Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has been placed at the center of one of Liberia’s most consequential economic undertakings as President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. assigns him full responsibility for steering the long‑stalled transfer and operational revival of the Putu Mining assets. The directive, issued in a formal communication dated February 27, 2026, underscores the President’s concern that despite more than eighteen months of assurances, negotiations, financing structures, and commissioning plans for the mine remain unresolved.
The Putu Mines, located in southeastern Liberia, have long been viewed as a catalyst for regional development and national economic growth. Communities in the area have awaited the reopening of the concession for years, as ownership disputes and sanctions affecting the current asset holders have kept the project dormant. President Boakai emphasized that restoring the mine to full operation is essential for boosting national revenue, expanding employment, and revitalizing economic activity in a region that has endured prolonged stagnation.
In his directive, the President authorized Vice President Koung to convene all relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders and to act with urgency in removing administrative bottlenecks and resolving outstanding impediments. He stressed that the transfer of ownership must be brought to a clear and final conclusion to pave the way for immediate operational commencement.
The assignment adds to a growing list of high‑impact national interventions the Vice President has led since taking office. Among the most notable is his central role in negotiating and securing the arrival of the widely publicized “Yellow Machines”—a fleet of heavy‑duty earth‑moving equipment procured to support nationwide road rehabilitation and community infrastructure development. Koung’s coordination of financing, logistics, and interagency alignment for the equipment’s arrival was widely regarded as a demonstration of his ability to deliver results on complex, multi‑sectoral initiatives.
Beyond the Yellow Machines initiative, the Vice President has been instrumental in advancing several government reform and development priorities. These include oversight of emergency road corridor interventions, facilitation of county‑level development consultations, and coordination of interministerial task forces aimed at accelerating service delivery. His expanding portfolio reflects the administration’s reliance on his operational leadership to drive critical national programs.
President Boakai described the Putu Mines revival as a “priority national undertaking,” noting that he expects measurable progress within a defined timeframe and regular updates on achievements, challenges, and solutions. He emphasized that Liberians deserve transparency, accountability, and decisive leadership in matters that directly affect their livelihoods.
The directive marks a shift from prolonged negotiation to a push for concrete action, positioning the Vice President to drive interagency coordination and restore momentum to the Putu Project. The government aims to transition the mine from years of uncertainty to productive operation—an outcome the President believes is vital for national development and meaningful employment.
