FACT-CHECK: Fire Service Truck Lease to ArcelorMittal Claims Are Misleading
CLAIM: "Fire Service leased 3 trucks to ArcelorMittal illegally for US$20,000 each."
VERDICT: MISLEADING
Full Text:On September 17, 2025, former Spoon FM CEO Stanton Witherspoon made explosive allegations during his Spoon Talk program, claiming that three fire trucks donated to Liberia had been illegally leased to ArcelorMittal for US$20,000 each. The claim was made at timestamp 1:03:32–1:03:50 of the 4-hour, 8-minute episode.
Verification: To verify these allegations, The Stage Media reviewed statements made by Wasuwah Barvoul, Director General of the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), during his September 16, 2025 appearance on Okay Morning Rush.
During the radio program, journalist Clarence Jackson read aloud a business letter from Skyline Shipping and Logistics Inc. (timestamp 2:19:30–2:24:07 of the 2-hour, 50-minute episode). The letter, dated September 9, 2025, formally requested fire safety services from LNFS for mining operations in Nimba County.
The company's specific requests included:
- Site inspection and fire hazard assessment
- Identification of safety risks and recommended measures
- Deployment of a standby fire service team with equipment for 3-4 months
- Company provision of housing and fuel support for the fire service team
Following proper government protocol, director general Barvoul forwarded Skyline's request to Counselor Oswald Tweah, Minister of Justice, on September 9, 2025, seeking official approval.
Two days later, on September 11, 2025, the Ministry of Justice granted approval, directing LNFS to assign qualified technicians and appropriate equipment to provide the requested services. This approval letter was also read during the Okay FM broadcast.
Key Clarifications
Director General Barvoul provided crucial clarifications during his radio appearance:
- No equipment rental or lease occurred
- The arrangement involves only company-provided accommodation and fuel for fire service personnel
- LNFS personnel will be rotated monthly at the mining site
- This is a standard fire safety support service, not a commercial lease
At timestamp 2:41:19 of the Okay Morning Rush program, journalist Jackson corrected a caller who incorrectly claimed ArcelorMittal's involvement, clearly stating that the official correspondence referenced only Skyline Shipping and Logistics Inc. When pressed for evidence of ArcelorMittal's connection, the caller could provide none.
The Stage Media has reached out to both Stanton Witherspoon and ArcelorMittal representatives for official responses to these claims but they are yet to respond; if they do, this story will be updated.
Conclusion: MISLEADING -The claim that the Liberia National Fire Service leased three trucks to ArcelorMittal for US$20,000 each is incorrect and unproven.
Available evidence shows that LNFS deployed fire safety personnel and equipment to support a private mining company's operations in Nimba County through official government channels.
The arrangement involves the company providing logistical support (housing and fuel) rather than rental payments, and the beneficiary company is Skyline Shipping and Logistics Inc., not ArcelorMittal. This appears to be a legitimate fire safety service deployment following proper government approval procedures, not an illegal equipment lease as alleged.
Available evidence shows that LNFS deployed fire safety personnel and equipment to support a private mining company's operations in Nimba County through official government channels.
The arrangement involves the company providing logistical support (housing and fuel) rather than rental payments, and the beneficiary company is Skyline Shipping and Logistics Inc., not ArcelorMittal. This appears to be a legitimate fire safety service deployment following proper government approval procedures, not an illegal equipment lease as alleged.
