In June 2025, against the backdrop of the dedication of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s state-of-the-art iron ore concentrator in Tokadeh, Nimba County, ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman Lakshmi N. Mittal reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fully pave the Ganta-Yekepa highway. This long-awaited project, a critical transportation artery in northern Liberia, holds immense significance for the region’s development and has been a subject of ongoing discussion between Mr. Mittal and Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. Mr. Mittal’s renewed pledge, delivered in the presence of President Boakai, underscored the company’s responsiveness to community needs and its commitment to collaborating with the Liberian government. The completion of this road is not merely an infrastructural endeavor; it symbolizes a renewed trust and accountability between the corporation and the communities it impacts.
The Ganta-Yekepa road project, spanning approximately 70 kilometers, has a protracted history. Initially agreed upon in 2013, with ArcelorMittal pledging between US$37 million and US$40 million, the project was intended as a community benefit tied to the company’s expansion plans. The anticipated completion date of 2015-2016 was derailed by a confluence of unforeseen challenges, notably the Ebola outbreak and a global downturn in iron ore prices. Despite these setbacks, ArcelorMittal reiterated its commitment in 2018, adopting a phased approach to construction contingent on dry seasons. By 2023, the paved road had reached Sanniquellie, marking tangible progress and demonstrating the potential for transformative impact. The remaining unpaved stretch to Yekepa, however, continues to pose significant challenges, particularly during the rainy season.
The completion of the Ganta-Yekepa road is not simply about improved transportation; it represents a lifeline for the communities in northern Nimba County. A paved road will facilitate access to healthcare for mothers, ensure uninterrupted schooling for children, and enable farmers and businesses to transport goods to market efficiently. The road serves as a critical catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion, and improved quality of life. It will connect remote communities, previously marginalized and isolated, to essential services and opportunities, bridging the gap between their current realities and the promise of a better future. By facilitating trade and commerce, the road will empower local economies, generate employment opportunities, and stimulate overall development.
Mr. Mittal’s public reiteration of the commitment carries significant weight. It represents an acknowledgment of the long-standing relationship between ArcelorMittal and Nimba County, where the company’s mining operations have been a prominent feature for nearly two decades. It is also a direct response to community concerns and frustrations over unmet development expectations. This renewed pledge is a crucial step towards rebuilding trust and demonstrating that large corporations can be held accountable for their promises. It signifies ArcelorMittal’s commitment to responsible investment, demonstrating that corporate success can be aligned with community well-being and sustainable development.
The Ganta-Yekepa road project embodies the potential of public-private partnerships to drive meaningful change. It serves as a model for how responsible investment can contribute to national development, particularly in regions often overlooked. The road will not only improve physical connectivity but also foster a sense of inclusion and shared progress. It will demonstrate that companies can operate in a manner that benefits both their bottom line and the communities they operate within. The project highlights the transformative power of infrastructure development, not only in terms of physical connectivity but also in its capacity to uplift communities and create a more equitable and prosperous future.
Upon completion, the Ganta-Yekepa road will be a testament to ArcelorMittal’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its enduring partnership with Liberia. It will symbolize the transformative potential of infrastructure development and the positive impact responsible investment can have on communities. More than just a road, it represents a pathway to a brighter future for the people of Nimba County, offering them access to opportunities, connecting them to essential services, and ultimately, improving their lives in profound and lasting ways. It will stand as a concrete example of how collaborative efforts between government and private enterprise can deliver tangible benefits and foster sustainable development in even the most remote and underserved communities.
