Author: Staff Writer

The Government of Japan has donated 3,294 metric tons of assorted rice to Liberia, valued at over 300 million Japanese yen, or approximately US$1.5 million. This donation, part of the Japanese KR Food Aid program, aims to support Liberia’s socio-economic development through monetization. At the official handover ceremony on June 18, held at the C. Cecil Dennis Auditorium of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japanese Ambassador to Liberia, Mochizuki Hisanobou, emphasized the strong and enduring relationship between Japan and Liberia. “Liberia and Japan share a wonderful relationship of mutual support and respect,” he said. Ambassador Hisanobou highlighted the Japan Food…

MONROVIA – President Joseph Boakai has named Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi as the Executive Director of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court. Highlighting that this appointment aligns with the recently established Executive Order, President Boakai voiced his confidence in Massaquoi’s capability to expedite the court’s full implementation. “The creation of this office and the War and Economic Crimes Court marks a historic milestone in our fight against corruption and impunity in Liberia,” remarked President Boakai. “I believe that tackling these destructive practices will foster peace, sustainable development, and prosperity. You are expected to put forth your best efforts to…

A potential conflict is emerging between the Legislative and Executive branches of the Liberian government following a rare outburst from Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Fonati Koffa, on Tuesday, June 18. Speaker Koffa issued a stern warning to potentially shut down the Lower House due to grievances over the withholding of benefits for lawmakers by the executive branch. The threat to shut down the first branch of government came after Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Commissioner General, Dorbor Jallah, reported that the LRA had exceeded its revenue target by nearly US$8 million, marking an over 7 percent increase. “As…

On May 3, 2024, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) announced the launch of a call for applications for the National Digital Training Program, part of the Liberia Digital Transformation Project. The announcement, made via LTA’s official Facebook page, highlighted that the deadline for applications was June 1, 2024. The training, aimed at equipping 10,000 young people with skills in General Digital Skills, Digital Marketing, E-commerce, and Digital Survey, also promised up to USD 250,000 in support for startup tech businesses. “The Liberia Digital Transformation Project is now accepting applications for the FREE National Digital Training Program,” the memo read. “Our…

MONROVIA, Liberia—Since taking office five months ago, President Joseph Boakai has focused on his 100-day deliverables, with a significant emphasis on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Experts highlight WASH as vital for the safety, health, and overall well-being of Liberia’s citizens. Among Boakai’s key commitments were plans to “connect 250 households to the public water supply network” and to “purchase necessary quantities of chemicals for maintaining clean water supplies.” Additionally, he promised the deployment of “sewage desludging trucks with rodding equipment and appropriately trained staff.” Anthony Myers, Deputy Finance Minister for Fiscal Affairs, reported substantial progress, stating at a recent…

Monrovia, Liberia — Last week, Martin Kollie tendered his resignation from President Joseph Boakai’s Asset Recovery Team, citing concerns over the President’s susceptibility to influence from individuals who did not contribute to his election victory. Kollie, a key figure in Boakai’s ascent to power, has publicly severed ties with the administration, criticizing the regime on Spoon FM and declaring his departure from Boakai’s metaphorical “rescue train.” However, insider sources suggest that Kollie’s departure may be driven by personal ambitions rather than principled objections. According to these sources, Kollie had his eyes set on representing Liberia at the International Maritime Organization…

Monrovia, June 14, 2024 – The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) has firmly dismissed circulating reports suggesting that former Chief Justice Gloria Musu-Scott, currently incarcerated, has been granted compassionate leave. These rumors, MICAT asserts, are unfounded and counterproductive. Former Chief Justice Gloria Musu-Scott, once a respected figure in Liberia’s judiciary, has been embroiled in a tragic and highly publicized legal case. Musu-Scott, along with three family members, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of her niece, Chaloe Musu. The case has captivated public attention, casting a shadow over the former Chief Justice’s illustrious career.…

Monrovia, June 14, 2024 – In a significant move to safeguard Liberia’s staple food supply, President Joseph Boakai inaugurated the Rice Committee, charged with ensuring the availability and stability of rice prices on the local market. This initiative is a direct response to recent proposals by rice importers to hike prices, a plan President Boakai promptly halted to protect the economic interests of Liberians. Rice is not merely a dietary staple in Liberia; it is deeply woven into the nation’s history and politics. The critical importance of this commodity was dramatically underscored during the Rice Riots of April 14, 1979.…

The Ministry of Gender and Social Protection has released alarming statistics revealing that children as young as ten years old are involved in acts of sodomy across the country. Nimba and Bong Counties are reported to have the highest incidences. Addressing the media during the MICAT press briefing on Thursday, June 13, Gender Minister Gbeme Kollie expressed deep concern over the findings. “What may have triggered such deviant behavior, especially involving kids, is a matter of grave concern,” Minister Kollie stated. She emphasized the need for immediate action to address the root causes and protect vulnerable children. The report highlighted…

The National Disaster Management Agency has issued a grave warning to Liberians, predicting heavy rainfalls in the coming weeks and urging residents to prepare for potentially devastating floods and windstorms. Following a daylong rainfall on Monday that wreaked havoc in Monrovia, Paynesville, and other regions, dozens of residents found themselves grappling with the aftermath of flooding, with some forced to evacuate their homes. Ansu Dorley, Director of the Disaster Management Agency, characterized Monday’s flooding as merely a glimpse of the impending challenges, emphasizing the urgency for communities in disaster-prone areas to take preemptive measures. In a press conference held on…