Buchanan, Liberia – Liberian journalist and activist Togar Alexander Bealded has issued a strong call for accountability following the tragic death of a crane operator at the port facility operated by ArcelorMittal in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
The deceased, identified as Gibson Garteh, reportedly lost his life while working at the company’s port operations, sparking public concern over workplace safety standards and oversight.
In a statement, Bealded criticized what he described as a culture of negligence and profit prioritization, citing claims that routine crane inspections had been suspended for months.
“Before, we used to have crane inspection, but for months Mittal has said she doesn’t want any delay so no more inspection,” a port official reportedly stated raising serious concerns about safety compliance at the facility.
Bealded argued that such alleged lapses directly endanger workers and may have contributed to the fatal incident. He questioned why critical safety procedures, such as equipment inspections, were not maintained, and whether economic pressures were placed above human life.
He further emphasized that the issue extends beyond the tragedy of one individual, framing it as a broader systemic failure.
“This is not about giving a befitting funeral. It is about deliberate non-safety actions by a multi-billion-dollar company that led to someone’s death,” Bealded said.
The activist also pointed to what he described as a climate of silence surrounding powerful corporations operating in Liberia, suggesting that economic influence and employment dependency may discourage whistleblowing and accountability.
Calling for immediate action, Bealded urged the Ministry of Labour Liberia, civil society groups, legal professionals, and the victim’s family to pursue a thorough investigation and possible legal action.
He also pledged to engage lawyers and support efforts aimed at ensuring justice for the deceased and preventing future incidents.
The incident has renewed debate about occupational safety standards in Liberia’s extractive sector, particularly involving multinational corporations. As of now, ArcelorMittal has yet to issue a detailed public response regarding the specific allegations.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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