By: Laymah Kollie
The United States Embassy in Monrovia has hailed the government of Liberia for signing a controversial concession agreement with U.S. owned company Ivanhoe Atlantic.
The signing of the deal which experienced media blackout during the weekend was confirmed by the U.S government on Monday morning.
The U.S Embassy believes the agreement between Ivanhoe and the government of Liberia has is a crucial step towards Boakai’s objectives of developing Liberia multi-user rail policy and securing new international investment.
“The U.S. Embassy welcomes the signing of a concession and access agreement between U.S. owned Ivanhoe Atlantic and the Government of Liberia.”
The US government mentioned that the estimated $1.8billion deal will increase U.S. investment in Africa, drive mutual prosperity and support Liberia’s move from aid to trade.
However, the deal has sparked public criticism about its intentions and transparency surrounding it.
Critics say the action of government to barred the media from participating in the ceremony creates more suspicions about its accountability.
