By Amos Harris
A major political storm is brewing in Liberia over a controversial $1.8 billion “Access Agreement” signed between the Government of Liberia and Guinean mining firm High Power Exploration (HPX). The deal, which grants HPX exclusive rights to transport iron ore through Liberia’s rail and port infrastructure, is facing fierce backlash amid claims that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai was misled into approving it.
Multiple credible sources within the Executive Mansion and diplomatic channels have confirmed that President Boakai now regrets signing the agreement. This regret stems from alleged deception by HPX operatives who reportedly claimed their lobbying efforts were responsible for securing his invitation to the 2025 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit—an assertion later flatly denied by the White House.
Insiders familiar with the matter say President Boakai learned during his visit to Washington, D.C., that his attendance at the summit was arranged solely through official diplomatic protocols and had nothing to do with HPX. The revelation reportedly left the President shocked and disillusioned. “This has all the hallmarks of a diplomatic ambush,” said a senior government source who requested anonymity. “The President was made to believe he owed HPX a political favor, but that premise turned out to be completely false.”
The agreement was signed quietly on July 4, 2025, with no public announcement, no press conference, and no prior engagement with the Liberian Legislature—a move critics describe as both unconstitutional and dangerous. The only public acknowledgment of the deal came from a social media post by the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, which confirmed the signing after it had already occurred.
Civil society groups, opposition leaders, youth organizations, and constitutional lawyers have since condemned the deal, accusing the government of bypassing transparency and democratic procedures. “This is not just poor governance; it’s a betrayal of public trust,” said the head of a prominent civil society organization. “To allow a foreign company to allegedly manipulate the highest office and gain access to key national infrastructure without legislative approval or public input is a grave threat to our sovereignty.”
Several lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties have called for a full legislative review of the deal, with some pushing for a criminal investigation into how the agreement was negotiated, by whom, and under what conditions. Legal experts argue that without legislative ratification, the agreement may be null and void under Liberian law.
Of particular concern is the lack of clarity on what Liberia stands to gain. Critics point out that the agreement offers HPX unfettered access to Liberia’s railways and ports to export Guinean iron ore, with no concrete commitments to local employment, revenue sharing, or infrastructure investment. “This is an egregious example of economic marginalization,” warned a local economist. “We are being used as a transit route while our own economy remains stagnant; the Liberian people get crumbs if anything.”
Political analysts say the scandal could mark a turning point in President Boakai’s administration. Elected on promises of transparency and good governance, Boakai now faces what may be his most serious leadership crisis yet. “There’s a growing sense of betrayal among the public,” noted one analyst. “The President feels blindsided and cornered, but ultimately, the responsibility lies with him. The people want answers and accountability.”
On the streets of Monrovia, frustration is mounting. “This isn’t just about iron ore,” said one youth leader on a local radio program. “It’s about whether Liberia is being governed by its elected leaders or hijacked by foreign interests who believe they can buy influence and exploit our resources.”
As calls grow louder for the agreement to be suspended or rescinded, President Boakai is at a crossroads. Will he act swiftly to safeguard national interests and restore confidence in his leadership, or will this scandal become the defining stain on his presidency? The HPX deal, once touted as a major economic breakthrough, is now a symbol of secrecy, manipulation, and elite betrayal—one that could haunt the Boakai administration for years to come.
Until full transparency is achieved, one question remains on the minds of Liberians everywhere: Is this a real deal for Liberia or a monumental fraud against its people?
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