Legislative Tensions Over Hon. Foday Fahnbulleh’s Conduct in HPX/Ivanhoe Concession Hearing-Bong County District #6 lawmaker accused of silencing debate on Liberia–Guinea Implementation Agreement

Foday Fahnbulleh

By Insight Staff Writer

The House Committee on Concessions convened on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, to review the controversial Ivanhoe/HPX concession agreement. This deal has drawn scrutiny over its legal foundation and long-term impact on Liberia’s mining industry. Chairing the session was Hon. Foday Fahnbulleh, a freshman representative from District #6, Bong County.

Allegations of Influence vs Expectations

Lawmakers and observers anticipated a rigorous examination of the concession, particularly the 2021 Implementation Agreement between Liberia and Guinea. The agreement is widely considered the legal cornerstone, enabling Liberia to grant HPX access to its rail and port infrastructure. Without it, critics argue, the concession lacks legitimacy.

Instead of facilitating a substantive inquiry, Hon. Fahnbulleh reportedly blocked any discussion of the Implementation Agreement. Members who attempted to raise compliance concerns were silenced, prompting questions about whose interests the chairman was serving.

Critics cite Fahnbulleh’s inexperience, questioning his ability to manage such a complex committee. Allegations of external influence—including possible bribery—have further clouded his conduct. Some lawmakers described him as acting under the direction of a “puppet master,” curtailing debate and steering the committee away from fundamental issues.

The chairman’s refusal to address the Implementation Agreement undermines the committee’s role as a safeguard of Liberia’s infrastructure and raises doubts about the integrity of the review process.

Legal and Diplomatic Risks

Several lawmakers argue that if the Concession and Access Agreement fails to comply with the Implementation Agreement, Liberia risks violating both domestic law and treaty obligations with Guinea. Such a breach could provide Guinea grounds to reject the deal, potentially embarrassing the Liberian government.

Diplomatic relations between Liberia and Guinea are already strained—the lowest point in more than seven decades of close ties. Analysts warn that any perception of manipulation or disregard for Guinea’s national interest could further damage relations.

Why the Implementation Agreement Matters

The 2021 Implementation Agreement is not a procedural formality; it is the legal and operational backbone of the Ivanhoe/HPX concession. Without it, Liberia has no lawful basis to grant HPX access through its territory.

Civil society groups and lawmakers have long raised compliance concerns—questioning whether the concession terms are being honored. The committee’s refusal to entertain these questions highlights a troubling transparency deficit and risks ratifying a deal that may not meet legal or economic standards.

Public Trust at Stake

Fahnbulleh’s conduct has sparked speculation, with questions about his protection of national interests or serving external actors eager for a rushed ratification. The silence imposed during Tuesday’s hearing has reignited broader concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability in concession agreements—matters central to Liberia’s sovereignty and economic future.

Given that concessions account for a significant share of Liberia’s revenue, citizens expect lawmakers to safeguard national resources. A committee that avoids scrutiny of the most fundamental legal document risks being seen as compromised.

 If ratified without proper examination, the Ivanhoe/HPX concession could set a dangerous precedent for future deals, bypassing critical agreements and weakening oversight. Fahnbulleh’s decision to shut down debate on the Implementation Agreement has raised serious doubts about his ability to lead the Concessions Committee.

For Liberia, the stakes are high. Transparency, accountability, and adherence to national interest must guide concession agreements. Anything less risks undermining sovereignty, eroding public trust, and setting a precedent that could haunt the country’s governance for years to come.

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