Author: Staff Writer

Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) has firmly rejected allegations of corruption concerning the contractual agreement with RoviaGate Technology, LLC for the update and implementation of the budget management system for Fiscal Year 2024. The allegations, initially reported by Spoon FM, have been described by the Ministry as baseless and misleading. RoviaGate Technology, LLC, a wholly Liberian-owned integrated information technology (ICT) firm, was awarded the contract following strict adherence to the regulations outlined in the Public Procurement and Concession Act of 2010. The Ministry emphasized that the selection process was transparent and lawful. According to…

Monrovia, Liberia – As leaders of various Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions strategize on enhancing productivity and prioritizing employees’ welfare, the Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye, has announced significant structural changes aimed at ensuring greater efficiency and effectiveness within his ministry. According to a press statement from the Ministry, Minister Paye has expanded the media arm from a single-person operation to a unit with a staff strength of four. This expansion is part of a broader initiative to enhance the Ministry’s visibility and ensure the public is well-informed about its activities and developments. “Given the workload at the Ministry,…

The recent announcement by Commerce Minister Amin Modad that the price of a 25kg bag of rice will increase from $17 to $18.50 has stirred significant unrest among Liberians. This price hike, set to take effect on May 21, 2024, is attributed to India’s tariff increases on rice exports, a move initially announced in July 2023. However, critics argue that the real culprit behind this surge is a failure of leadership and effective governance. India’s decision to ban non-basmati rice exports and impose a 20% export duty on various rice types has indeed disrupted the global rice market. These measures…

Monrovia, May 20, 2024 – After enduring 44 years of unanswered questions and unresolved grief, the family of slain Liberian President William R. Tolbert, Jr., is now embarking on a journey to finally lay him to rest with the dignity he deserves. Plans are underway to obtain permits for the exhumation of his remains, along with those of 13 other officials who fell victim to the April 12, 1980 coup. Dr. Richard V. Tolbert, son of the late President Tolbert, has disclosed that the family, along with relatives of the other deceased officials, is in the process of securing the…

Monrovia, Liberia – In a thrilling match at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, Liberia’s U-17 Women’s team secured a 2-0 victory over Senegal, advancing to the fourth round of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers on away goals. The aggregate score was tied at 3-3, but Liberia’s crucial away goals saw them through to the next stage. The match, held on May 18, 2024, saw standout performances from Louise Brown and Dalphine Glao, whose goals ensured the home side’s progression. Brown opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box, while…

Monrovia, Liberia – The global rice market is facing significant upheaval as India, one of the largest rice exporters, has increased tariffs on rice production to 22%. This move is expected to cause a ripple effect, driving up rice prices worldwide, including in Liberia. According to sources, the Liberian government has already taken proactive steps by holding discussions with major rice importers to stabilize the market. The Minister of Commerce, Amin Modad, convened an emergency meeting with importers to address the impending crisis and ensure that rice remains available and affordable for Liberian consumers. “The government is committed to keeping…

Monrovia, Liberia – May 15, 2024 The Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) has announced the commencement of a significant and controversial inspection and enforcement exercise, set to begin on Monday, May 27, 2024. This initiative comes after a period of community awareness campaigns that many residents and business owners feel were insufficient and poorly communicated. The MCC claims its primary objective is to ensure compliance with City Ordinances, improve sanitary conditions, and enhance the overall appearance of Monrovia, but critics argue that the plan is rushed and lacks proper consultation with the affected communities. The enforcement exercise will target key areas…

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, a prominent political figure widely considered the natural successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was declared dead on Monday morning following a helicopter crash in the East Azerbaijan province. The tragic incident, which also claimed the lives of other senior officials, has left the nation in mourning. Ebrahim Raisi, 63, had a storied career marked by his deep connections within Iran’s judiciary and religious elite. Known for his hardline and religiously conservative views, Raisi’s political journey began long before he ascended to the presidency in 2021. Early Years and Rise to Prominence Raisi’s journey began…

Gbarpolu County, Liberia – May 15, 2024 – Senator Amara Konneh is set to begin a comprehensive thank you tour across Gbarpolu County following his victory in the 2023 General Elections. Konneh, who secured 31.1% of the votes against his closest competitor Alfred Koiwood’s 24.9%, will visit various districts to express his gratitude to the voters who entrusted him with their mandate. The tour, which will span several weeks, is scheduled to kick off with major events in Bopolu, Gbarma, and Belleh Districts. These events are expected to draw large crowds as constituents gather to hear from their newly elected…

Former Vice Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and Campaign Spokesperson for the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Cllr. Kanio Gbai Gbala, has taken up a new role as the Chief of Office Staff in the office of the newly elected Grand Gedeh District 1 Representative, Jeremiah Sokan. In a strategic move aimed at bolstering the efficiency and effectiveness of his office, Representative Sokan has appointed Cllr. Gbala, recognizing his extensive experience and expertise in both the anti-corruption sector and political campaigns. Cllr. Gbala’s appointment is viewed as a significant development, given his notable background in key leadership positions.…