Senator Gbehzohngar M. Findley has issued a robust rebuttal to accusations of fraud and procedural misconduct leveled by Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence regarding the Steelfort Iron Ore Tailings agreement. Speaking at a press engagement in Buchanan on Thursday, Findley described the claims as “reckless, politically motivated, and devoid of factual grounding,” urging for an independent audit to restore transparency and public trust in Grand Bassa’s mining sector.
The allegations, made by Karnga-Lawrence, accused Senator Findley, Representative James Duen, and County Council Chair Nancy Bryant of fast-tracking the Steelfort agreement in what she termed “BM Speed fraud,” implying the bypassing of legal procedures and community consultation.
The controversy has fueled tensions within the Bassa Legislative Caucus and heightened public scrutiny over the stalled mining deal, which remains under review by the Ministry of Mines and Energy. “There was no fraud. There was no bypassing of procedures.
There was no deception,” Findley declared. “The Pro-Tempore’s remarks are symptomatic of a broader attempt to politicize development efforts in Grand Bassa. We must move beyond sensationalism and focus on facts, development, and the rule of law.” To counter the accusations, Senator Findley presented a series of official documents, including:
Additionally, Findley cited minutes from community consultations held in Wayzohn, Compound #3, and Buchanan between March 15 and April 5, 2025, as well as a legal opinion from the County Legal Advisor dated April 10, 2025, affirming the agreement’s compliance with the Local Government Act and the Mining Law of Liberia.
These documents, he argued, demonstrate that the Steelfort agreement followed due process and involved extensive community engagement. The Ministry of Mines and Energy suspended Steelfort’s operations on August 8, 2025, citing coordinate discrepancies and pending litigation. However, Findley emphasized that the Ministry has not accused Steelfort or any county official of criminal conduct. “The suspension is a procedural matter, not an indictment,” he said. “We welcome scrutiny but reject baseless accusations that undermine the integrity of our work.”
The public clash between Findley and Karnga-Lawrence has exposed deep fractures within the Bassa Legislative Caucus, raising concerns about governance cohesion and the politicization of county development. “This is not about truth. It’s about political theater,” Findley stated, warning that such rhetoric risks damaging Grand Bassa’s reputation and deterring investment.
He called for unity among county leaders to prioritize development over partisan disputes. To address the controversy and restore public confidence, Senator Findley proposed three immediate actions:
Findley’s call for an audit reflects growing public demand for accountability in Liberia’s mining sector, particularly in resource-rich counties like Grand Bassa.
The proposed measures aim to provide clarity and ensure that development projects align with the best interests of local communities. As legal reviews continue and political tensions mount, the future of iron ore tailings reprocessing in Grand Bassa remains uncertain.
The Steelfort agreement, intended to boost local employment and economic growth, has instead become a lightning rod for controversy. However, Findley remains optimistic that evidence-based scrutiny will prevail. “
The next chapter of this story will be shaped not by accusations but by facts,” he said.
The public is encouraged to engage with the ongoing legal and legislative processes and to demand transparency from all stakeholders.
Senator Findley urged residents of Grand Bassa to remain focused on the county’s development potential, emphasizing that unity and accountability are key to unlocking sustainable growth.
Investigation continues…
