Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

 DAILY NEWS SUMMARY FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2018

Today’s summary of the local dailies highlights news of the signing of a US$10 million agreement between GOL and African Development Bank as budget support to enable government meet its balance of payment and implement its Pro-poor Agenda; President George Manneh Weah’s condolence message to UN Secretary General Antònio Guterres, following the death of its former Secretary General Kofi Annanamongst others. 

DOMINANT STORY  

GoL, AfDB Sign US$10M Grant For Budget Support 

The Daily Observer reports that the Government of Liberia (GoL) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) on Tuesday, August 21, signed US$10 million agreement as budget support to the country to enable the government meet its balance of payment obligations as well as drive the objectives of its Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD). Signing on behalf of the GoL, Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah conveyed President George Weah’s profound gratitude to the Bank for its support to Liberia. The Daily Observer says the purpose of signing the document is to strengthen the public financial management reform at the Ministry, and structure the payroll reforms of the entire structure of the civil service. He reaffirmed Government’s commitment by moving toward zero based budgets to redefine the structure of the budget. “There are some policies and a strategy we are developing to make the budget more efficient and clean up the budget, thus ensuring that it is more pro-poor for the Liberian people,” the Minister asserts.

Related Captions:Govt Gets US$10M As Budgetary Support From African Development Bank(FrontPage Africa), GOL, ADB sign US$ 10 million financing agreement(The New Dawn)

OTHER STORIES  

President Weah Condoles United Nations; On The Death Of Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan 

President George Manneh Weah has sent a condolence message to his Excellency Antònio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations following the death of Mr. Kofi Annan, Former Secretary General of the United Nations. Mr. Annan died on Friday, August 18, 2018 in Geneva Switzerland following a short illness. Quoting a Foreign Ministry release, the INSIGHT newspaper reads that in the message to the UN Secretary General, President George Manneh Weah, on behalf of the Government of Liberia, extended heartfelt condolences to the UN Secretary General, and through him, to the United Nations’ family for the great loss to humanity.  While expressing sympathy to the World Body, President Weah Stated “it is with immense shock and deep sorrow that we have learned of the death of the Former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, a global and iconic symbol of world peace and dignity” President Weah emphasized that Liberians will forever remember Mr. Annan for his defining role in the deployment of the United Nations Missions in Liberia, (UNMIL) which charted the way for the restoration of sustainable peace and stability in Liberia.

Weah Commends Political Leaders for Heeding His Call

President George Manneh Weah has commended leaders of opposition political parties for heeding his call to attend a meeting, where party representatives gave their candid views and suggestions on issues of national interests. The Liberian leader said the move was in the interest of peace and stability and that the views expressed will be taken in good faith and reviewed by the government. The Thursday, August 16, 2018 forum, as called for by President Weah, was an opportunity for the exchange of ideas to foster a spirit of national unity and political tolerance.  The gathering at the Bella Casa Hotel in Monrovia was attended by a cross-section of political leaders. Meanwhile, in furtherance of his determination to reconcile the country and ensure that all stakeholders are involved with the process of nation building, President Weah has called for a national peace dialogue, which will be held shortly, reports the Heritage newspaper.

Ecobank, Global Fund Train MOH’s Internal Auditors, Financiers

To properly manage the usage of the Global Fund grant in the country, Ecobank Liberia, in partnership with Global Fund, on August 21, commenced a two-day workshop for employees at the Ministry of Health, particularly those in the internal audit and financial departments. The Daily Observer reads that Global Fund is supporting Liberia to close gaps in healthcare delivery, including financial management, procurement, supply and management of medical and pharmaceutical products, health information systems, monitoring and evaluation, and service delivery. The daily says the workshop is intended to help financial actors within the Ministry become more efficient on their jobs, clarify roles and responsibilities and facilitate better collaboration among their colleagues

Over 20 Female Journalists Get Digital Security Training

According to the INSIGHT newspaper, the West Africa Information Communication Technology (ICT) Action Network (WAICTNET), has begun a two day Digital Security for Journalists in Liberia. WAICTNET LIBERIA is a new sub regional ICT advocacy, academia and research organization.  The training which began on Tuesday, August 22, at the Liberia Media Center (LMC) in sinkor has been organized in collaboration with Female Journalist Association (FEJA). The daily says during the training, the knowledge of the media practitioners will be enhanced on Device Security, Information security for investigative journalist as well as the fundamental of Digital security.

“My Peace Corps Father Named Me George”…Says Pres. Weah

President George Manneh Weah has added that his government will provide the necessary protection and create the environment that will enables Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) execute their programs.  Liberia has reaped and continues to reap a great deal of doles from the presence of Peace Corps; impacting knowledge and providing reverent skills training opportunity for Liberians in all parts of the country. According to the INSIGHT newspaper, the Liberian leader spoke on Friday, August 17, 2018 at the swearing-in of 44 Peace Corps Volunteers in Monrovia. The 44 Peace Corps Volunteers are expected to be deployed in the 15 counties for two years.

LIMPAC Trains 80 Finance Staff

The Liberia Macroeconomic Policy Analysis Centerror (LIMPAC) within the Ministry of Finance and Development planning with support from the African Capacity Building Foundation ( ACBF), completes circle one of its capacity building program for Liberia.  The exercise which lasted over three weeks focused on the usage of MS-Word for report writing and MS- Excel for data calculation and analysis attracted the trainees and employees from different departments units of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. Speaking at the occasion recently at the Ministry, Deputy Finance Minister for Administration Rebecca McGill conveyed appreciations to LIMPAC and its partner, the ACBF for affording employees training opportunity and for its broader goal of implementing capacity building program across the public sector of Liberia pens the New Dawn newspaper.

American Friends of United Methodist University Donate Computers, Medical Equipment

According to the FrontPage Africa newspaper as part of efforts to enhance a better learning space at the United Methodist University (UMU), the friends of the United Methodist United of Liberia (FUMUL) based in the United States of America have donated over US$30,000 worth of computers and medical equipment to the university. The donation includes 41 desktop computers and one mobile sonogram (medical equipment) for setting Intravenous (IV). Dr. Mator Kpangbai, UMU Vice President for Institutional Development and Advancement, said the materials will be used to support the teaching and learning goals of the university. He lauded the support of the FUMUL for the donation, adding that the gesture is “the first of many donations” from the US-based organization.

Data Synergy, LIBTELCO, Connect Schools To Internet...Ink Three-Tear Deal

The INSIGHT newspaper reads that the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LIBTELCO) is expected to rollout the much talked about SchoolConnect Internet service that seeks to provide affordable high-speed internet connectivity with Wi-Fi access to schools, training centers, and universities, under a partnership arrangement. Data Synergy, a local Liberian Technology company headed by Mr. Nyenoh Waylee as the Chief Executive officer, has signed a three year contract with LIBTELCO- for the much publicized -SchoolConnect Internet Service.Speaking during the contract signing ceremony; which was held in the conference room of LIBTELCO on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, the Corporation’s Business Development and IT Service Management Consultant, Jay Kesselee Fatormah explained that the partnership shall require both LIBTELCO’s management and school/university administrations to work together; so as to sustain the high-speed internet connectivity, which has unlimited data.He mentioned that LIBTELCO’s core mission is to provide access to affordable and reliable communication platform; as evident of the expected Internet Service; which will be rollout at various learning institutions, which will subscribe for minimum fee of US$3 per student per semester (4 months) for high schools, and US$5 for universities, and professional schools with unlimited data.

FFW Presents US$13K To Benson Hospital

The leadership of the Foundation For Women (FFW) yesterday, August 20, 2018, presented a check of US$13,000 to the administration of Benson Hospital in Paynesville, outside Monrovia, to renovate and restore basic medical services following a recent fire disaster that destroyed the upper floor of the hospital. At the presentation ceremony held in the office of Dr. Jimi Benson, Founder and Proprietor of the hospital, FFW’s Operating Officer David F. Beyan said the money was presented to the hospital’s administration in fulfillment of the commitment made by Ms. Deborah Lindholm of FFW International. According to Mr. Beyan, the money was Madam Lindholm’s way of fulfilling her commitment to renovate the hospital following the fire disaster. Yesterday’s donation was the second the leadership of FFW International has made to the hospital since it was gutted by fire, according to the DailyObserver.