MONROVIA, Oct. 8 -- Former Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye, has called on the Liberian government to adopt a policy of resource sovereignty, arguing that the country cannot substantially benefit from its natural wealth unless it breaks the hold of cartels and outside influence over the minerals sector.

By Obediah Johnson

Mr. Paye spoke on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, as a guest on Voice of Liberia 104.1 FM in Monrovia.

Cartels and "extended influence"

Mr. Paye said Liberia is more richly endowed with natural resources than other countries in the region, but that its minerals sector continues to be threatened by cartels and extended influence. He recalled that during the previous administration, the mining cartel was very stro...