In a significant move to strengthen transparency and accountability in Liberia's extractive industries, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has unveiled a newly appointed Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) for the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI). This development underscores Liberia’s commitment to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) principles, a globally recognized standard that promotes good governance in the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

The appointments follow extensive consultations with key constituencies, aligning with the LEITI Act of 2009 and the EITI Standard. The MSG integrates representatives from civil society, the private sector, the government, and international observers, forming a coalition to drive transparency and accountability in resource management.

The newly constituted MSG comprises a cross-section of stakeholders, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the EITI framework.

Civil Society Representatives:

• Mrs. Cecelia Danuweli – Publish What You Pay – Liberia
• Mr. Winston W. Wreh – Liberia Labour Congress
• Mr. Abraham B. Gappie – Mineral Civil Society Organizations of Liberia
• Ambassador George Kingsley – National Civil Society Council of Liberia

Private Sector Representatives:

• Cllr. Michael V. Suah – Liberia Chamber of Mines
• Mr. Elvis G. Morris – Liberia Agriculture Companies Association
• Mr. James M. Strother – Liberia Business Association
• Mrs. Eliza D. J. Kronyanh – Liberia Timber Association

Government Representatives:

• Hon. Rudolph J. Merab Sr. – Forestry Development Authority
• Hon. Augustine K. Ngafuan – Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (Co-Chairperson)
• Hon. Wilmot J. M. Paye – Ministry of Mines and Energy (Chairperson)
• Hon. Rustolyn S. Dennis – National Oil Company of Liberia
• Dr. Alexander J. Nuetah – Ministry of Agriculture
• Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh – Ministry of Justice
• Hon. James Dorbor Jallah – Liberia Revenue Authority
• Hon. Marilyn T. Logan – Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority

Observers:

• United States Embassy/USAID
• GIZ

Parliamentary Representation:

• Hon. Sam P. Jallah – Representative, Bomi County, District #3
• Sen. Abraham D. Dillon – Senator, Montserrado County

The MSG will serve a three-year term, during which it is tasked with driving Liberia’s compliance with the EITI Standard, addressing corrective actions from the previous validation, and preparing for the next EITI validation in January 2026.

President Boakai emphasized the transformative potential of Liberia’s extractive resources, stating, “The effective implementation of the EITI Standard is not just a global obligation but a strategic imperative for Liberia’s sustainable development. This initiative is key to building public trust, attracting responsible investments, and maximizing the benefits of our natural resources for current and future generations.”

Liberia has been a proud member of the EITI since 2007, demonstrating its resolve to foster transparency in the extractive industries. The MSG’s formation reaffirms Liberia’s dedication to comprehensive data disclosure, inclusive governance, and effective resource management.

With Hon. Wilmot J. M. Paye as Chairperson and Hon. Augustine K. Ngafuan as Co-Chairperson, the MSG is positioned to tackle the challenges ahead, ensuring that Liberia remains a leading example in extractive sector transparency.

As the MSG embarks on its mandate, its work will be pivotal in promoting sustainable development, advancing reforms, and strengthening Liberia’s global reputation in resource governance. The initiative promises to empower citizens with vital information, ensuring that the nation’s wealth benefits all Liberians.

“This milestone marks a new chapter in Liberia’s journey toward greater transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth in the extractive sector.” The head of the LEITI Secretariat, Jeffrey N. Yates stated in reaction to the new appointments.