WESTERN PROVINCE GOVERNOR REFUSE TO SIGN OK TEDI MOA WITH LANDOWNERS

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

WESTERN Province Governor Taboi Yoto declined to sign the 2026 agreement between Ok Tedi Mining Limited and landowners yesterday at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby citing unresolved concerns in the document.

Governor Yoto walked out on the signing, stating he was not satisfied with the current status of the agreement and needed more time to verify the accuracy of its contents.

He emphasized that his decision was made in the national interest and in line with good governance despite his willingness to sign alongside landowners.

The Governor also revealed he had raised his concerns multiple times with the State team through formal correspondence in recent days, but those issues were not addressed before the signing proceeded.

Meanwhile, Acting Managing Director for the Mineral Resources Authority Harry kore explained that the signing had to go ahead despite the Western Province Governor Taboi Awi Yoto not signing because that is the National Executive Council decision for the MoA signing to take place and it could not be changed today.

He added that Landowner groups and local-level governments who signed the agreement will begin receiving their benefits immediately, while those yet to sign like the Provincial Government, will access their share once outstanding issues are resolved.