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IWL, backed by Ireland, launches project to boost natural resource accountability

by Blamo N. Toe
January 24, 2025
in News
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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IWL, backed by Ireland, launches project to boost natural resource accountability

Monrovia – Integrity Watch Liberia (IWL), with funding from the Government of Ireland, has officially launched a new project titled “Strengthening Inclusive Governance and Accountability in Liberia’s Natural Resources Sector” aimed at fostering good governance.

The initiative, launched on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, brought together civil society actors, government officials, development partners, and media representatives.

Providing an overview, Harold Aidoo, Executive Director of IWL, explained that the project seeks to improve natural resource management by strengthening legislative capacity, advocacy, effective coordination, and oversight of regulatory bodies.

He noted that the initiative also aims to enhance Liberia’s policy framework for the sustainable and equitable management of its natural resources.

According to Aidoo, the project will address governance, accountability, and compliance challenges in managing Liberia’s rich natural resources, which he described as crucial for the country’s economic development.

He further highlighted key stakeholders, including the National Legislature, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the National Bureau of Concessions (NBC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as primary beneficiaries.

“IWL will organize a series of interactive workshops for targeted legislators, focusing on the fiscal, environmental, and social dimensions of concession agreements,” he stated. He added that tailored sessions would include case studies of successful legislative oversight and best practices.

Aidoo emphasized that IWL will create a platform for knowledge exchange between legislators and experts to discuss challenges, strategies, and necessary legislative reforms.

The IWL leader disclosed plans to establish a multi-disciplinary team of national and international experts, including economists, legal advisors, and environmental scientists, to provide technical guidance to legislators.

“We will also facilitate regular consultations—at least 10 sessions per year—between the IEAG and legislative committees to offer expert opinions on draft concessions and advise on amendments needed to align with best practices,” he noted. Additionally, he announced the development of a virtual platform where IEAG will provide ongoing support, answer queries, and share relevant research.

Key Targets by Institution

Aidoo revealed that 60 staff members across institutions will participate in targeted capacity-building programs and inter-agency coordination to enhance oversight and regulatory functions.

He further disclosed that 100 civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and investigative journalists focused on natural resource management and human rights will be trained to advocate for the rights of affected communities.

“Fifty monitors will be trained to report and publish findings on environmental, social, and human rights violations in concession areas,” he stated.

The project was officially launched by Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye. He commended Integrity Watch Liberia for spearheading the initiative, describing it as timely and aligned with the Unity Party government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).

Minister Paye also expressed gratitude to the Government of Ireland and other development partners for their ongoing support to civil society organizations working to strengthen governance and address challenges in the mineral sector.

“This project is a commendable initiative, and you can count on the government’s support during its implementation,” he affirmed.

Ireland’s Commitment

In remarks, Irish Ambassador to Liberia Gerard Considine reiterated Ireland’s commitment to supporting Liberia, particularly in climate adaptation and resilience efforts.

“Ireland recognizes the importance of partnering with civil society to support institutions,” Ambassador Considine stated. He added that the initiative reflects a shared commitment between Integrity Watch Liberia and the Embassy of Ireland to address critical governance challenges and promote sustainable development.

Over the next year, the project will focus on equipping the Legislature to effectively represent Liberians in overseeing policies and agreements related to natural resource management, according to the ambassador.

Ambassador Considine also welcomed the project’s emphasis on ensuring equal access to decision-making processes and discussions surrounding resource governance and distribution.

“The government’s focus on good governance, as outlined in the AAID, aligns with this project. We look forward to collaborating to achieve our shared goals and drive Liberia’s development,” he said.

Tags: Integrity Watch Liberia
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Blamo N. Toe

Blamo N. Toe

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