Author: Staff Writer

Monrovia, Liberia – A new and deadly drug known as the “zombie drug” is wreaking havoc across Liberia, particularly among the nation’s youth. This lethal combination of synthetic opioids and other dangerous chemicals has resulted in a surge of fatalities, sparking alarm among public health officials and the wider community. What Is the Zombie Drug? The term “zombie drug” refers to a potent and hazardous mix of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, and xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer. Fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, has been a significant contributor to the global opioid crisis due to its…

As part of an ongoing audit commissioned by President Joseph Boakai, the General Auditing Commission (GAC) has uncovered significant financial irregularities during the tenure of former President George Weah. The audit, which covers the six-year period from 2018 to 2023, has revealed unapproved disbursements by the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) for the 2019 Independence Day celebrations, totaling USD 580,000. The GAC audit found that on July 24, 2019, the CBL disbursed USD 200,000 to the Liberia National Police as part of the Bank’s contribution to the July 26 celebrations. A day earlier, on July 23, 2019, USD 300,000 was…

In a shocking turn of events, Eric Akoi, the former Director of Procurement at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has come forward with detailed allegations against Deputy Minister for Administration (DMA) Hon. Bill McGill Jones. Akoi, who was dismissed from his position under contentious circumstances, has provided a comprehensive rebuttal to Jones’ claims regarding the controversial Budget Management System contract. In an exclusive statement, Akoi outlines the sequence of events leading up to his dismissal and argues that his refusal to engage in questionable procurement practices led to his ousting. The Budget Management System Contract Controversy The…

Monrovia, Liberia – The Council of Patriots (CDC-COP) has launched scathing allegations against the Joseph N. Boakai administration, accusing it of corruption and neglect in the face of soaring rice prices. In a press release issued today, the CDC-COP condemned the government’s failure to subsidize rice importation, leading to increased hardships for the Liberian people. The statement, signed by the National Executive Council of the CDC-COP, criticized Minister of Commerce Amin Modad’s characterization of rice importers as an untouchable cartel. The CDC-COP alleges that Modad’s dual role as Commerce Minister and CEO of a rice importing venture represents a clear…

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…