Mines and Energy Minister Reformist Performance Impressed Diamond, Gold Brokers Union

Monrovia, Liberia: The Union of Diamond and Gold Brokers in Liberia has released a statement in Monrovia, centered on the mineral sector under the administration of Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye. 

The Brokers Union told Journalists on Thursday, March 6, 2025, that after a careful review of the administrative and operational activities of the new leadership of the Mines and Energy Ministry, they are convinced that steps taken thus far are in the right direction of much-needed reforms that ensure the mineral sector remains a strong engine of revenue generation.

The Diamond and Gold Brokers Union Chairman, Omaru A. Sangary, stated that the Union has observed that actions taken by Minister Wilmot Paye, particularly the proposed reduction in license fees in their business aspect of the mineral sector, are highly commendable.

According to Sangary, their positive impression is not only because the fees were proposed for reduction, but noted that when the process is concluded and new fees finally go into effect, such a move will promote an open playing field for more participation of Liberians in mineral brokerage.

    Minister Paye posed with Diamond, Gold Broker Union

Chairman Sangary stated that when more interests are expressed in obtaining broker licenses, the Liberian revenue envelope stands a better chance of increment from scaled-up tax collection. 

He also believes that making broker licenses easily obtainable to interested business people benefits the country by discouraging illegal activities in the mineral sector, which Mr. Sangary termed a serious challenge.

The Brokers Union Chairman called on members to augment efforts by the Wilmot Paye-led team of administrators at the Ministry by making use of the new license fees and keeping their businesses actively compliant with laws and regulations governing the mineral sector.

Sangary briefly touched on his administration’s orderly organizing of the February 27, 2025, prayer and reconciliation program, during which he said they felt impressed by the boldness and patriotism exhibited by the Mines and Energy Minister in his brief remarks whilst honoring their invitation.

He expressed optimism that such in-person interaction with Minister Paye and members and officials of the Diamond and Gold Brokers Union will chart a new course of cooperation and support in many ways intended to keep the mineral sector vibrant.

Also important among the brokers’ capture of policy and regulatory reforms under the Wilmot Paye-led administration is the recent massive renovation and modernization project, which, Mr. Sangary said, has significantly restored some dignity to the Ministry.

Sangary noted that improvements in office facilities of the mineral ministry restore investors’ confidence and properly position the ministry as a serious business sector regulator.

“For such a very big thanks, first-of-its-kind renovation exercise that has made important business transaction office facilities of the Mines and Energy Ministry look respected, we commend Minister Wilmot Paye and assure him that we, the brokers, are here to also respect the law and do business with the government legally," the Diamond and Gold Brokers Union Chairman concluded.

Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.