Published: June 24, 2026
YEKEPA, Nimba County — Liberia National Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman has reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting strategic investments, calling strong collaboration with ArcelorMittal Liberia essential to sustaining investor confidence, community stability and national development.
Coleman made the remarks Tuesday during the graduation and certification of AML security personnel at the AML Training Academy in Yekepa, following a specialized training program run by the Liberia National Police Academy and Training School.
Delivering the keynote address, Coleman said the ceremony reflected more than the completion of a course.
“Today, we recognize more than the completion of a training program; we affirm a shared commitment to professionalism, safety, partnership, and national development,” he said.
He congratulated the graduates for their achievement and discipline.
The training was part of AML’s broader effort to develop local talent and strengthen professional standards, consistent with commitments made during discussions on the company’s Phase Two expansion agreement.
AML Superintendent for Security Services and Compliance Vivian Barbour said the program was designed to build the security team’s capacity through specialized instruction aimed at improving leadership and operational readiness.
Barbour said the training covered “dedication of duty and accountability, communication, and management control,” with the goal of building “a responsive, composed, and disciplined security force aligned with AML’s safety and compliance objectives.”
AML’s chief executive officer thanked the police for the partnership and praised the graduates.
“It’s a big honor for me to be here tonight. First of all, let me acknowledge our graduates. I am very, very proud to see so many young men and women here taking up the stars, being proud of being trained up, being able to further themselves into their careers,” he said.
He said the graduates’ conduct reflected the quality of the training.
“The way in which you operate, we can just see it’s professional. Thank you for doing this training, for being part of it, and congratulations on successfully completing that,” he said.
The CEO also commended Coleman’s keynote address, calling it “probably the best speech I’ve heard yet.”
Recalling early engagements with the police leadership, he stressed the importance of partnership and community-centered security.
“He said to me, ArcelorMittal Liberia is part of Liberia, and whilst it is government’s duty to protect the assets of investors, ArcelorMittal Liberia is very close to his heart,” the CEO said.
He said Coleman had urged the company to invest in surrounding communities as the first line of protection.
“He said, don’t call me to come and protect your things if you don’t put in effort to look after the communities. That’s where the first protection starts,” the CEO said.
He said AML had taken that guidance to heart.
“We’ve taken that to heart. It’s about how to engage better with communities. You cannot separate security from community relationships,” he said.
He said AML encourages employees and contractors to see themselves as part of the national fabric.
“We want our employees, everyone, and the contractors who work for us, to be true patriots. We want you to love your country. We also want you to love the company, because that goes hand in hand,” he said.
He pointed to improved relations around AML operations, describing a generally positive atmosphere in nearby communities.
“When I drive through the communities surrounding us, I get greeted. I get invited to share food. That is also a trait of the kind people of Liberia,” he said.
The CEO said the partnership with the police had helped resolve operational challenges and maintain stability.
“Whenever we have problems, IG and the LNP is always there to resolve the situation and make sure there is an amicable solution going forward,” he said.
The ceremony also acknowledged AML security management and training coordinators for organizing the program, before the formal presentation of certificates to graduates.
The Liberia National Police reiterated its commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships with AML through enhanced coordination, information sharing and joint efforts to protect investments, promote peace and advance national development in line with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s investment agenda.
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