BUREAU OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA

NEWS SUMMARY, FRIDAY JUNE 7, 2024 TO THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2024

This week’s edition of our regular Weekly News Summary highlights news from The Inquirer, The News, Hot Pepper, Daily Observer, New Republic, FrontPage, The Inquirer, The News, and The Democrat newspapers.

This week’s summary captures stories about how Pres. Boakai speaks on food and Mineral Security in Korea; President Boakai nominates additional officials; New deadline for assets declaration; LAA clarifies VIP terminal saga; Govt’ proposes National Railway Authority; Army War College of Nigeria conducts strategic study visit to Liberia; Liberia to host regional fisheries meeting; ‘Methodist Not Gay Church’…Says Bishop Quire, amonsg other stories.

DORMINANT STORIES

Liberia To Host Regional Fisheries Meeting

The Inquirer newspaper is reporting that the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), in cooperation with the government of Liberia under the aegis of its National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) is to host the sixteenth regional meeting of the FCWC West Africa Task Force (WATF) to end illegal fishing, from June12-14, 2024, in Monrovia to continue building cooperation in West Africa’s fisheries management. The WATF was established in 2015 under the Fisheries Intelligence and MCS Support in West Africa project funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and has operationalized key regional and international fisheries sector instruments to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It has strengthened regional information-sharing and cooperation between countries; interagency collaboration at the national level; and facilitated region-wide enforcement actions triggered by intelligence analysis and intelligence-sharing, all while simultaneously building the FCWC region’s capacity to sustain these accomplishments. The meeting is the first under the project’s Phase 3, which began at the year’s start. This forthcoming biannual meeting will be the sixteenth gathering of fisheries directors and heads of monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) from FCWC’s Member States, with partners and fisheries experts, to share national-level updates and discuss regional-level actions to ensure that the FCWC WATF continues to function as the region’s lead mechanism for fisheries MCS. With a strong focus on engagement with other African regions, representatives from the South Africa Development Community (SADC), the fisheries ministries of Sierra Leone and Cameroon, and the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC) will be attending the meeting.

Related Caption: Sub-Regional Fishery Meeting Begins In Monrovia Today (Hot Pepper)

Govt’ Proposes National Railway Authority

The Inquirer newspaper is reporting that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is expected to sign an executive order to establish the Liberia National Railway Authority (LNRA), marking a significant step towards enhancing and regulating the country’s railway infrastructure. This initiative aims to optimize the use of Liberia’s strategic railway assets for economic growth and national development. The Government of Liberia owns several keys railway assets that are vital for the nation infrastructure. These assets include the Yekepa Railway, which runs from Yekepa in Nimba County through Bong County to the Port of Buchanan in Grand Bassa County; the Bong Range concession to China Union, terminating at the Freeport of Monrovia; the Western Cluster, also terminating at the Freeport of Monrovia; the Cavalla Mining/BHP Billiton Range from Upper Grand Bassa County; and the Putu Mining Range in Grand Gedeh County.” The National Railway Authority will also be a precursor to the much-heralded Liberty Corridor, a state-of-the-art rail infrastructure to be developed by HPX, running from Mount Nimba in Guinea to a deep-water port in Grand Bassa County. This infrastructure will also be owned by the Liberian government, with HPX as an anchor customer. The executive order, will signed by President Boakai, would stand as an expression of the Government’s commitment to developing and enhancing these railway assets to support the export of minerals and other goods, thus benefiting the Liberian economy and its citizens.

Related Caption: National Railway Authority in Sight (Daily Observer)

Liberia: Ex-President Weah’s Religious Advisor Confesses to Duping 90 Liberians, Sent to Jail

Monrovia – Rev. Emmanuel Nimely, the 58-year-old religious advisor and pastor to Liberia’s former President George Weah, has confessed to defrauding 90 people out of $87,300 under the pretense of facilitating their travel to Australia. Nimely, who served as the religious advisor to former President Weah from 2016 to 2018, is currently the senior pastor of Weah’s Forkay Klon Church. Following his confession to the police, he was charged with theft of property and forwarded to court on Friday for prosecution. At the Monrovia City Court, the defendant’s lawyer failed to secure a valid criminal bond for his temporary release. As a result, Nimely was ordered incarcerated at the Monrovia Central Prison, where he will remain until the appropriate bond is filed. Court records obtained by FrontPage Africa reveal that Nimely allegedly committed the crimes in the ABC Community, Baptist Seminary in Paynesville between August 6, 2023, and December 2023. One of the victims, H. Momo Fortune, Jr., reported that he met Nimely on August 6, 2023. Nimely introduced himself as the pastor of Forkay Klon Church and the founder of the “Global Spiritual Cleansing Peace and Reconciliation Organization.” According to the FrontPage Africa newspaper, during their meeting, Nimely deceitfully informed Fortune about a program called the “Healing Broken Hearts of Australia Reconciliation Conference and Crusade” and collected $3,500 from him under the pretense of providing an Australian visa for the conference.

Related Caption: Pastor Detained For Human Trafficking (The News) and Ex-President Weah’s Religious Advisor Dragged to Court (New Liberia)

‘Methodist Not Gay Church’…Says Bishop Quire

Resident Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire says the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia is not a gay church. Speaking with reporters on Friday, June, 7 2024 in Monrovia, Bishop Quire said there have been lot of messages shared on the social and secular media about human sexuality and the United Methodist Church; describing some of those messages as misleading and derogatory.
According to the Resident Bishop, the United Methodist Church is a strong church of God administering to sinners who are in need of the saving knowledge and grace of God. Bishop Quire also described UMC as a worldwide denomination that is making a significant impact on the world. “Yes, there are difference of opinion and conviction across our denomination. But the mission remains the same because “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” he explained. However, UMC Bishop has cautioned all clergy members of the Liberia Annual Conference, the United Methodist Church to refrain from undermining the ministry of the church. He revealed that undermining the ministry of the Church or the ministry of other clergy is a chargeable offense that will be enforced for the sake of maintaining the order of the church. At the just ended General conference that was held from April 23 to May 31, Bishop Quire said there were three decisions discussed which included homosexuality, disaffiliation and regionalization. According to The New Democrat newspaper, he noted that the general conference also voted to remove language in the United Methodist Book of Discipline prohibiting marriage and ordination of self-avowed, practicing homosexual in the United Methodist Church effective upon the close of the conference on May 31, 2024.

Related Caption: UMC Lib. Opposes Homosexuality (The New Democrat), Not A Gay Church (Front Page)

UNDP, Partners Support Election Security ‘After Action’ Review

The Inquirer newspaper is reporting that the UNDP, Partners support Election Security ‘After Action’ Review Joint Security agencies including the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Services, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Liberia National Fire Service on Monday, June 3, concluded a nationwide “After Actions Review” of the Joint Security Operational activities implemented during the 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections. The event, supported by UNDP and partners; the European Union, Ireland and Sweden was conducted from May 20 to June 3, 2024, in Harper, Zwedru, Gbarnga, Buchanan, Tubmanburg, and Monrovia respectively. Speaking at the close of the exercise in Monrovia, the Governance Program Officer of the European Union Delegation to Liberia, Maria-Paule Neuvillie, expressed gratitude to the Joint Security for their unwavering dedication to overseeing the security of the 2023 elections. Miss Neuvillie praised the cooperation and collaboration between various government security agencies during the process and urged other government institutions to follow the example of the joint security forces.

Related caption: UNDP, Partners Support Election Security ‘After Action’ Review (The Inquirer)

House Summons Defense Minister, Army CoS

The House of Representatives has summoned Defense Minister Geraldine George and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Chief of Staff Brigadier General Davidson Forleh over complaints of demolishing several properties in Duazon by soldiers on order of Minister George. The House took the decision Thursday, June 6, 2024, following three separate complaints from Margibi County Representative, Roland O. Cooper and Sinoe County District 1 Representative, Thomas Romeo Quioh. In his communications to that august body, Rep. Cooper complain that on May 30, 2024, some armed AFL personnel led by Col. Roland T. Murphy demolished lots of properties on a land where the Millennium Construction Company is situated. Rep. Quioh, on the other hand, narrated that on May 30, 2024, he received a call from his construction engineer on the site, that armed soldiers under the command of COS Forleh and Minister George marched on his four-bed room house under construction. He told his colleagues that the building sits on one acre of land, situated at the back of the LTA headquarters currently under construction as well, adjacent the commercial Complex (Millennium Group of Companies), opposite the Barracks on the RIA High Way.
According to Quioh, the land on which the construction at bar is taking place, as a government official, he sought advice and inquired on the legitimacy of the property in question before investing his resources, void of political influence. “My land was purchased on February 27, 2024, probated on March 18, 2024 and registered with the Liberia Land Authority on March 19, 2024, Vol.3-2024, Page 0300005039,” he said in his communication.
The lawmaker stated further that the land was bought from one, Robert Johnson, Administrator, while John Jaywheh and Youmonyou Shideryou are the Administratress and Rep. Cooper, Emmett Rose, Konah Peter and Saybah Saryon witnessed the process, The Inquirer newspaper writes.

Defense Minister to Face House’s Wrath for Demolishing Several Properties in Duazon (The New republic) and HOR Summons Defense Team (The New Democrat)

RELATED STORIES:

Pres. Boakai Concludes Successful Visit To South Korea

His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., is happy to return to Liberia after an extraordinarily successful weeklong visit to Seoul, South Korea. The President was invited to the Republic of Korea by the Korean leader, President Yoon Suk Yeol, to attend the inaugural edition of the Korea-Africa Summit held from June 4-5, 2024.The Summit brought together Heads of State from Africa, high-level business leaders, the President and members of Korean Government, and many others. Upon President Boakai’s arrival in Korea after more than thirty hours of travel, he participated in a business summit on Liberia and later engaged in a reception hosted by the Korean Leader. Following these events, the Liberian leader addressed the plenary of the Korea-Africa Summit and held bilateral meetings with his counterparts and several business meetings. The President also participated in a business and investment forum with Korean investors and delivered an inspiring address on food and mineral security, GNN Liberia newspaper reports.

Pres. Boakai Speaks On Food And Mineral Security In Korea

President Joseph N. Boaka, in a move to sell his ARREST agenda, is calling on African leaders to collectively collaborate, aim at addressing food and mineral security challenges across the continent. The President also emphasized the critical need for a united action in these sectors which he said is key for African countries economy, highlighting the paradox of Africa’s wealth in natural resources against its persistent poverty. Speaking at the Food and Mineral Security Forum during the Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul, Boakai asserted, “Africa has 65% of the world’s uncultivated minerals, yet we still wallow in poverty.” He at the same time further used Liberia as an example, as to how the country is a prime example of how natural wealth has been exploited by concession companies with minimal developmental benefits. Boakai also reiterated his government’s commitment to the summit theme: “challenging African leaders to take collective action in leveraging technology and improving mineral security on a global scale.” He stressed that cooperation with Korea in these transformative sectors should focus on developing evidence-based policies to enhance mineral security and ensure sustainable development, The Inquirer newspaper asserts.

Commerce Rebukes Voice FM’S CEO...Clarifies Rice Import, Pricing, and Distribution

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has termed as false the accusation made against Minister Amin Modad by Sekou Sheriff, the CEO of Voice Fm. The ministry of Commerce reassure the public that there is No SHORTAGE OF RICE and the price of the 25kg Bag of 5% Broken Indian Parboiled Rice remains at the $16.75 as instructed by President Joseph N. Boakai. It said further that, there are other varieties of rice on the market, some sold lower than the $16.75. Minister Modad commenced work at the MOCI on February 6, 2024, and was immediately brought up to speed on the existing challenges and previous dialogues with rice importers that had been initiated under the Weah-led government.  Notably, a communication dated October 3, 2023, included a request to increase the price of the 5% Broken Indian Parboiled Rice (IR64) from $17 to $20 per bag. The Ministry said in their communication to the previous administration and to Minister Modad, they highlighted several factors for their request, primarily that a 20% export duty was imposed by India on this rice variety, significantly impacting the cost structure for importers. According to The Inquirer newspaper, they also expressed additional concerns over escalating costs due to increased shipping and insurance rates, fueled by geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The Ministry also highlighted several domestic issues contributing to their operational costs, including multiple and increased fees from APM Terminal and the National Port Authority (NPA) alongside bureaucratic delays that exacerbated their financial burdens.
The MOCI said it immediately sought to understand the policies and regulations that were in place governing rice importation and to verify their concerns adding, “We also sought to establish the stock of rice in country and verify that sufficient rice was being shipped to avoid shortage or scarcity”, state

“Sierra Leone Soldier’s Arrest Could Savor Diplomatic Ties” -Sen. Cyrus Discloses
The Liberian Senate Committee Chairperson on Defense, Security and Intelligence, Momo Cyrus, has openly expressed his discontent about the recent arrest and detention of a Sierra Leonean soldier by the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA). The Lofa County Senator also stressed that all, at the moment it does not augur well for the diplomatic tie between Liberia and Sierra Leone; which he said expresses its bitterness towards the arrest of its soldier on

allegation of drugs smuggling in Liberia. It can be recalled that on June 3, 2024, the LDEA announced the arrest of a 47-year-old Sierra Leonean soldier named Seryai Saffa for allegedly trafficking marijuana. According to LDEA in its release, soldier Saffa was apprehended with 22 plates of compressed marijuana while trying to cross the Bo Waterside port of entry in Grand Cape Mount County. The LDEA release further narrated that Saffa is currently in custody, facing serious drug trafficking charges, but this incident has since raised serious questions about jurisdiction and the appropriate venue for Saffa’s trial and subsequent prosecution, The Inquirer newspaper asserts.

New Deadline For Assets Declaration

The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has set July 31, 2024, as new deadline of for all government officials to declare their assets; extending the initial timeframe for compliance. The declaration, according to law must be done within 30 days of appointment, a rule that many officials have ignored by past and current administrations since the end of the country 14 years of civil war.According to The Inquirer newspaper, the LACC’s Chairperson Alexandria Zoe narrated that their latest extension of the date and the increase in compliance are steps forward, but the challenge remains substantial and expressed optimism that officials of government would take advantage of the date. It can be recalled that since the initial announcement a month ago, when only 75 out of 500 officials declared their assets, there has been a rapid increase in compliance; this surge suggests that public officials are beginning to take the matter more seriously. But Zoe further revealed a concerning trend of non-compliance among government officials regarding asset declaration since the inception of Joseph Boakai’s government. Appearing at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, Cllr. Zoe noted that only 207 out of 500 officials have complied with the mandate to declare their assets, highlighting that about 60 percent of officials have yet to fulfill this crucial obligation. She also emphasized that the pronouncement made by her office is aimed at strengthening governance and igniting the fight against corruption in Liberia as despite this goal, the current rate of compliance is alarmingly low.

LAA Clarifies VIP Terminal Saga

The Management of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), refutes media reports on Vision TV, an online media outlet, that Liberia’s immediate former president, George M. Weah was denied access to the VIP Terminal on Thursday morning while departing the country via the Roberts International Airport. The Management of the Roberts International Airport (RIA) was informed of the former President’s travel on the same Thursday morning by Col. Teah Dixon-Doe, the Deputy Commander of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) assigned at the VIP Terminal. Col. Dixon-Doe also informed the airport’s management that the former President had requested on his own volition to use the regular passenger terminal instead of the usual VIP Terminal. In keeping with the airport’s security protocols for departing passengers, the former President George Weah and former First Lady Clar Weah were given the necessary courtesy as required. However, the management emphatically clarified that the VIP Terminal is managed and operated by the Ministry of State and not by the airport authority, The Inquirer newspaper reports.

Who Altered New Budget Law? ...A House Probes Finance Minister Kamara

The House of Representatives’ leadership has been mandated to investigate Finance Minister, Boima Kamara for illegibly altering the 2024 National Budget Law. The decision was reached yester, June 6, 2024, following a communication from Margibi County District 5 Representative, Clarence Gar, in which he accused Minister Kamara of unilaterally altering the document. In his communication to planary, Rep. Gar specifically pointed to the replacement of the Legislative Budget Office (LBO) with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC); an amendment he claimed was not part of the originally agreed-upon provisions. Pleading with his colleagues to recall and review the document, Gar asserted, “At the end of the 2024 National Budget deliberations, a motion was made Rep. James Kolleh of Bong County District 2, stating that wherever “LBO’ is written in the 2024 national Budget Law, it should be automatically replaced with ‘PAC’ and his motion was voted on and passed into law”. Following a heated deliberation on the matter, plenary then accepted a motion from Rep. Ivar Jones, agreeing to forward the communication to the House’s Leadership for further action and make report within weeks. Also the house leadership is tasked with summoning the Minister of Finance and Development Planning to present a copy of the budget and clarify the alleged modifications raised by their colleague, The Inquirer newspaper says.

Kruah Heads Tripartite Delegation to ILO Conference

The Inquirer newspaper is reporting that the Labor Minister Cooper W. Kruah head of a tripartite Liberian Delegation, is in Geneva, Switzerland to attend the 112^th Session of the International Labour conference. According to the Labour Ministry press release, members of Liberia’s tripartite delegation to this year’s conference include Labour Minister for Manpower Planning, Steven S. Kolubah, Assistant Minister for Labour Standards, Emmenuel Zorh, and Assistant for Trade union Affairs and social Dialogue, Rufus T. Saylee. Also included on the Liberia delegation are Mr. T. Nelson Williams of the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), representing Employers, while Mr. Marcus M. Blama, Secretary General of the Liberia Labour Congress is representing workers and Liberian trade Unions. The Libera labour Minister is expected to deliver statement on the outlook of the current status of the Liberian labour sector, relative to protection of workers and the promotion of decent work and gender balance, as well creation of conducive labour environment under the current regime of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai ‘ARREST agenda.’ The 112th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILO) runs from June 3-14, 2024 with adoption of several resolutions me member countries. Government, employer and worker delegates from the ILO’s 187 Member States will address a wide range of issues, including the protection of workers against the effects of climate change and biological hazards, the cares economy and fundamental principles and rights at work.  

LMHRA New Boss Promises Staff Capacity-Building

The newly-appointed Managing Director of the Liberia Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority, Luke Bawo, has stressed the need for human capacity-building within the entity. Making opening statements during an engagement meeting with members of the Senior Management Team of the Authority, Dr. Bawo stressed that currently, the authority is functioning below its actual potential; however, there is potential for growth. The new LMHRA Managing Director, who is also the Board’s immediate-past Chairperson, further emphasized that his administration over the next six years will focus on ensuring that there is external collaboration with other regulatory authorities. “There is a potential for growth in this entity, but it would require growth in our human capacities. Therefore, his administration will make sure the full mandate for which the authority was established is actualized,” Dr. Bawo emphasized. He then mentioned that the approved Strategic Plan, made provision for the position of Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services, The Inquirer newspaper notes.

Insurance Association Hails Transport -Commits To Digitize Vehicle Insurance

According to The Inquirer newspaper, the Board of Directors of the Liberia Insurance Association (LIA), headed by Ethel Knuckles, has praised the Ministry of Transport, led by Minister Sirleaf Tyler, for its dedication to upholding the rule of law and enhancing public safety through rigorous enforcement of insurance regulations. The LIA, which represents licensed insurance companies operating in Liberia, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Transport to discuss ongoing initiatives and outline both short-term and long-term strategic goals. The Board includes CEOs from Mutual Benefits Assurance, Sunu Assurances, Activa Insurance, Insurance Company of Africa, and SAAR Insurance, reflecting a broad coalition committed to improving the insurance landscape in Liberia. During the visit, Madam Knuckles took the opportunity to commend Minister Tyler and his team for their recent enforcement of Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance. According to her, the Liberia Vehicle and Traffic Law, insurance is mandatory before vehicle registration. However, previous administrations had not strictly adhered to this requirement, which compromised public safety and complicated responses to traffic accidents. She added that many motorists were driving without the legally required insurance, leading to unresolved expenses and legal issues when accidents occurred.

Health To Receive UNDP Donated Ambulances

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will this Friday, June 14, 2024, formally turn over seven ambulances worth over US$ 344, 000 to the Ministry of Health. The ambulances will be used by beneficiary communities in seven counties namely; Bomi, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Nimba, Rivercess, and River Gee under the Accelerated Community Development Program (ACDP), a flagship program launched by the Government of Liberia in October 2022. With an initial contribution of US$ 3 million from the Government of Liberia, UNDP has procured seven ambulances, which will enhance the health service delivery capacity of the Ministry of Health in providing effective and efficient health services to the rural poor populations in beneficiary communities. This donation follows previous donations of farming equipment including tractors, trailers, rice and cassava mills, and other basic farming tools valued at over US$ 600, 000 to 14 agriculture cooperatives and over two thousand individual farmers across six counties including Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Lofa Nimba and Rivercess. According to The Inquirer newspaper, these rural poor communities include Bomi (Sasstown), Lofa (Mbabahum, Barziwen, Kpayaquelleh and Massamolabun), Margibi (Charlesville), Maryland (Karloken and Baraken), Nimba (Saclepea, Dougborton, Sopea and Gbi Doru), Rivercess (Zammie Town) and River Gee (Karweaken).

CTN, MedTech, If…

The President Pro-tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has frowned on the illegal operations of both CTN and MedTech at the National Port Authority. Pro-temp Karnga-Lawrence wondered why the two companies that are collecting huge amounts at the Port will still be operating in the country without the approval of the Legislature. “This Senate can shut down MedTech, especially if they are not operating legally and that, the worst thing is, they are not even paying taxes,” she rallied her colleagues. Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence said on many occasions that, her ardent goal is to see a reformed Senate that truly reflects the interests of the country and its citizens. In her efforts to ensure transparency and accountability, she ordered the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a comprehensive review of the Senate’s financial system, establish a robust operating system, including financial and administrative measures, The Inquirer newspaper reports.

LICFO Urges Gov’t To Uphold One-China Policy

The President of the Liberia-China Friendship Organization (LICFO), Siafa G. Sheriff, has underscored that the One China Policy is best for Liberia. Sheriff stated that, in order to further concretize bilateral ties between Liberia and the People’s Republic of China, there is an urgent need for the Government of Liberia (GOL) to see reason in upholding the One China Policy, which aims at benefiting the peoples of the two friendly nations. The LICFO boss made the utterance when he gave an overview of a project during the formal launching of the Street Theatre Program, organized by LICFO and convened over the weekend at the Peace Island Community, district #10, Montserrado County. It was graced by the Chinese Ambassador accredited to Monrovia, H.E. Yin Chengwu, alongside his entourage. The Street Theatre Project, according to LICFO’s President Sheriff, is politics-free, intended to showcase the People’s Republic of China’s development programs in Liberia and as well strengthen diplomatic relations between the PRC and Liberia, thereby boosting trade links, development and investment. He said, to date, China has immensely done well for Liberia in terms of infrastructural development programs, provision of scores of educational scholarships to deserving Liberians to study in Mainland China in varied professional fields of studies, which continues to pay off, thus benefiting the two nations and peoples. Reflecting on China-Liberia friendship, the LICFO president informed the about 40,000 inhabitants of Peace Island in Oldest Congo Town that bilateral ties between the two nations is dated as far back as 1977, when former President Rev. Dr. William R. Tolbert, Jr. established diplomatic relations with Mainland China, which is now the People’s Republic of China, the Hotpepper newspaper writes.

AML CEO Launches 2024 Learning Week; Emphasizes Continued Learning And Development Among Employees

ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has launched its annual Learning Week for 2024 under the theme, “Be a Learning Olympian”, inspired by the company’s sponsorship of the Olympic Games in Paris. Chief Executive Officer, Josephus Coenen, officially opened the event, emphasizing the importance of continued learning and development among employees. “I’m really happy to welcome you to the Learning Week of 2024,” Coenen announced. “It is June again, the month when ArcelorMittal organizes Learning Week to stimulate and create a learning culture among employees.” ArcelorMittal Learning Week is an initiative by ArcelorMittal aimed at providing continued learning opportunities to employees at all levels. According to the Hotpepper newspaper, the program emphasizes the company’s commitment to life-long learning and professional development, helping employees enhance their skills and advance their careers. This year’s Learning Week introduces a novel and engaging theme, “Be a Learning Olympian”, and is designed to inspire employees to pursue excellence in learning and development as well as participation in sports. Coenen highlighted the key topics for the week, which include leadership, health and safety, and sustainability.

On The Death Of VP Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima: Pres. Boakai Consoles Malawi

The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a condolence message to His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, following the death of the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and nine others, who were killed in a plane crash in the Chikangawa Forest in Malawi on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai expressed profound sadness and deep sorrow following the death of the senior officials of the Malawian government. In his message to the President of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the Liberian leader, on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Liberia and in his own name, extended heartfelt condolence to the government and people of the Republic of Malawi for the irreparable loss sustained. He then prayed that the Almighty God will grant His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, and the people of Malawi strength, courage, and fortitude as they go through this difficult period of national mourning, the Hot Pepper newspaper asserts.

Senators Vote To Establish Rubber Board…As Ban Remains Enforced

The Liberian Senate has voted to establish a National Board that would determine the monthly price of rubber. The Rubber Board will regulate the prices of rubber on the Liberian market. Additionally, the Liberian Senate voted that Executive Order 124, which prohibits the exportation of unprocessed rubber from Liberia remains enforced. The Senate’s decision to uphold the ban on the exportation of unprocessed rubber followed an in-depth investigation by its Committee on Agriculture. Before the vote, the Senate Committee had recommended to the Plenary the establishment of a board that would be responsible to oversee and regulate the prices of rubber locally. The board, as the committee recommended, will also oversee the activities related to the commercialization of rubber in the sector. The decision, taken in session on Thursday, 23 May 2024, followed a lengthy debate by the Senate’s Joint Committee on Agriculture and Judiciary. Pending the establishment of the proposed National Rubber Board, the Senate agreed to maintain the current moratorium on the export of unprocessed rubber, The NEWS newspaper writes.

Teenager Gives Birth In Prison

The Resident Judge of Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia has temporarily released a lady identified as Masnah Somah, 18, after giving birth to a male child while in detention at the Monrovia Central Prison. Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie’s action was based on a communication from the Ministry of Justice on June 3, 2024 requesting the court for the issuance of release for two of its female defendants to include Masnah Somah who given birth in prison, and Mariama Tucker who was in labor pain in the cell. Based on the communication, Judge Willie immediately ordered the Clerk of Court to release from further detention defendants Somah and Tucker who were charged with Aggravated Assault. On June 3, 2024, Cllr. Alhaji Swahilo A. Sesay, Montserrado County Acting Attorney, received a letter from the office of the Monrovia Central Prison Superintendent complaining about the health condition of the two female defendants that were pregnant on admission by Magistrate John Briggs of the Bushrod Island Magisterial Court. The communication alleged that Defendant Masnah Somah, since her incarceration with the pregnancy, has been taken to the JFK Hospital for her regular maternity check up until the time of her labor, The NEWS newspaper states.

Comptroller General Proposes County Treasury

The Comptroller and Accountant General of Liberia, Elwood T. Nettey says robust County Treasury Offices (CTOs) are key for service delivery across the country. According to a press release, he made the statement during a three-day County Treasury Assessment Tour across Grand Bassa, Margibi, Nimba and Bong Counties from June 5-7, 2024. The assessment tour

was intended to provide insight about the County Treasury Offices, facilitate the process of solving problems and building staff capacity in service delivery procedures and implementation. The tour also assessed Management Information System, Information Technology, and Infrastructure of the CTOs. According to Nettey, the assessment tour sought to address challenges faced by County Treasury Offices that lack the capacity to fully operate in support of the decentralization process, sounding the need for improvement. He wants the participation of the counties to realize increased service delivery. “Delivering services at the county level will enhance growth and development for citizens who live and reside at different locations within the county,” he says. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to address those challenges confronting all County Treasury Offices across the fifteen counties in order to deliver better services to the common people who aren’t able to come to Monrovia. The Comptroller and Accounts General said that the County Treasury Framework assessment is directly under the supervision of his department of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning with support from the Fiscal Decentralization Unit, The NEWS newspaper reports.

President Boakai Nominates Additional Officials

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has nominated additional members of Government affecting the Ministry of National Defense. These appointments, where applicable, are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate. The institution and those nominated are include: Dr. Augustine T. Lamin, Deputy Minister for Administration, Spencer Leeco, Deputy Minister for Operations, William K. Toe, Assistant Minister for Administration, Richard B. Kamara, Assistant Minister for Coast Guard Operations, Allen S. Charleson, Assistant Minister for Operations, Sorbor George, Assistant Minister for Public Affairs and Kesselley Zinnah, Assistant Minister for Civil Works An Executive Mansion release said these nominations supersede any previously published in similar agencies and positions. President Boakai further calls on all those nominated to continue to demonstrate diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in service to country, The NEWS newspaper says.

Business Community Wants Space On Boakai’s Trips

The Chairperson on Commerce and Trade at the Liberia Business Association (lLIBA), Dominic Nimely has called the attention of President Joseph N. Boakai to include representatives of the business community on his business trips. Speaking Monday, June 10, 2024 in Monrovia, Nimely said during the President’s first trip at the UN-Africa Business Summit in the United States of America, there was no business person included on the trip. “In other West African countries, the government sponsor the business people because they are there to sell the country. The business people are the back bone of any country,” Nimely said. He revealed that whenever a business person or people follow the President on a business trip, it reduces the burden on the government to bring companies. Nimely stated that ministers and directors that go for those trips with the President do not understand the business language. Nimely said that only a businessman will be able to convince another businessman, stressing that Senators and Representative will not be able to do what a business person will do, The NEWS newspaper asserts.

Naymote Rallies Citizens …To Hold Government Accountable

The NEWS newspaper is reporting that the Naymote Partners for Democratic Development has successfully conducted five town hall meetings on political accountability. The meetings held in Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Montserrado, and Grand Bassa Counties, was organized under the Democracy Advancement Program, (DAP). According to a release, these events aimed to deepen citizens’ understanding of government operations and performance. The town hall gatherings were held between May 31 and June 7. During the meetings, over 250 stakeholders were engaged with 40% of participants being women. The gatherings brought together community leaders, political party representatives, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, journalists, law enforcement officers, women leaders, youth leaders, and individuals with disabilities. These sessions, according to the release, highlighted Naymote’s comprehensive report on the Boakai-Koung Administration’s 100-Day Deliverables, promoting informed citizenship and fostering political accountability to achieve democratic dividends. “The core purpose of government is to serve the interests of society, not just a select few elected officials,” the release quotes Naymote Partners as saying. On May 13, 2024, Naymote released a detailed tracking and monitoring report indicating that the Boakai-Koung Administration has completed 11 promises (10%), has 45 promises in progress (42%), and has 51 promises (48%) unrated due to insufficient information, these were documented from the 100 Day Deliverables.

Liberia: House Reviews Request to Recall Fiscal Year 2024 National Budget

Members of the House of Representatives have directed the Leadership to invite the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to address claims of alterations in the 2024 National Budget Law. During a regular session on Thursday, Representative Clarence Gahr (District #5, Margibi County) informed his colleagues that the executive may have altered the approved national budget for fiscal year 2024. According to the FrontPage Africa newspaper, Rep. Gahr’s communication to the plenary revealed that the executive allegedly ignored amendments made by the Legislature during the final review stages of the budget. He cautioned that without stringent measures, this could lead to further violations and tampering with laws passed by the Legislature. Mr. Presiding, Deputy Presiding, Distinguished Colleagues, it will surprise you to note that at the final stage and signing of the 2024 National Budget, the law was sent without these amendments of plenary, altering the decision of the Honorable House of Representatives, thus making the 2024 National Budget voidable in its entirety,” Rep. Gahr stated.

Liberia: Ministry of Transport Denies Issuing Fake Insurance Documents

The Ministry of Transport and the Liberia National Police (LNP) have launched an investigation into reports linking some of its employees to the alleged falsification of insurance documents at the ministry. Currently, the ministry is enforcing the third-party liability insurance policy for tricycles and motorcycles. But there have been reports and complaints from motorists that some employees at the ministry are engaged in the unwholesome habit of collecting their monies and refusing to issue them insurance and registration documents. They have also been accused of issuing fake insurance documents to motorcyclists and others. But addressing a news conference in Monrovia on Thursday, June 6, Transport Minister Sirleaf Ralph Tyler disclosed that the ministry does not have the statutory mandate to process insurance documents for commercial or private vehicles, tricycles or motorbikes in the country, the FrontPage Africa newspaper asserts

Finally Indicted Nigerian Drug Smugglers to stand Trials as Female Drug Peddler Arrested with Kush and Cocaine in Margibi County

The Grand Jury for Montserrado County has indicted and forwarded to Criminal Court ‘’C’’ serveral Nigerian drug smugglers who were arrested early this year by officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA). Defendants, George Obi, alias ‘’Original Japan’’, Peter Mamah, Edwin Ozioka, Ndubuisi Okornkwo Sunday Udeh, Igwe David, Shelly Shelton, China Ekwa, Edwin Ozioko and Bridgestone Harris allegedly committed the crimes of unlicensed possession of controlled drugs or substance, unlicensed possession, sale and distribution of controlled substance, unlawful maintence and distribution of controlled drug or substance, a felony of the first degree. According to the indictment, on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at about 2:30 PM, the defendants were arrested by special team of LDEA via- a search and seizures warrant, investigated and subsequently charged with the commission of the crimes of unlicensed sale, possession trading, trafficking, administration, dispensation, delivery dispatch in transit and transportation of controlled drugs or substance and criminal conspiracy recently, the FrontPage Africa newspaper pens.

Boosting Customers’ Safety Lonestar Cell MTN Donates Significant Consignment of Safety Gear to Motorcyclists as Part of Corporation Social Responsibility

It was a moment of joy and relief for scores of motorcyclist and tricyclists on Thursday, June 6 when Lonestar Cell MTN, Liberia’s premier company. Donated a significant consignment of safety gear to motorclyclist and tricyclists in Monrovia. The package included helmets, reflective jackets, and umbrellas, among others items, distributed to cyclists at the Wroto town junction in Sinkor. The event was attended by representatives from the Liberian national police LNP and the National Federation of Motorcycle and Tricycle Association of Liberia association of Liberia (NAFOMTAL). Before the donation, an official launch of the initiative was held at the LNP headquarters on Thursday, June 6. Lonestar Cell MTN Moblie Money General Manager, Mr. Christopher Saali, stated that the initiative aims to enhance the safety of motorcyclists, tricyclis, and passengers across the country.  The Overall objective, according to Saali, is to ensure the company’s customers are safe while commuting, the FrontPage Africa newspaper asserts.

Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Recommits to One-China-Africa Relations Through Strengthening Local Government

The Minister of Internal Affairs Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Sr, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, hosted the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Amb. Yin Chengwu as part of an effort to strengthen Liberia’s local government act and construction of chiefdom compounds across the 15 countries of Liberia Minister Nyumalin, in a meeting with Amb. Yin  Chengwu of People’s Republic of China, and the meeting was aimed to recommit to the One-Chaina policy to work along with the Chinese embassy near Monrovia and ensure the construction of chiefdom compounds across the 15 countries of Liberia. According to Minister Nyumalin, since President Boakai took office, the internal Affairs Ministry has been working to construct chiefdom compounds that will include the conference halls that will help add more value to the working of the local government. ‘’Today, we have come to make a clarion call to our friend China through the embassy to assist with the construction of the chiefdom compounds across the 15 Countries of Liberia.’’ Minister Nyumalin said, the FrontPage Africa newspaper write.

No Rice Shortage Commerce Ministry Refutes Claims, Clarifies rice import, Pricing, and Distribution

According to the FrontPage Africa newspaper, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has rejected accusations made against its minister, Amin Modad, by freedom FM’s manager Sekou Sheriff. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Journalist Sheriff claimed that rice importers, during a meeting, refused to accept Minister Modad’s request for $0.25 USD on each bag of rice sold at the price of $ 17.00 USD, adding that said refusal eventually led to the increment to 17.00 USD to settle all sides: importers, Minister, and stakeholder. However, the ministry is a release Thursday described Sheriff’s accusations a a failed attempt’’ to discredit Minister Modad. And by ‘’lying to himself just to perpetuate his unprincipled behavior and malicious intent.’’ The public can attest to the fact that it was through Minister Modad’s  effort and negotiations with the rice importers that they rather reduced the proce of the rice from $17 to $16.75 inn February,’’ the ministry said.

Rwanda, Liberia Commemorate 1994 Genocide

The high Commissioner of the Republic of Rwada in Ghana, with jurisdiction in Liberia, in partnership with the United Nations (UN) in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The solemn event brought together high dignitaries from the government, international partners, and students fostering a poignant atmosphere of remembrance and reflection. The program featured a drama performance that poignantly depicted the harrowing events of the genocide and a heartfelt testimony from one of the survivors. These presentations underscored the profound impact of the tragedy and the enduring strength of those who lived through it. According to New Democrat newspaper, in her remarks, UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni highlighted the sheer brutality of the genocide and the indomitable spirit of the survivors. On this day in 1994, and for nearly 100 days followed, one million Tutsi children, women, and men were killed by their fellow Rwandans. Families turned against families, friends to foes, and a dark spirit of intentional and brutal violence engulfed a nation, the New Democrat newspaper says.

BMMC Probes Industrial Accident Expresses Regret

The Management of Bea Mount Mining Corporation (BMMC) acknowledge, and expresses deep regret of, a workplace accident which occurred at its New Liberty Mine, on Saturday 8 June 2024.

BMMC management said, they have deserved with grave concern rumors circulating on various social media platform s regarding the accident, The Management strongly denounce the misinformation that’s being published regarding the staff’s experience and training, and especially the steps have taken together with the personnel’s family to provide the required emergency and medical care.’’ Our focus remains to provide the need support and care for our personnel and his family as a full-scale internal investigation is underway after which the relevant authorities will be duly informed. Also, the ministry of Mines and energy has commenced an independent process to assess the circumstance which led to the accident. Therefore, we respectly ask all interested parties of concerns to be patient, and remain calm, while we await the outcome of these processes, The New Democrat newspaper writes.

 “Korean Investors Will Come To Liberia” …President Boakai Discloses

President Joseph N. Boakai has disclosed that a number of Korean investors have expressed interest in coming to Liberia to invest in many areas with technical transfer. Speaking with reporters upon his return from the Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul, South Korea over the weekend, the President said his visit to the summit was not to have a specific meeting, except for the investment forum where he and his delegates met investors that are interested in coming to Liberia to invest in many areas. According to him, one of the benefits from the investment was scholarship that will help Liberians to study in Korea and Koreans coming to Liberia to do business. Boakai narrated that the Korea-Africa Summit which was the first of its kind, brought countries from the same continent together to see how they could work and tackle lot of global issues, investment and confidence building in Africa and Korea with their technical knowledge. Meanwhile, the Liberian leader said the Republic of South Korea through its President Yool Suk Yeol praised the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) for providing logistical support to the Korean Military. He said in a conversation with President Yeol, the ARREST Agenda was captured for which he (Korea President) pledged his support, New Democrat newspaper writes.

Buchanan Port Direct On Coastal Protect

Days after disclosing the poor condition of the Port of Buchanan in Grand Bassa County, Director Jonathan Lamport Kaipay has called on the Government and development partners to prioritize the need for a coastal defense project. Speaking with journalists over the weekend in Grand Bassa County, Buchanan Port Director Kaipay said the coastal defense project is a national emergency. According to Kaipay, the Senate should allocate funds in the upcoming national budget to initiate the project. He stated that there is a need for President Joseph N. Boakai to bring a proposal to the attention of strategic partners and developing countries that have experience in coastal defense to seek their expertise and assistance to protect Liberia’s vulnerable coastal regions. “The situation is not only affecting the port of Buchanan but the entire Grand Bassa County. The coastal defense project will mitigate the risks. Kaipay said during the administration of former President Sirleaf, there was a coastal defense process introduced to collaborate with international partners, investors, and money in the budget to see how they were going to develop a national coastal defense project. The Director General of the Port of Buchanan indicated that over the years, the coastal defense budget was about US$2 million; adding that the port of Buchanan is a huge investment. He revealed that if the Port is being described as an emergency, it’s beyond NPA management and financial capacity, because it will cost millions of dollars. The former Grand Bassa County Senator noted that the Managing Director of the National Port Authority, Sekou H. Dukuly is working with management to reach out to the Legislature, particularly the Senate to visit the Port and carry on some major assessments. “The management of the Port is also concerned about working

with the Legislature to champion this coastal defense allocation whether in the budget or bilateral arrangements,” he stated. Kaipay said the Management of Port is trying to work with other strategic partners who have technical skills and knowledge in these areas to do a holistic assessment that will capture the coastal defense, expansion and development of the Port, The News newspaper says.

UNFPA Project Advances Security Agenda

Liberian youth groups, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, have organized themselves into a national coalition to drive Liberia’s youth peace and security agenda. The coalition’s formation follows a two-day workshop on youth, peace, and security in Monrovia. The workshop, conducted from 6-7 June, is part of the “Enhancing National Youth, Peace and Security Capacities in West Africa” project, which UNFPA is implementing through the ministries in charge of youth affairs and youth network in Liberia and Benin with the support of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The project aims to raise awareness of the Youth Peace and Security (YPS) agenda and establish a multi-stakeholder platform. This platform will act as a central hub for coordinating national efforts and promoting youth participation in the peace and security agenda, ensuring that all stakeholders, regardless of their background, have a voice and role. “Young people constitute an untapped resource for peace and development, as they can be powerful agents for positive change due to their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless energy. As they make up 75 percent of the population, young people are critical drivers of Liberia’s stability and democratic credentials, which include over 20 years of stability with three successful and successive peaceful transfers of power,” says UNFPA Liberia Representative Bidisha Pillai. She adds: “The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), as global co-leads on the Youth Peace and Security (YPS) agenda, in line with their respective YPS strategies, work to integrate the role of youth better, and young women in particular, in conflict prevention and sustaining peace into its analyses and recommendations, and also to integrate young women and men in formal and informal peace processes, The News newspaper reports.”

Restricting Motorcyclists Is The Best Step For Public Safety

 The Liberia National Police (LNP) announced that they will begin restricting motorcyclists and tricycle riders from using the main streets of Monrovia and its environs beginning May 15, 2024. The announcement followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 23, 2024 between the LNP and Federation of Motorcycle and The Tricycle Union of Liberia. According to the Police, the measure is intended to minimize the high rate of accidents, crimes and deaths. “We’ve tried to get rid of the name No-go- Zone, we try to call it now the restricted areas. So we’ve jointly agreed to make the road from Freeport to Central Monrovia and all parts of Town restricted areas for motorcyclists. We also jointly agreed to consider from the ELWA Junction throughout the Tubman Boulevard and the rest of Monrovia restricted areas for motorcyclists.”As Part Of the public safety measure, tricycles (Keh-Keh) will be privileged to drive from Freeport to Monrovia using the Waterside corridor but will be barred from using Broad and Carey Streets. The MoU indicated that those coming from the Jallah Town corridor will go through the Capital By-pass toward Benson Street or use the Buzzy Quarter corridor, passing through UN Drive to Town. Additionally, The LNP and Leadership of the Motorcycle Union agreed that motorcyclists commuting from the Roberts International Airport Highway will be allowed to pass through the ELWA Junction, divert to the Duport Road – Red-light and onward to the Somalia Drive. We Support the decision by the LNP and Federation of Motorcycle and Tricycle Union of Liberia to restrict the movement of Motorcyclists and tricycle riders. The restriction is in the right direction and good for public safety. From time to time, motorcyclists are always in violation of public safety regulations and being used as conduits for the commission of crimes, The News newspaper discloses.

Notorious Criminal Booked

The Liberia National Police (LNP) has forwarded to court a 36-year old man identified as Neneh Gballah for Criminal Mischief and Theft of Property. Suspect Gballah is known to be a notorious criminal that enters offices and take away whatever he sees. Suspect Gballah was arrested, investigated and duly charged and sent to court to be prosecuted by the government for allegedly stealing from three senators including Amara Konneh (Gbapolu County), Joseph K. Jallah (Lofa County) and Thomas Yaya Nimely (Grand Geedeh County). He also stole the laptop of Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah. Gballah was charged with multiple crimes ranging from Criminal Mischief, Burglary and Theft of Property. According to The News newspaper, Suspect Gballah was arrested on May 29, 2024 for burglarizing the offices of the three lawmakers and a minister. During Police investigation, it was revealed that on Saturday May 25, 2024 the suspect criminally made away with one Silver HP laptop, one silver & black microsoft window laptop (from Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah of the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism through his office window). Again, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, Suspect Gballah stole Senator Yaya Nimely two black Dell laptops, one camon-20 touchscreen phone. Also, the suspect made away with Senator Joseph K. Jallah’s Acer laptop, one black Lenovo ThinkPad laptop, and two ThinkPad laptops. He again entered Senator Amara Konneh’s office and stole US$200 plus L$10,000 in cash, 700 pieces of Aminata gas coupons. However, the LNP has retrieved eight of the stolen laptops and have been signed for by the owners, The News newspaper pens.

Major Boost for Maritime Sector

The Liberia Maritime Authority has recorded great strides in its sector with the latest announcement of an agreement between the government of Liberia and the people republic of china. Speaking at celebration marking the 75^th Anniversary of the Liberia registry with the Greek shipping community at Posidonia 2024, the commissioner general of the Liberia maritime authority, Neto Liegh disclosed that Liberia and the People Republic of China are in the final stages of renewing their cooperative Maritime agreement. The Liberia maritime boss added, I am delighted to announce that the Republic of Liberia and the People’s Republic of China are in the final stages of renewing our cooperative maritime agreement. The Liberian Martine boss added, I am delighted to announce that the Republic of China are in the final stages of renewing our cooperative maritime agreement. This agreement has and will continue to be an important source of cost saving to ship-owners, and we expect the agreement to be finalized in the coming days.  Commissioner Leigh added that whether by the continued promotion of the principle of freedom of navigation or assisting with specific vessels. As we continue to confront the wind of change thurst upon us by the complex global political events in the Middle East and other area of the world, it is important that we build strong relationship between the Registry Ship-owners, the New Republic newspaper pens.

LACC WANTS CRIMINAL COURT F ESTABLISHED

The Liberia Anti-Corporation Commission is requesting the Liberia Government to grant addition courts in the country in the country. Cllr. Alexandra Zoe, the executive Chairperson at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission said the Commission is seeking Criminal Court F’ to pursuit and prosecute corruption cases. Cllr. Zoe furthered that if said court is established, it will enable the entity to vigilantly work to seeing an end to corruption across the country. The Executive Chairperson of the LACC stressed that there is only one court in the country that prosecute criminals which according to her, usually leads to the impediment and is detrimental to the prosecution of corruption cases on the docket. Currently, the only court in the country that hears corruption cases is criminal court c and that particular court is already overwhelmed with other criminal cases and we can push just to get the LACC cases on the docket she added. She noted that engagement with legislators and the executive are currently ongoing in establishing criminal court f which she said will be the Anti-Corruption court in order to be able to have full responsibility over prosecution of corrupt individuals, the New Republic newspaper reports.

CAG stresses need for Robust County Treasury

The Comptroller and Accountant General of Liberia, Elwood T. Nettey, says robust County Treasury Offices (CTOs) are key for service delivery across the fifteen counties. He made the statement during a three-day County Treasury Assessment Tour across Grand Bassa, Margibi, Nimba, and Bong counties from June 5-7, 2024. The assessment tour was intended to provide deep insight into the County Treasury Offices, facilitate problem-solving, and build staff capacity in service delivery procedures and implementation. He wants the participation of the counties to realize increased service delivery. “Delivering services at the county level will enhance growth and development for citizens who live and reside at different locations within the county,” he asserted. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to address those challenges confronting all County Treasury Offices across the fifteen counties to deliver better services to the common people who can’t come to Monrovia. The County Treasury framework assessment is directly under the supervision of the Comptroller and Accountant General Department of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning with support from the Fiscal Decentralization Unit. According to the New Dawn newspaper, the three-day assessment tour was led by Elwood T. Nettey and the Director of Fiscal Decentralization, Dr. Romeo D.N. Gbartea.

New Forest Monitoring Project Launched

A project intended to empower the Liberian media to be more robust in reporting forest issues in the country has been launched — thankfully, for the second time running. The project's objectives focus on promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the forestry sector. Under the auspices of the Independent Forest Monitor Coordination Mechanism (IFMCM), the project, named “Support to the Liberia Forest Media Watch and Forest Hour Radio Broadcast,” aims to enhance sustainable forest management practices in the country. It aims to hold stakeholders accountable through independent investigative reporting, educate communities on their rights, laws, and agreements, and provide a platform for community engagement with policymakers. The launch of the Liberia Forest Media Watch (LFMW) project was marked by a keynote speech by Atty. Decontee T. King Sackie, the EU VPA-FLEGT Facilitator for Liberia. Atty. Sackie highlighted the vital role forests play in Liberia's ecosystem, emphasizing their importance for livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation — emphasizing the significance of forests as a vital national heritage. “Our forests are not only a source of livelihood for many communities but also play an indispensable role in maintaining ecological balance and combating climate change,” she stated. She highlighted the EU VPA-FLEGT as a testament to Liberia’s commitment to managing forest resources sustainably and transparently. Atty. Sackie, however, underscored the significance of the media in promoting the implementation of this agreement and announced the project's alignment with the EU FLEGT VPA-AFD Program's goals for 2021-2025, the Daily Observer newspaper reports.

U.S. group conducts hearings on Liberia

As the United States-based Tom Lantus Human Rights Commission conducts a hearing on the establishment of a war and economic crimes court for Liberia, the Guide to Justice Action Network Liberia Incorporated, or GUJAN, cautions the Government of Liberia to treat calls for the establishment of a War and economic crimes court with utmost seriousness. It says that as the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in America conducts today’s hearing on the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia, the Liberian government should not treat this with lip service intended to settle political scores. GUJAN, in a release, strongly cautions that Justice has nothing to do with politics and that the lives and well-being of human beings should never be treated or mixed with politics. The group thanks President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and members of the 55^th Legislature for mustering courage in taking significant steps to end the culture of impunity that has permeated Liberian society, but it stresses the need for more practical actions. Executive Director, Attorney Abraham Wheon notes that since President Boakai signed Executive Order 0031, establishing the Office for War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, said office is yet to be physically established with named personnel who shall occupy the office, the New Dawn Newspaper pens.

UNDP to hand over Seven (7) Ambulances to MoH

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will this Friday, June 14, 2024, formally turn over seven (7) ambulances worth over three hundred fifty-four thousand United States Dollars to the Ministry of Health (MoH) for use by beneficiary communities in (7) counties) including Bomi, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Nimba, Rivercess, and Rivergee under the Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP), a flagship programme launched by the Government of Liberia in October 2022. With an initial contribution of three million United States Dollars from the Government of Liberia, UNDP has procured seven (7) ambulances, which will enhance the health service delivery capacity of the Ministry of Health in providing effective and efficient health services to the rural poor populations in beneficiary communities. This donation follows previous donations of farming equipment including tractors, trailers, rice and cassava mills, and other basic farming tools valued at over six hundred thousand United States dollars to 14 agriculture cooperatives and over two thousand individual farmers across six counties including Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Lofa Nimba and Rivercess.

These rural poor communities include Bomi (Sasstown), Lofa (Mbabahum, Barziwen, Kpayaquelleh & Massamolabun), Margibi (Charlesville), Maryland (Karloken & Baraken), Nimba (Saclepea, Dougborton, Sopea & Gbi Doru), Rivercess (Zammie Town) and Rivergee (Karweaken) They were amongst 35 selected communities during a feasibility study conducted in 2020 to benefit from the ACDP, the New Dawn newspaper reports.

South Korea sets course for development in Liberia

The South Korean government has set a course to assist Liberia in developing its road infrastructure in a collaborative effort to propel the country towards economic prosperity and sustainable growth. At the recently held 2024 Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul, where delegates from African countries, international organizations, key figures from Korean and global business communities, academia, civil society groups, and the press collectively participated, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai highlighted road infrastructure as a major challenge for the West African nation. t the Summit, the Liberian government signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) containing various agreements aimed at advancing development initiatives across the country and facilitating Korean investors’ exploring different sectors of the economy here. Announcing this development in Monrovia, the Minister of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism Jerolinmek Piah reveals that among the MOUs signed between the two countries, a major milestone was achieved when Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol committed to supporting the efficient implementation of President Boakai’s Arrest agenda. He notes that in the bilateral agreement, President Yoon Suk Yeol requested the Boakai administration to develop and present a proposal for road development. He also reveals that both countries agreed to establish a joint commission as a mechanism for follow-up, the New Dawn newspaper writes.

EPA educates citizens about erosion, flood, and climate change

According to the New Dawn newspaper, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awakening Liberians to coastal erosion, floods, and other climate challenges, urging citizens to save the country.  Addressing citizens in Bong County, the chief of staff in the office of the EPA Executive Director, Mr. Timothy Yoko, said it’s time for Liberians to take seriously issues such as pollution and its control measures, land degradation and reclamation, conservation of forests, access to clean water, and the use and control of chemicals, among others. He cautions against drying swamps or wetlands and building on them, as this will block waterways, especially during the rainy season, and lead to flooding.  In an unsustainable way, Bong County could cause the river to overflow, leading to flood in neighborhoods. Mr. Yoko congratulated the Bong County Environmental Club on its launch and added that the current EPA administration is encouraging these efforts. He says one way to do this is through the formation and operation of community and school environmental clubs, assuring that they are prepared to work with these clubs to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all. 

Provide the service & relief urgently needed

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has charged over eighty commissioned officials of his government to provide the service and relief urgently needed by the Liberian people. Making a remark Tuesday, June 11, 2024, when he commissioned dozens of officials outside Monrovia, President Boakai said the government is making good progress, and they intend to keep the course. “Liberia will rise again. This new breath of life is not simply guaranteed; it will depend on deliberate actions collectively cultivated and firmly executed by those charged with roles and responsibilities in the government to provide the service and relief urgently needed by the Liberian people”, the President emphasizes. President Boakai on Tuesday, commissioned the Minister of Defense, the Director of the National Security Agency, Deputy Ministers, and Heads of Agencies. The program was held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, Congo Town outside central Monrovia. The new Minister of Defense is a female, first ever to

serve in the position in Liberia, and perhaps in Africa in recent history“As we gather here this afternoon to inaugurate this cohort of officials, I ask all of you to perform your duties with a patriotic mindset as you help to drive our agenda for the transformation of Liberia. So, while we will be administering the oath of office to over 80 men and women who have stepped up to serve, the number may not be as important as what they individually and collectively bring to government: their expertise, honor, integrity, and the values they uphold to promote transparency, accountability, and service to the people.” President Boakai urged, the New Dawn newspaper asserts. 

Army War College of Nigeria Conducts Strategic Study Visit to Liberia

The Army War College of Nigeria (AWCN) has embarked on a strategic study visit to the Republic of Liberia under the theme “Protection of Solid Mineral Sector for Enhanced National Security.” The delegation from the AWCN engaged with key officials and institutions in Liberia, aiming at fostering collaboration and sharing insights on the critical intersection of natural resource management and national security. The visit featured a significant interaction with the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia. This engagement underscores the commitment of both nations to address common challenges and leverage shared experiences in the protection and management of solid mineral resources. Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gabriel H. Salee welcoming the Nigerian delegation, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding vital sectors that contribute to national stability and economic prosperity. “The protection of our solid mineral sector is not just an economic necessity but a crucial aspect of our national security. We are honored to collaborate with the Army War College of Nigeria to enhance our strategies and ensure sustainable development,” stated Hon. Salee. Brigadier General Aminu Mohammed Umar, who led the Nigerian delegation, highlighted the objectives of the visit and the significance of the theme in contemporary security discourse. “Our visit to Liberia is part of a broader initiative to understand and develop comprehensive strategies that integrate solid mineral sector protection with national security imperatives. We believe that through mutual exchange of knowledge and best practices, our countries can fortify their defenses against threats that jeopardize our valuable resources,” said Brigadier General Umar. During the visit, the AWCN delegation engaged in a series of discussions and workshops with officials from the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute. The sessions covered various aspects of mineral resource management, including legal frameworks, security measures, and sustainable practices, the FrontPage Africa newspaper writes.

Liberia: Internal Audit Agency Deployed at Ministry of State for the First Time Since Agency’s Establishment

 The Office of the President of Liberia has for the first time ever, invited the Internal Audit Agency and approved the deployment of an internal auditor from (IAA), who will supervise, direct and control all internal audit activities at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs. According to an internal Memorandum in the possession of this paper, under the signature of Atty. Cornelia Kruah-Togba, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, the Internal Audit According to the Front Page Africa newspaper, the Agency Staff will commence duties effective Monday, June 10, 2024. The memorandum further requires heads of departments at the Ministry to accord the internal auditor all required courtesy in the discharge of official duties. Credible sources close to the Ministry of State have indicated that this is the first time that the Office of the President is accepting an internal auditor to be deployed, since the establishment of the Internal Audit Agency in September 2013. FrontPage Africa has been further informed that though efforts were made under previous governments to have internal auditors assigned at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, those efforts yielded no fruitful results. Part 2 section 2.2 (a) of the IAA Act of 2013 mandates the IAA to establish and direct internal audit functions within all branches of Government including the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary; and all public sector entities such as, public corporations, autonomous agencies, autonomous commissions, Government ministries and the Central Bank of Liberia.

Liberia: TGS, Liberia partner on “Significant” Seismic Data Reprocessing Project to Enhance Offshore Exploration

TGS has partnered with the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) to undertake significant additional multi-client seismic data reprocessing offshore Liberia. This initiative will rejuvenate the remaining 2D and 3D data in Liberia’s prospective Liberia and Harper basins. The project will integrate existing legacy datasets to create a unified velocity model in depth, utilizing cutting-edge imaging algorithms to produce the final migrated seismic data. This enhanced data will be crucial for prospectively studies in Liberia’s offshore waters. The reprocessed products will benefit exploration through a consistent, continuous data set of several vintages by providing continuous seismic attributes of higher confidence at target levels across the entire margin. TGS recently completed the first phase of reprocessing approximately 12,097 km of 2D legacy seismic data offshore Liberia, significantly enhancing subsurface clarity. This data is now available for industry licensing. The second phase has commenced, aiming to reprocess an additional 12,675-line m over the Liberia and Harper basins, bringing the total to over 24,700 km. Additionally, TGS plans to reprocess approximately 15,616 km² of legacy 3D seismic data in the Liberia basin. David Hajovsky, Executive Vice President of Global Multi-client at TGS, stated, “At TGS, we are proud of our longstanding and successful partnership with Liberia, which we believe presents considerable offshore hydrocarbon opportunities, the FrontPage Africa newspaper discloses.

SDI And Partners To Host Six Regional Forum

As part of efforts to enhance the knowledge and capacity of community members and other stakeholders, the Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) and partners will host the six regional forum in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County focusing on forest, land and environmental issues. The event will take place from June 13-14, 2024. It is a bi-annual event organized and implemented by the SDI as part of the project “Building legal foundations for sustainable forests and livelihoods.” In a statement issued by the SDI, it says the main objective of the forum is to increase knowledge and capacity of participants by sharing expert knowledge and best practices on forest governance including transparency and accountability, roles and responsibilities leading to improvements in community forest governance and explore implications for policy and law reform, GNN Liberia newspaper writes.

UNFPA Project Advances Youth, Peace, Security Agenda

Liberian youth groups, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, have organized themselves into a national coalition to drive Liberia’s youth peace and security agenda. The coalition’s formation follows a two-day workshop on youth, peace, and security in Monrovia. The workshop, conducted from 6-7 June, is part of the “Enhancing National Youth, Peace and Security Capacities in West Africa” project, which UNFPA is implementing through the ministries in charge of youth affairs and youth network in Liberia and Benin with the support of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The project aims to raise awareness of the Youth Peace and Security (YPS) agenda and establish a multi-stakeholder platform. This platform will act as a central hub for coordinating national efforts and promoting youth participation in the peace and security agenda, ensuring that all stakeholders, regardless of their background, have a voice and role. “Young people constitute an untapped resource for peace and development, as they can be powerful agents for positive change due to their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless energy, the In Profile Daily newspaper writes.

MRU New Secretary General Takes Office

The Newly appointed Mano River Union (MRU) Secretary General, Ambassador Simeon B.  Moribah, who replaces Madam Maria G. Harrison, officially took office in Freetown, Sierra Leone on May 30, 2024.  It can be recalled that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai recently appointed Ambassador Moribah to replace Madam Harrison, a Liberian who was serving as MRU’s Secretary General on Liberia’s tenure. According to the In Profile Daily newspaper, the appointment of Ambassador Moribah was endorsed by the governments of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire.  Ambassador Moribah comes to the position with measurable wealth of experience, integrity and understanding of regional integration issues, having served as Deputy Secretary General of the MRU for about nine years when he was responsible for economic development and regional integration. He had previously served as Assistant Minister for Planning and Evaluation in the Ministry of Agriculture of Liberia; Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs and Policy, Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs of Liberia; and Senior Assistant Resident Representative for Programmes of the UNDP in Liberia. Mr. Moribah also possesses skills in Monitoring and Evaluation, Financial Management, Energy and Environment Humanity and relief Operations, Crises Prevention and Recovery, Sustainable Human Development, and Governance Issues.

Face-Lift Domestic Airports In Liberia’ -Sen. Chie Stresses Need

The In Profile Daily newspaper is reporting that Grand Kru County Senator Albert Tugbeh Chie has stressed the need to revamp and rehabilitate domestic airports in Liberia. The Movement with Integrity for National Development (MIND) has quoted the Grand Kru County Senator’s communication to the Plenary of the Liberian Senate to highly consider enhancing the movement of Liberians through domestic flight around the leeward counties. MIND noted that the communication of Senator Chie to address issues surrounding Liberia Domestic Airport Authority (LDAA) in revamping LDAA and rehabilitating the various airport in the leeward counties. MIND maintained that traveling by air, it is essential to foster major economic activities and developments in the leeward counties, noting that the Lawmakers would visit their people regularly in comfort rather than driving long hours on the roads. MIND pointed out that Senator Chie’s communication should be given serious attention by the relevant Senate Standing Committees on Transport, Public Work, Way and Means, Finance and Budget to ensure that domestic flight has revamp in the country.

Liberia Takes Giant Step In Zero Emission Vehicles As LEAP Network and Partners Launch E-Mobility.

The Liberia Energy Access Practitioner Network known as LEAP Network over the weekend made a groundbreaking record for the first time in the country’s history by officially launching electric vehicles. According to the FrontPage Africa newspaper, experts say the launch is a significant milestone towards transforming the transport sector to zero emission vehicles. Speaking at the event held at the Monrovia City Hall on Friday, the President of the LEAP Network Mr. Royston Gbelia described the initiative as a major achievement for Liberia, “the first of its kind to have zero emission vehicles in the country. Liberia can’t be the last country to start new technology like the electric vehicles.” Mr. Gbelia expressed delight for Liberia, a least developed country to join big nations in using electric vehicles, “we have finally launched electric vehicles, as the saying goes; better is later than never,” while acknowledging government’s support towards such endeavor.

THE BUCHANAN RETREAT, SENATE HOLDS THREE DAYS RETREAT IN BUCHANAN, GRAND BASSA COUNTY FOR SELF-APPRAISAL

Parliaments, the world over, play a critical role in the democratization of states and their people. This means, there is always a compelling for legislators to be connected to their people at most, if not at all times. However, this is not as easy as stated or written. Efforts by lawmakers in country like Liberia in which poverty rate is extremely high, to stay and remain connected, are confronted with plethora of challenges that blur the chances of sustained legislatives-constituents connectivity.  Sadly, this avalanche of challenges trigger disconnects between the elected and the electorates. This disconnects, eventually leads to low turnover rate. It has been observed with the exception of Montserrado County which electorates go largely to vote for issues-based contestants, the rest of the counties largely opt for “tangible development-prone” contestants. Hence, a four-day retreat has been decided. Members of the 55^th legislature of the Liberian senate on Thursday June 5, 2024, commenced a four-day retreat in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. The retreat will allow members of the senate to have a sober reflection of the senate, the New Liberia newspaper writes.

STRENGTHENING TRANSPERANCY, LACC Completes Investigations of Four Entities

As the government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai steps up the fight on corruption and paves the way for integrity and transparency in the public sphere, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has revealed the completion of investigation relating to the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), and the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) versus the Goldman cases. LACC boss, Counsellor Alexandria Zoe, told a Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICA) regular press briefing on Thursday, June 6, 2024 that final reports concerning the entities involved have been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for possible indictment. Cllr. Zoe also disclosed that separate investigations are currently ongoing with the National Elections Commission (NEC), Ministry of Finance and Development planning (MFDP), National Fisheries and Authority (NaFAA), Ministry of State (MOS), and the Civil Service Agency (CSA). Other entities of government currently under investigation by the LACC according to Cllr. Zoe include Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), the National Center for coordination and Response Mechanism, Center for National Document and Records, Ministry of State, Liberia Land Authority and Liberia water and Sewer Corporation the, New Liberia newspaper asserts.

BIG BOOST FOR MSMEs - As GoL. Financial Institutions Sign $6 Million World Bank Line of Credit

The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), is pleased to announce the successful signing of Participating Agreements (PAs) with three (3) financial institutions regarding the implementation of the line of Credit (LOC) under the Liberia Investment Finance and Trade (LIFT-P), project. The project calls for mor Liberian Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) to be empowered as a means of strengthening the economy. The LOC falls under sub-component 2.2 of the LIFT project, which aims to create access to credit to the tone of US$6 million for MSMEs to be channeled through competitively selected participating Financial Institutions (PFIs). Financial institutions selected to participate in the LOC are Afriland First Bank Limited, Citi Trust Micro-Finance Company, and the Liberian Enterprise Development Finance Company, who would access US1milion, US800K, and US$ 700, respectively, the New Liberia newspaper writes.

Big boost for “ARREST” AGENDA, GOL SIGNS 7 DEVELOPMENTAL MEMORANDA AT KOREA-AFRICA SUMMIT

President Joseph Boakai, Sr.’s national vision for Liberia crafted in the ARREST Agenda, now the ARREST agenda for inclusive development (AAID) has attracted a significant milestone signaling a huge boost for the country through the signing of seven memoranda with Korean multinational companies. The Memoranda were signed were signed on behalf of the country through the National Investment Commission (NIC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). According to a dispatch from South Korea, the Executive Mansion revealed that the “Agreements are poised to bring about substantial improvements and developments in key sectors”. The Executive Mansion emphasized that upon implementation of the several Memoranda of understandings (MOUs) signed by the Liberian Government and Korean partners, the implantation will ensure a mor robust and reliable energy sector through provision and development of solar power plants, investment in agricultural research to enhance food productivity and seed development, the New Liberia newspaper discloses.

Swedish Amb. Sjostrom Reaffirms Sweden’s Partnership with Liberia

Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, Urban Sjorstrom, has reaffirmed Sweden’s partnership with Liberia to make public service more effective. Ambassador Sjostrom said strengthening public service is key to ensuring adequate and sustainable living conditions for the citizenry. The Swedish Ambassador to Liberia also described effective public service as a critical component of national growth and development. Ambassador Sjostrom made the commitment on Monday, June 10, 2024 in Congo Town, outside Monrovia at the opening of the Civil Service Agency Week-long Executive onboarding gathering. The goal of the exercise is to enhance the skills of new appointees of the Liberian Government and make them more effective and efficient in their respective institutions, the Heritage newspaper reports.

Government Grant interventions Relief Farmers

According to the INQUIRER newspaper, the ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and partners have brought immense joy to local farmers in several counties across the country, following their grant interventions in support of the government’s vision to rehabilitate Liberia’s Agriculture sector. These views are made known on an ongoing media tour with the MOA in some project’s counties including Lofa, Bong, Nimba, Margiba, Bomi, Grand Bassa and Montserrado. However, the intervention by the MoA and partners is under its smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) and Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP). The joined effort by the MoA and partners has since yielded serious positive results, revolutionizing the agricultural sector in these regions and significantly impacting the lives of those involved. STAR-P and RETRAPN are supported by the World Bank and the international Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), as through this collaboration, farmers across Liberia have witnessed remarkable improvements in their livelihoods, prompting smiles to grace their faces.

On The Establishment of War And Economic Crimes Courts For Liberia: US H/Rep. Holds Hearing

The Hot Pepper newspaper is reporting that the Tom Lantos Human Rights Committee on Foreign Affairs of the US House of Representatives will on Thursday, June 13, 2024 hold a hearing on the establishment of a War and economic crimes court for Liberia at about 10:00 a.m at the Bayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C., United States of America. According to information, panelists at the hearing, who will also serve as witnesses, will examine the legacy of Liberia’s civil wars on its people and economy and the next steps for the new Office of War and Economic Crimes Court, and offer recommendations to the US Congress. The hearing will be hybrid, with members of Congress participating in person while the panelists may participate in person or remotely via Cisco WebEx. The public and the media may attend in person or view the hearing by live webcast on the commission’s Website.

House Summons Finance Minister, others over unexplained Loan, Revenue Flow

House’s plenary section Tuesday summoned key members of President Joseph Boakai’s economic management team including the Minister of Finance and Development planning to testify on issues relating to the health of the Country’s economy. The officials summoned include James Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Finance and Development planning, Boimah Kamara, and the Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), Amos Tweh and deputies. According to the Oracle News Daily newspaper, the Liberia Revenue Authority has been requested to provide comprehensive information regarding revenue collection within the country. The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning is also called upon to furnish details regarding consolidated accounts, bank balances, and to validate any reports provided by the LRA concerning revenue collection. The decision was made in response to a communication from Bong Country District #3 Representative Marvin Cole, who chairs the House’s Committee on Rules Order and Administration.

MOA, Partner Promote Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship -Donate 450 Tricycles to Lofa, Others

The Inquirer newspaper is reporting that the Ministry of Agriculture through its World Bank Project Implementation Unit (PIU), has introduced 450 tricycles to enhance market access and promote youth agricultural entrepreneurship in Lofa and other counties. The initiative, accordingly is also intended to ease transportation burdens for rural smallholder farmers, enabling them commute their produce from one farm, village and town to another especially during this and other raining season. However, farm-to-market roads in Liberia have long been plagued by aged-old problems of poor conditions, posing significant challenges for small holder farmers especially after harvesting their produce. This difficult transportation of agricultural produce has also led to increased post-harvest losses, restricted agricultural production and limited market access, ultimately affecting food availability and farmers’ incomes. But with this intervention, the MOA Lofa County Focal Person, Levi Kpenkpa, said “These tricycles aim to enhance market access and promote youth agricultural entrepreneurship as well as reduce transportation challenges and support the agricultural sector.” Kpenkpa noted that the initiative is under the support of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP), and highlighted, “Youth involvement in agriculture can potentially lessen the challenges of food security and youth unemployment.”

LACC Urged to Probe LFA

A sport promoter group is calling for investigation into allegations on the heel of startling revelations by the resigned Manager for Media Affairs at the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Danesius Marteh, over allegation of financial impropriety and misapplication of funds. The group under the banner of ‘Citizens United for the Promotion and Development of Sports’ said the allegations by Mr. Marteh are grave and as such, they must be given attention by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 in Monrovia, the group called on the LACC to launch a probe into the matter at hand at the LFA. It can be recalled that on June 6, 2024 the Manager for Media Affairs of the LFA Mr. Marteh tendered in his resignation, vacating the position as LFA media personality on scores of issues with some bordered on financial impropriety and misapplication of funds belonging to the LFA. Marteh, in his resignation letter revealed how he was misled the president of the LFA, Mustapha Raji, to issue a release to the public that the headquarters of the LFA was valued at U$1.5 million, but a recent audit report, in which an expressed qualified opinion was rendered by the auditors, valued the headquarters at US$1.89 million, The Inquirer newspaper writes.

‘Double Check Your Information’ -NPHIL Condemns Online Article

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia is calling on the media to double-check information using the elementary formula in journalism of Accuracy, Balance, and Clarity (ABC) in all of its publications. NPHIL in its condemnation over an article published by the Analyst News online on Monday, June 10, 2024 said, the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) is going through a stepwise Accreditation process using the WHO SLIPTA checklist which is the required standard for National Public Health Reference Laboratories considering the ISO 15189. Its reaction stemmed from the publishing house online report stating that the National Reference Laboratory has been downgraded to I-Star by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The article stated further that over the years, the National Reference Laboratory has been unable to perform according to several international standards set by ISO. According to a release issued by NPHIL, the National Public Institute of Liberia termed the information as misleading and a total misrepresentation of the facts. The release clarified that this checklist does not accredit labs but helps to monitor processes and implementation of the Laboratory Quality Management Systems by scoring the lab’s implementation of ISO 15189: 2022 on a five-point scale (1-5) with a star designation, The Inquirer newspaper discloses.

TGS, Liberia partner on “Significant” Seismic Data Reprocessing Project to Enhance Offshore Exploration

TGS has partnered with the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) to undertake significant additional multi-client seismic data reprocessing offshore Liberia. This initiative will rejuvenate the remaining 2D and 3D data in Liberia’s prospective Liberia and Harper basins. The project will integrate existing legacy datasets to create a unified velocity model in depth, utilizing cutting-edge imaging algorithms to produce the final migrated seismic data. This enhanced data will be crucial for prospectivity studies in Liberia’s offshore waters. The reprocessed products will benefit exploration through a consistent, continuous data set of several vintages by providing continuous seismic attributes of higher confidence at target levels across the entire margin. TGS recently completed the first phase of reprocessing approximately 12,097 km of 2D legacy seismic data offshore Liberia, significantly enhancing subsurface clarity. This data is now available for industry licensing. The second phase has commenced, aiming to reprocess an additional 12,675-line m over the Liberia and Harper basins, bringing the total to over 24,700 km. Additionally, TGS plans to reprocess approximately 15,616 km² of legacy 3D seismic data in the Liberia basin, FrontPage Africa newspaper asserts.

Liberia Appeals to Korea …Wants Diplomats Serve Home Jail Term

The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appealed to its Korean ally to allow two imprisoned Liberian diplomats to end their jail term in Liberia. The Liberian Maritime Program officials were arrested by the police in the South Korean City of Busan, and formally charged with the crime of “two-person joint rape.” The officials — Moses Owen Browne, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the UK — and Daniel Tarr, Director of the Department of Marine Environmental Protection at the LiMA, were arrested on the night of September 22, 2022. Speaking Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti disclosed that she made the appeal during their recent visit to Korea. According to her, she officially registered the appeal and hopefully it will be granted to the ministry; she wants the two diplomats to be given the opportunity to come home and continue their tenure. She indicated that Liberia and Korea have a very good relationship, and November 2024 marks 60 years of relationship between the two nations. Minister Beysolow-Nyanti revealed that the Korean Government has given US$14 billion to companies in their country to invest in Africa and she hopes to sign the trade and investment framework with them this year, The News newspaper discloses.

CIS Hosts First Local Development Summit

The Center for Integrated Solutions (CIS) will on today, Thursday, June 27, 2024, host the first Locally-led Development Summit in Liberia. The summit is intended to reshape Liberia’s development contours by emphasizing local leadership and fostering partnerships between local organizations and international development institutions.
The event is taking place at the Corina Hotel in Sinkor and is expected to buzz with the energy of innovators, policymakers and development partners. According to a release sent to this paper Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the Locally-led Development Summit is set to be a major convergence of influential figures in the global and local development sectors. High-profile attendees expected at the Summit will include the USAID Mission Director, who will provide insights into the strategic priorities and ongoing initiatives spearheaded by USAID in Liberia. Joining him will be the Deputy UNICEF Country Representative, bringing a focus on programs designed to enhance child welfare and education within Liberia. The World Bank Country Manager is also expected to share perspectives on economic development strategies and funding opportunities available to local entities. Additionally, executives from prominent international NGOs that have active projects in Liberia (Concern Worldwide, FHI360, Jhpiego, DAI, PSI, Winrock, Last Mile Health, IRC, IBI, among others) will discuss their roles in health, education, and economic empowerment, and plans to support local capacities and collaborative efforts, The News newspaper reports.

‘Government Cyber Compromised’…As Top-level Domain Attacked

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Cyber Security Focal Person at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications Victor K. Jarlwood Jr., has alarmed a significant cyber-attack on Liberia’s top-level domain, .LR. Speaking with reporters Wednesday, June 12, 2024 in Monrovia, Jarlwood said the malicious activity led to the disconnection of the domain by its host for more than 48 hours, causing widespread disruptions on all government. L.R domain services.

According to him, the attack also included numerous attempts to breach the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications’ own website, and the persistent attacks have raised concerns about the security of Liberia’s digital infrastructure. He urged citizens to adhere strictly to recommended safety measures while the Ministry and its international tech teams work tirelessly to restore services and ensure the security of the digital environment, The News newspaper reports.

UNICEF, Government Celebrate Day of African Child

UNICEF Liberia in partnership with Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has begun the commemoration of the Day of the African Child and will climax with a formal program on Friday, June 14, 2024.
As part of activities of the celebration, the elections of a new leadership of the Liberian Children Parliament and children representing the fifteen political sub-divisions elected a new leadership to advocate for the rights of their peers.

This year is commemorated under the theme: “Education for All Children in Africa: the time is now,” and underscores the urgency of providing accessible and inclusive education opportunities for all children, irrespective of gender or circumstance.

Speaking with the reporters Wednesday, June 12, 2024, UNICEF Representative Andy Brooks said many people have not understood the issue of children with half of Liberia’s children not in school with high maternal mortality rate.
Brooks said that pregnancy rate of adolescent girls between ages 10 to 19 is 38 percent and one third of children born are not registered at birth. According to him, majority of children born do not have birth certificates, and “when you are not registered at birth then you do not exist.”

He noted that Liberia In 2007, only about 4 percent of the children under age five were registered but there have been 66 percent increment in birth registration of infants.

For her part, Minister for Gender, for Children and Social Protection, Gbeme H. Kollie said this year’s Day of African the Child aims to remind stakeholders of their commitments to address the hurdles facing Liberia’s educational system and provides an opportunity for parents, national and international partners, communities and children to elevate the educational discourse, reaffirm commitments, mobilize resources and take concrete actions, The News newspaper writes.