By: Mlink
NOV. 12 — Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County – Citizens and community leaders in Kinjor and surrounding areas of Grand Cape Mount County have praised Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC) as a vital pillar of local employment and sustainable business, while calling for stronger collaboration between the company and the government.
In a series of exclusive interviews with residents, youth representatives, traditional leaders, and women across the Matambo Corridor, community members acknowledged that the company’s presence has significantly transformed local economic life. Residents credited BMMC with generating crucial employment opportunities, stimulating commercial activity, and providing funding for community development initiatives around its operations.
While expressing deep appreciation for the opportunities brought by the company, residents emphasized that sustained cooperation among Bea Mountain, community representatives, and government institutions is essential to ensure development reaches more households and delivers lasting improvements in living conditions.
Mr. Victor M. Massaquoi, youth leader for Gogoima Town, noted that jobs at the company are especially critical for young Liberians who have limited access to formal education, technical training, or other pathways into the workforce. He cautioned against measures that could unnecessarily disrupt the company’s operations, explaining that young people, including school dropouts and those without specialized skills, rely heavily on these jobs to support themselves and their families.
His remarks come in the wake of recent calls by Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh urging the United States to impose sanctions on BMMC, ArcelorMittal, and politicians aiding their operations. Massaquoi maintained that government actions regarding the company should prioritize compliance with Liberia’s labor laws and the protection of legitimate livelihoods rather than punitive measures that could jeopardize household incomes.
The youth coordinator also highlighted the rapid growth of settlements surrounding the mining operation, citing Gogoima as a once-small community that has expanded considerably due to rising economic activity. According to Massaquoi, Bea Mountain’s presence has fostered an environment where residents can launch businesses and earn sustainable incomes, creating a ripple effect that helps families pay school fees, buy food, support relatives, and boost trade for local vendors.
Madam Gbessay Johnson, chairlady for Gogoima, echoed this sentiment, stressing how heavily the community depends on the company. “All of us here are depending on BMMC. If sanctions are imposed, it will hurt us deeply because there are no other jobs here,” she said. “If there are issues, let the government sit down with them to resolve them through dialogue. Even if things are not one hundred percent, they are helping us, and for now, we are happy with them.”
Similarly, Ciatta Sheriff, treasurer for the women’s group in the Gogoima-Matambo Corridor, expressed gratitude for the company’s presence and appealed for even more job opportunities tailored for women. Alongside employment, residents expressed a desire for continued upgrades to roads, public facilities, and transparent management systems to ensure community development funds provided by BMMC effectively reach intended beneficiaries.
Community representatives also pointed to tangible infrastructure projects funded through Bea Mountain’s community development initiatives in the Matambo Corridor, including town halls, guest-house facilities, and an advancing youth center currently nearing completion. Once fully equipped, these spaces will host community meetings, youth training, and local events, while small-loan initiatives continue to help residents with limited access to traditional banking establish and grow modest businesses.
Additionally, residents warmly commended Bea Mountain’s proposed football academy, describing it as a meaningful investment in human capital that will allow young people to develop their athletic talents while pursuing their academic education.