Monrovia, Liberia – A group of university students from Bong County, under the auspices of the Bong University Students Union (BUSU), has petitioned the Legislative Caucus to demand that China Union, a mining company, fulfill its commitments outlined in the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). The MDA, signed on January 19, 2009, promises key provisions to benefit residents of Bong County, including job creation, scholarships, and infrastructure development.
However, the students claim that China Union has not adhered to these commitments, leading to significant financial challenges for them. “Students are dropping out of school due to tuition challenges, and scholarship programs are non-transparent, inaccessible, or non-existent to many intended beneficiaries,” the petition states.
The students are urging the Bong Legislative Caucus to hold China Union accountable and ensure the enforcement and transparent distribution of the annual scholarship fund of $200,000, as stipulated in the MDA. BUSU President Gabriel T. Saah emphasized the importance of the company honoring its agreement, especially given the substantial resources.
Rep. Foday Fahnbulleh of District #7, Bong County, received the petition on behalf of the Bong Legislative Caucus. He commended the students for voicing their concerns and highlighted the importance of unity in addressing such issues. Hon. Fahnbulleh also expressed frustration over China Union’s failure to implement its commitments and vowed to present the students’ petition to the Bong Legislative Caucus.
The students further want the representatives to engage with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders to prioritize the youth of Bong County, especially for their training and employment. Rep. Fahnbulleh has also advocated for the provision of at least 300 scholarships for students at Bong County Technical College to support the educational needs of the county’s youth.
