For acting as a politician and not as an advisor amid railway negotiations, a civil society organization under the banner “ONE VOICE LIBERIA” has criticized the recent stance of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Economic Advisor Molley Kamara for his โcovert” political involvement in the ongoing railway negotiations between the Government of Liberia(GoL), ArcelorMittal, and High Power Exploration (HPX).
In a statement issued over the weekend, the group frowned at President Boakai’s Economic Advisor Kamara for acting as a politician and not as an economic advisor whose full responsibility is to proffer economic policies to attract investors and investments to change the living conditions of the approximately 5.6 million people living in Liberia.
The group referenced a FrontPage Africa news article dated May 6, 2025, under the caption “Liberiaโs Economic Advisor Slams Ivanhoe CEO for Disrespectful Letter to President Boakai Over Railway Dispute”.
The group believes that Mr. Kamara acted outside his administrative authority to have written a response to Bronwyn Barnes, President and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Ivanhoe Atlantic Inc., accusing her of disrespecting President Boakai when the communication was not addressed to him (Kamara) but to the President.
“We are not surprised about the eyeservant and hypocritical role of Mr. Kamara, who is bent on negative propaganda against the interest of Liberians, to have ill-advised the President to reject a multi-user framework agreement that allows other users of the railway to operate and be able to generate more revenue for the GoL to help in the areas of development,” the CSO group pointed out.
โโIt is alleged that some big names pushing for AML to have exclusive rights to operate the railway had received an attractive kickback against the interest of the common people,” the statement asserted.
At the same time, the group has accused Mr. Kamara of usurping the function of the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Sylvester Grisby, who is clothed with the authority to represent the president’s office and not a politically driven, selfish, and self-seeking economic advisor.
In an official letter written by Mr. Kamara, he described Mr. Barnesโ communication, dated May 3, 2025, as โhighly disrespectful,โ alleging it was intended to โridicule the President and bully the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC).โ
Such a letter, the group thinks, should not emanate from the economic advisor. Rather, the Chief of Office Staff of the President.
Furthermore, the CSO group intimated that Mr. Kamara’s defense for AML exclusive operator rights until 2030 speaks volumes of personal interest against the interest of the state.
“You cannot be an advocate for Concessions Company while serving as economic advisor’ to the president. This act of hypocrisy must stop! If you want to play politics with the livelihood of the citizens, it’s better you resign and continue speaking to the media anonymously. Therefore, we are calling on the president to make the best decision in the interest of the country that favors revenue growth and economic empowerment for the betterment of all citizens and not a handful of greedy hunters,” the CSO group warned.
HPX (High Power Exploration), a U.S.-based mining company, has made a significant move in West Africa by completing the acquisition of the St. John River Iron Ore Licenses in Liberia, a transaction that has now received official approval from the GoL.
This strategic acquisition places HPX in a prime position to capitalize on Liberiaโs rich mineral resources while strengthening its presence in the region.
The acquired St. John River licenses, which cover an expansive 250 square kilometers, were previously owned by mining giant BHP. Situated adjacent to the key Yekepa-Buchanan Rail Corridor, these licenses are believed to hold immense potential, with historical surveys from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicating deposits of more than 650 million tons of iron ore, with grades reaching as high as 58% iron (Fe). HPXโs geological team confirmed these promising findings after conducting thorough technical due diligence earlier this year.
This acquisition is seen as a critical step forward for HPX, positioning the company to enhance its influence across West Africaโs iron ore sector. HPX President and CEO Barnes expressed her enthusiasm for the deal, highlighting the alignment of the St. John River Licenses with the companyโs broader strategy in the region.
โThe acquisition of the St. John River Licenses represents a major milestone for HPX,โ she said.
โIt strengthens our portfolio and complements our existing Nimba Iron Ore Project in neighboring Guinea. Weโre excited to move forward and unlock the potential of this asset for both HPX and Liberia.โ
The St. John River Iron Ore Licenses lie along a proposed multi-user infrastructure corridor, an area central to Liberiaโs ambitions for regional economic development. The corridor, which utilizes the existing Yekepa-Buchanan Railway Line, provides critical access for transporting mined resources. HPXโs investment in this region could prove transformative for Liberiaโs mining sector and generate substantial revenue for the country.
HPX is poised to commence exploration activities on the St. John River properties and is working to develop a comprehensive strategy that will accelerate resource identification. According to Barnes, the companyโs highly experienced team is ready to fast-track the exploration process, taking full advantage of promising geological findings.
HPX has pledged its support for Liberiaโs goal of transitioning to an independent rail network manager, a step seen as crucial for the long-term sustainability of the regionโs mining infrastructure.
The company has also extended a financial offer to assist in establishing the countryโs National Rail Authority, demonstrating its commitment to supporting Liberiaโs broader economic goals.
HPXโs involvement in the proposed Liberia-Guinea Infrastructure Corridor, known as the Liberty Corridor, extends beyond mining. The corridor has the potential to stimulate diverse economic activity in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, health, and education, impacting the lives of nearly 800,000 people living within its footprint. HPXโs long-term vision aligns with regional development, aiming to enhance quality of life and generate widespread economic opportunities for the people of Liberia and Guinea.
As HPX advances its projects, the company is also engaging in discussions with U.S. government officials to explore the broader potential of the corridor. Through these efforts, HPX aims to position itself as a key player in Liberiaโs mining and infrastructure development, with its investments likely to shape the future of the countryโs resource industry for years to come.
With its strategic acquisitions and commitment to infrastructure development, HPX is not only expanding its footprint in Liberia but is also playing a pivotal role in unlocking the regionโs economic potential.
