Author: Staff Writer

Monrovia, May 29, 2024 – In response to the recent fluctuations in rice prices and the looming threat of further increases, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has formed a dedicated committee to address the pressing issues surrounding Liberia’s staple food. This initiative aims to ensure that rice remains available and affordable for all Liberians. The newly established Committee on Rice has been tasked with several critical responsibilities designed to stabilize the rice supply chain and boost local production. Among its primary objectives are: Formulating Policies for Steady Supply: The committee will develop comprehensive strategies to maintain a constant and reliable supply…

Monrovia, May 28, 2024 – In a celebration of emerging talent, Minister of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Jerolinmek M. Piah, awarded prizes to the top three finalists of the Rising Stars Talent Hunt competition. This nationwide talent show, launched on December 28, 2023, in collaboration with popular Liberian musician Friday-the-Cellphone-Man and his dance crew, aims to discover and promote new talents across Liberia. During the awards ceremony held at the Ministry of Information on Wednesday, Minister Piah emphasized the abundance of talent in Liberia across various fields such as sports, artistry, and music. However, he noted that more…

MONROVIA, May 28, 2024 – Last week, Eric Akoi, the former Director of Procurement at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), came forward with detailed allegations against Deputy Minister for Administration (DMA) Hon. Bill McGill Jones. Akoi, who was dismissed under contentious circumstances, claims that his refusal to engage in questionable procurement practices led to his ousting. The allegations center on the controversial Budget Management System contract, marking the first major corruption scandal under President Joseph Boakai’s administration. Akoi’s allegations revolve around the Budget Management System contract, originally negotiated at US$180,000. He alledged that Deputy Minister Jones unjustifiably…

MONROVIA, May 28, 2024 – Representative Sumo Mulbah, District #3, Montserrado County, and Co-Chairperson of the Youth Legislative Caucus, is set to travel to Bonn, Germany, to participate in the SB-60 conference. This study tour aims to initiate the process of legislating for carbon pricing in Liberia, a crucial step towards addressing climate change and fostering economic growth. SB-60, or the 60th session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), is a key conference under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It serves as a platform for negotiating…

MONROVIA – The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Yin Chengwu, has announced a new phase in China-Liberia relations, marked by promising development opportunities. Speaking at a reception themed “Keeping in Mind the Original Aspirations of China-Liberia Relations to Move Forward Together” last week, in Monrovia, Ambassador Chengwu highlighted the strong leadership and strategic guidance of both nations’ presidents. He affirmed China’s readiness to work closely with Liberia to seize these opportunities and advance their partnership. Ambassador Chengwu emphasized that China will continue to foster engagement at all levels and sectors, expressing hope for a meeting between President…

Monrovia, Liberia – The CDC-COP has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Amos Tweh, demanding that he choose between his roles as Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) and Secretary General of the Unity Party. This directive comes amid allegations of multiple violations of Liberia’s Code of Conduct, including conflicts of interest and failure to declare assets. The CDC-COP, known for its vigilant stance against corruption and legal violations, has accused Mr. Tweh of breaching Part V, Section 5.8 of the Code of Conduct, which prohibits presidential appointees from engaging in active political management. The organization insists that…

Monrovia, Liberia –President Joseph Boakai and his administration are currently being accused of exerting undue pressure on Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Governor Aloysius Tarlue, Jr., to resign in favor of Boakai’s nephew, Henry Saamoi. This move, reportedly driven by personal and political interests, has kindled widespread condemnation and raised serious concerns about nepotism and the integrity of Liberia’s financial governance. Reliable sources within the government have revealed that Governor Tarlue has been subjected to harassment, intimidation, and relentless pressure to step down from his position. Facing an untenable situation, Tarlue is reportedly planning to resign, clearing the way for…

Monrovia, Liberia – South African businessman Robert Gumede, already a controversial figure due to his checkered past in business dealings across Africa, is now at the center of a storm in Liberia. His recent visit to the country, which saw the signing of a letter of intent for a major infrastructure project, has been overshadowed by concerns about his ethics and the propriety of his actions. Liberty Corridor: A Project Tainted by Suspicion In February, Gumede’s Guma Africa Group Ltd, in partnership with High Power Exploration Inc. (HPX) and the Liberian government, announced plans to develop the Liberty Corridor. This…

In a recent press statement, the Revolutionary National Youth League of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) expressed grave concerns over the escalating rice crisis in Liberia, alongside broader economic challenges facing the nation. The statement, issued after weeks of silence, did not address accusations of mismanagement of campaign funds against the Youth League Chairperson, Emmanuel Johnson. With the price of rice soaring to unprecedented levels, the Youth League highlighted the failure of the Unity Party government to implement effective measures to address the crisis. The statement criticized the government’s perceived indifference, emphasizing the critical importance of rice as a…

As South Africa braces for what promises to be its most closely contested election in three decades of democracy, the political landscape is buzzing with anticipation and speculation. With former President Jacob Zuma ineligible to run, attention turns to the array of contenders vying for the nation’s leadership. Scheduled for May 29, the elections are expected to draw over 27 million registered voters, presenting a pivotal moment for the country’s political trajectory. More than 50 parties are in the running, each striving to secure seats in parliament, which ultimately determines the presidency. Here’s a glimpse into the profiles of some…