s demands regarding unfulfilled projects from the first five years, we can move ahead with a renewed agreement that includes additional responsibilities and a clear timeline,” said Chief Officer Emery Ciapha.
The contract, signed in May 2019, granted Coveiyalah rights to harvest logs on 48,296 hectares of forest in Bopolu District. It required the company to build infrastructure including 20 hand pumps in each of 15 affected communities, latrines, a modern health center, a high school, bridges and a Wood Science College. None of those commitments were honored, community officials said.
The first five-year term ended in 2024, but renewal was delayed by internal disputes among the investors. On Sept. 18, 2025, Korninga Chiefdom convened in Gbeleta to review the deal. Ciapha told residents that settlement for past failures must come before any new negotiations.
“We will protect the investor to do the right thing, and if not, we’ll bring in a committed third party to benefit our people,” Ciapha said. “This time around, we will not let them take advantage of us.”
Of the $4 million sought, the community wants $2 million for the unbuilt hand pumps, $750,000 for latrines, and $500,000 for the unconstructed health center. Leaders are also demanding $102,204.75 in unpaid land rental fees. Other unmet commitments include three bridges, upgraded elementary schools, a new high school and the promised Wood Science College.
Community members voiced frustration. “The company’s activities did not prove to us that they are responsible,” said Junior McGill, a member of the Community Assembly, the forest’s top decision-making body. Another resident, Bolowolo Somo, said, “We want development, not empty promises.”
Alongside settlement demands, the community is seeking an increase in the annual education fund from $15,000 to $25,000, $50,000 for monitoring and forest guides, and a rise in the cubic meter fee from $2.50 to $10.
Company Seeks Reconciliation
Coveiyalah President Anthony A. Urey apologized for the company’s shortcomings, blaming disputes with its Chinese partner. “There have been misunderstandings within our house that caused us to pause,” he said. “We stopped logging activities and did not fulfill some promises on paper. I am begging the community to settle this matter so we can revisit and revise the agreement to start work again.”
Urey acknowledged that internal conflict had stalled operations. In 2022, Lu Li, a Chinese shareholder with 90 percent of the company, and Urey, who owns 10 percent, engaged in a legal battle that triggered a court injunction. Logging only resumed after the injunction was lifted earlier this year.
The company said its workers were chased out of the forest on several occasions and appealed to the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) to mediate.
Oversight and Mediation
The review meeting drew representatives from all 15 affected forest communities, the Community Assembly, the Executive Committee, the Community Forest Management Body, and local authorities.
FDA Regional Forester Kollie Kpakolo Bonner praised both sides for engaging in dialogue and pledged oversight. “We will continue to play a motherly role to ensure the company does what it signs on paper,” he said.
Paramount Chief George Sumo of Korninga Chiefdom also promised to work with chiefs and elders to protect community interests. County Administrative Officer James Kpoto urged both sides to resolve outstanding issues.
Community leaders and observers described the dispute as a test of accountability and a critical moment for forest governance in Liberia. Civil society representative Sylvester Varmah said the outcome will hinge on whether Coveiyalah honors its obligations. “The community remains resolute in seeking a fair deal that benefits their people,” he said.
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