MONROVIA-The House of Representatives has selected Rep. Clarence Massaaquoi to Chair its Conference Committee on the scrutiny of the Amended Mineral Development Agreement between the Government of Liberia and ArcelorMittal Mining Company.
The Conference Committee will join members of the Senate Conference team to review and advise both Houses on the possible ratification of the $800 million amended agreement.
Others appointed on the eight-man Committee include Rep. Rosanna Schaach, Co-Chair, Reps. Johnson Gwaikolo, Vincent S. T. Willie, Cllr. Kanie Wesso, Matthew Zayzay, Acarous Gray and Joseph Somewobi as members.
The composition of the Conference Committee followed a recommendation from the Liberian Senate after ‘reserving concurrence’ on the passage of the 3rd amendment to the Mineral Development Agreement of the ArcelorMittal Liberia Holdings Limited and ArcelorMittal Holdings A.G. and the Government of the Republic of Liberia.
The Liberian Senate, in a communication to Speaker Bhofal Chambers and members of the House of Representatives, said after scrutiny and deliberations on the bill, it had reserved concurrence (with the House of Representatives) but like to ratify the Bill with the proviso of the affected matrix: “Stakeholders issues and grievances – Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa County – and commitment of ArcelorMittal.”
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.