By Grace Q. Bryant
The House of Representatives has once again summoned key government officials to address the stalled Putu Iron Ore Mining deal after they failed to appear at a previous hearing.
Minister of Mines and Energy Wilmot Paye, National Investment Commission Chairman Jeff B. Blibo, and Minister of Justice Oswald Tweh have been ordered to appear before lawmakers on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
This move follows a communication from Grand Gedeh County Representative Jeremiah Garwo Sokan, who has been advocating for the revival of economic activities in his district.
In August 2024, he requested these same officials to provide updates on the mining deal, but they did not attend the hearing. Now, he is intensifying efforts to ensure government accountability on the matter.
Putu Iron Ore Mining Company, owned by a Russian steel giant, signed a Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) on September 2, 2010.
However, in 2016, the company ceased operations, leaving Grand Gedeh County in economic distress.
The mining project had been a vital source of employment, infrastructure development, and skills training, and its abrupt closure resulted in widespread job losses.
In January 2016, former Minister of Lands, Mines, and Energy Patrick Sendolo informed the Senate that Putu withdrew due to financial difficulties and its inability to manage the mining process alone. “From all practical purposes, Putu is basically out,” Sendolo stated.
He acknowledged that the MDA remained technically valid. Since then, little has been done to either attract a new investor or formally terminate the agreement, leaving the mining concession in limbo.
The House of Representatives is now demanding answers on the status of the Putu mining agreement, efforts to secure a new investor, and the economic impact of the company’s departure on Grand Gedeh.
Lawmakers also seek clarifications on what measures are being taken to assist displaced workers and whether the government has engaged with international mining companies to replace Putu.
Rep. Sokan believes the government’s inaction has prolonged economic suffering for his constituents, and he insists that officials must be held accountable.
“This summons is about transparency and accountability. We need immediate and lasting solutions for economic recovery in Grand Gedeh County. He also condemned the officials’ failure to appear in August 2024, calling it unacceptable and insisting they comply this time,” Rep. Sokan emphasized.