17/10/2025
Experience Legislative Reporter Henry Karmo Writes:
Senator Albert Chea's Statement on the Eton and Ebomaf Concessions: What Does It Mean?
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Senator Albert Chea of Grand Kru County made a significant statement regarding the much-discussed Eton and Ebomaf concessions, both of which have been heavily criticized since their inception. According to the Senator, these two concession agreements, which were signed during the administration of President George Weah, have “resurfaced.”
Although I have not had the chance to speak directly with Senator Chea for clarification, my experience as a reporter, combined with my understanding of how concession agreements are submitted and ratified by the Liberian legislature, leads me to several key observations.
The Nature of the Senator’s Statement
Senator Chea did not explicitly state that the concession agreements have been resubmitted to the legislature. If that were the case, the process would involve the executive branch formally submitting the deals for review and ratification by the legislature, as stipulated by the country’s laws. The Senator’s use of the term “resurfaced” raises several questions: could he be referring to the fact that these concessions are still considered legitimate agreements because they were ratified by the legislature and signed by the former president, George Weah?
So far, there is no official record indicating that these concessions were de-ratified by the legislature during the tenure of the previous administration, making it difficult to classify them as illegitimate or nullified. In fact, these deals remain largely on the books and continue to be a subject of intense debate.
The Push to De-ratify
In 2023, there were vocal calls from several lawmakers, including Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence (now Pro Tempore of the Senate), urging the legislature to de-ratify both the Eton and Ebomaf concessions. The concern was that, if left in place, these agreements could potentially expose Liberia to future legal and financial risks. Lawmakers feared that the terms of the deals—especially their long-term impact on the country’s economy—could lead to complications down the line, potentially involving costly legal disputes or unfavorable outcomes for Liberia.
At various points, Cllr. Musa Dean, the Minister of Justice at the time, was summoned by the legislature to provide updates on these concession agreements. During his appearances, Cllr. Dean was quoted as stating that, as far as he was concerned, the concessions were no longer considered “legal” or binding. This would suggest that the legal status of the deals was uncertain or in question, leading to further speculation about their legitimacy. However, despite these statements, there has been no formal de-ratification process recorded in the public record.
What Does "Resurfacing" Mean?
If the Eton and Ebomaf concessions have indeed "resurfaced," this could imply a few possibilities:
1. No De-ratification: If the deals were never formally de-ratified, their “resurfacing” could simply mean that they are still on the books as legitimate agreements. This would mean that these concessions are technically valid and enforceable, unless a formal legislative act of de-ratification takes place.
2. Potential Legal Challenges: If the concessions have not been de-ratified, there is the looming question of whether Liberia will face legal challenges. The terms of these concessions, which have been criticized for being unfavorable to Liberia, could potentially result in lengthy and costly legal battles, especially if they are still legally binding.
3. The Need for Action: Given the murky status of these concessions, Liberia might need to take proactive steps to clarify their legal standing. If the government is serious about addressing the concerns surrounding these deals, it may need to initiate a formal de-ratification process or seek legal advice on how to nullify them without exposing the country to further risks.
Moving Forward: What Should Liberia Prepare For?
At this point, the critical questions remain: Were the Eton and Ebomaf concession agreements formally de-ratified? If so, why are they resurfacing now? If not, should Liberia be preparing for potential legal challenges or complications arising from these deals?
The answers to these questions will likely determine the future of Liberia’s relationship with the two concession companies and the broader implications for the country’s economic and legal landscape.
In the coming days or weeks, it will be important for the government, the legislature, and the public to seek greater clarity on the status of these deals. Transparency, accountability, and legal certainty will be key factors in ensuring that Liberia does not find itself embroiled in costly and damaging legal disputes.
Conclusion
The issue of the Eton and Ebomaf concessions is far from resolved, and the resurfacing of these deals raises more questions than answers. As Liberia looks toward its future, it is crucial that lawmakers, legal experts, and the government address the legitimacy of these agreements head-on. Whether through formal de-ratification or legal action, the need for clarity on these deals has never been more urgent.
