Integrity Watch Launches Compliance Tracker for Concession Companies | Business

Integrity Watch Liberia (IWL), with support from the Government of Ireland, has launched a groundbreaking Digital Extractive Sector Compliance Scorecard Platform designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public oversight of concession companies operating in Liberia’s extractive industries.

The platform, officially unveiled on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Monrovia, is the first of its kind in Liberia and is expected to provide citizens, policymakers, oversight institutions, and local communities with accessible, evidence-based information on the compliance performance of companies operating in the country’s mining and extractive sectors.

The launch marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to improve natural resource governance and ensure that concessionaires comply with their contractual, environmental, labor, tax, and community development obligations.

Speaking at the event, Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, stressed the importance of effective monitoring and evaluation systems in the management of Liberia’s natural resources.

According to Minister Tingban, the government must strengthen its ability to generate and access reliable scientific and geological information to make informed decisions regarding the country’s finite mineral resources.

He said the new compliance scorecard platform will serve as an important tool for identifying weaknesses in the sector, improving accountability, and supporting efforts to address illegal activities.

“We have been royalty recipients for too long. There is a need for Liberia to move beyond royalties and enter the corridor of equity participation,” Minister Tingban said.

The minister emphasized that Liberia must secure greater benefits from its natural resources through stronger oversight mechanisms, increased local participation, and improved equity representation within the mining sector.

He also expressed concern over reports that significant quantities of minerals continue to be smuggled out of Liberia, depriving the country of critical revenues needed for development.

“There is a need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement institutions, and civil society organizations to improve monitoring across the extractive sector,” he added.

Also speaking at the launch, Senator , Chairman of the Senate Committee on Concessions, commended Integrity Watch Liberia for its continued commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of Liberia’s natural resources.

Bartekwa acknowledged the difficulties lawmakers face in exercising effective oversight over concession agreements, citing limited technical and financial resources.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that the people of Liberia receive a fair share of the resources that belong to them,” Senator Bartekwa stated.

He further called for legal and policy reforms aimed at modernizing Liberia’s natural resource governance framework and ensuring that concession agreements deliver maximum benefits to Liberian citizens.

The platform was officially launched on behalf of the Government of Ireland by , who described the initiative as a practical demonstration of Ireland’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.

“Ireland is proud to support Integrity Watch Liberia through the Strengthening Inclusive Governance and Accountability in Liberia’s Natural Resource Sector Project,” Considine said.

He noted that while Liberia’s extractive sector contributes significantly to government revenue and foreign direct investment, there remains substantial potential for the sector to generate even greater benefits for national development.

According to Considine, public access to compliance information will empower citizens and institutions to determine whether concession companies are fulfilling obligations related to taxation, labor standards, environmental protection, community development, and transparency.

“The launch of this platform is an important milestone because it places evidence at the center of natural resource governance,” he added.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Integrity Watch Liberia and the to strengthen cooperation on transparency and accountability initiatives within Liberia’s extractive sector.

Following the signing ceremony, described the digital scorecard as a significant innovation that complements LEITI’s ongoing work to improve contract transparency and compliance monitoring.

He explained that LEITI has been working to disclose extractive contracts, simplify concession agreements for public understanding, and evaluate compliance among concession companies operating in Liberia.

Yates disclosed that LEITI is currently finalizing a compliance investigation report covering six mining companies, which is expected to be published by the end of July.

“We see this platform as another important tool for evidence-based discussions around extractive sector governance,” Yates said. “Our partnership with Integrity Watch Liberia will ensure that the platform is utilized effectively and sustained over the long term.”

He further announced plans to decentralize public awareness campaigns surrounding the platform so that communities throughout Liberia can access and utilize the information to hold concession companies accountable.

Meanwhile, welcomed the partnership with LEITI and reaffirmed Integrity Watch Liberia’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability across the extractive industries.

Aidoo said the newly signed agreement would facilitate stronger collaboration in data sharing, compliance monitoring, and public engagement.

“We look forward to a long-term partnership that will contribute to a more transparent and accountable extractive sector for the benefit of all Liberians,” he said.

The Digital Extractive Sector Compliance Scorecard Platform is expected to become a key governance tool, enabling citizens, government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to better monitor concession company performance and strengthen accountability in Liberia’s extractive sector.

Stakeholders at the launch expressed confidence that the initiative will improve public oversight, enhance transparency, and help ensure that Liberia’s natural resources generate sustainable economic and social benefits for current and future generations.