By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]Both Findley and Lawrence represent Grand Bassa County in the 55th National Legislature, and their long-simmering political rivalry appears to be resurfacing. “Attacking Senator Findley, who is not in the race, will not help anyone,” he said. “That silence is meant to make me irrelevant in Grand Bassa,” he alleged. Tailings ControversyFindley also revisited the contentious issue of iron ore tailings in Grand Bassa County, insisting that proceeds should benefit local communities. The issue escalated after Pro Tempore Lawrence requested President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to intervene, alleging irregularities.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has reassigned former Minister of Youth and Sports, Cllr. According to the Executive Mansion, President Boakai has appointed Cllr. President Boakai noted that these realities require a more robust and coordinated institutional response. President Boakai expressed confidence in Bangalu's ability to lead the Commission into this new phase, citing his legal background, administrative experience, and record of public service. In a related development, President Boakai has nominated Attorney Cornelia W. Kruah as Minister of Youth and Sports, replacing Bangalu at the ministry.

WGS 2026 HostsHigh Level Investment Forum Latin America & Caribbean, and World Laureates Summit’s Global FirstThe 2026 edition of the World Governments Summit (WGS) will host the largest ever international participation since its inception and convene several landmark forums, underlining its rising global stature and significance. Taking place on 3-5 February, the largest event of its kind to be hosted in collaboration with the World Laureates Association, will bring together laureates and world leaders to shape science-led solutions targeting pressing global challenges. The outcomes of the World Laureates Summit will be announced during WGS 2026. The World Governments Summit 2026 will be held from 3-5 February under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’, with the largest international participation in the Summit’s history. The World Governments Summit 2026 agenda features 24 specialised global forums dedicated to anticipating future trends across vital sectors.

Strengthening State Street’s Growth in Qatar and QNB’s International PresenceState Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) and QNB Group today at the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced a strategic alliance to introduce a new custody servicing model in Qatar. Under this co-operation agreement, State Street and QNB Group have agreed to collaborate, with service agreements to be finalized and executed at a later date. “By leveraging State Street’s world-class global custody and value-added services, we are significantly enhancing our operational capabilities and service offering. State Street has a total of $12.92 trillion in asset under custody / administration and $841 billion of asset under management in EMEA. With $65 billion in assets under custody, QNB Custody serves a diverse client base, including global custodians, financial institutions, asset managers, and government entities.

James T. BrooksCONGO TOWN, MONROVIA — In a poignant display of national solidarity, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., paid a formal condolence visit to former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The President described the loss of Mr. Taylor as a “painful and profound” blow to the family and the nation. “In moments of personal grievance, we must find strength in our shared humanity,” President Boakai remarked. Charles Philip Taylor, Jr. was known not only for his prominent lineage but also for his personal professional achievements. The Executive Mansion has indicated that the government will continue to stand in support of the former Vice President during this period of bereavement.

MONROVIA — The Ministry of Labour has formally summoned the managements of Bao-CHICO and China Railway Development to a high-level conference to address critical deficiencies in labour administration and workplace standards. Key among the concerns is the companies’ compliance with alien registration protocols and the acquisition of work permits for expatriate employees. To facilitate a comprehensive review, the Ministry has mandated both firms to produce an extensive list of documentation during the conference. These requirements include copies of their Concession Agreements with the Government of Liberia, all sub-contractual agreements, and valid work permits for every expatriate staff member. Bao-CHICO is currently engaged in major mining activities in Gbarpolu County, while China Railway Development is tasked with the critical construction of a railway corridor in Gbarpolu and a new port facility in Bomi County.

The foundation argues that the court is overstepping its authority, asserting that no criminal case or legal action currently exists to justify such a demand. The dispute centers on a Writ of Subpoena Duces Tecum issued at the request of the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force, led by Cllr. However, in a motion to quash filed through General Manager Jackson P. Gbamie, the foundation contends the writ is a legal nullity. Because there is no civil action, criminal indictment, or formal petition currently filed against the foundation in Criminal Court ‘A’, the organization argues the court lacks the subject-matter jurisdiction to enforce the order. Constitutional and Due Process ConcernsBeyond procedural technicalities, the Clar Hope Foundation raised a significant constitutional objection.

James T. BrooksMONROVIA — In a strategic move to strengthen institutional capacity, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has nominated Attorney Cornelia W. Kruah as the new Minister of Youth and Sports. The Executive Mansion announced these changes as part of a comprehensive effort to reposition key government institutions to better address emerging national, regional, and global challenges. According to the Executive Mansion, President Boakai is repositioning the commission to respond more effectively to complex migration dynamics. Attorney Cornelia W. Kruah moves to the Ministry of Youth and Sports with a robust background in executive administration and law. The Executive Mansion emphasized that Liberia is currently at a “pivotal moment” requiring strong leadership and institutional realignment to meet both present and future demands.

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“We are working hand-in-hand with the government of Liberia,” she said. “Together, we believe this compact will stimulate economic growth and truly benefit the Liberian people.”

Liberians fear that the chronic load shedding that shattered their businesses could be back very soon, but LEC says there is no need to fear.

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MONROVIA — The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission has cleared suspended Director General of the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), Christopher D Sankolo, of all allegations of corruption bringing to a close months of investigation and public debate following his suspension by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai. After completing the process, the LACC concluded that there was no probable cause to pursue legal or criminal proceedings against the suspended LACRA Director General. Under Sankolo’s administration, the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority was also recognized as the leading government agencies in the implementation of the Performance Management and Compliance System. Sankolo was suspended from his position at LACRA by President Joseph Boakai in June 26, 2025 to allow the investigation to proceed without interference. Under Sankolo’s administration, the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority was also recognized as the leading government agencies in the implementation of the Performance Management and Compliance System.