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Ganta – Afriland First Bank Liberia has taken a step toward redefining its future with the hosting of its 2026 Staff Strategic Retreat in Ganta. According to Mr. Mbumen, the retreat symbolized the moment when Afriland First Bank set its direction with clarity and invited every staff member to actively participate in the journey ahead. Mr. Mbumen explained that Afriland First Bank is adopting an integrated performance framework that aligns institutional goals with team and individual targets, ensuring clarity in execution. Mr. Mbumen explained that Afriland First Bank is strengthening its commitment to digital ethics and data protection, ensuring that automated decisions are transparent, auditable, and fair. He said the 2026 retreat represents the moment Afriland First Bank collectively chose to step confidently into its future.

From January 27–30, thirty-five Circuit and Specialized Court Judges representing all sixteen judicial circuits convened in Buchanan for the Judges Peer-to-Peer Review and Accountability Training, an initiative organized by the James A. A. Pierre Judicial Training Institute. “IDLO is pleased to support this initiative because it directly advances judicial accountability,” said Chinyelumugo Okoh, IDLO Country Manager. A Step Toward Sustained ReformThough the training lasted only four days, its impact is expected to ripple across Liberia’s judicial system. Judges will carry new skills back to their circuits, share knowledge with peers, and contribute to reforms through the Judicial Training Institute.

MONROVIA – Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Ngafuan, has declared that Liberia’s recent economic progress is producing real and measurable benefits that are directly impacting markets, households, and communities across the country. According to him, the administration’s economic narrative is anchored in facts that demonstrate steady recovery and improved fiscal discipline. Addressing infrastructure development, Ngafuan rejected the notion that investments in roads and energy fail to address the immediate needs of ordinary Liberians. He argued that infrastructure development is not about political capital but about economic survival. The Finance Minister urged Liberians to assess national progress based on tangible impact rather than political narratives.

MONROVIA –The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has commenced the settlement of outstanding financial obligations owed to media institutions across Liberia. By Selma Lomax, [email protected]The payments, which began approximately two weeks ago, relate to unpaid bills for publication, advertising, and communication services rendered by media institutions to various government agencies over the years. The move follows repeated assurances by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, that the government would honor all legally verified debts owed to media institutions. The commencement of payments comes against the backdrop of persistent concerns raised by the Publishers Association of Liberia over delays in settling government obligations to media houses, particularly debts inherited from past administrations. The Association has on several occasions warned that prolonged non-payment places serious financial pressure on media institutions, limiting their ability to pay staff, maintain operations, and invest in quality journalism.

He described the current economic hardship as no longer a policy problem, but one of “implementation, enforcement, and trust.”Brown’s primary recommendation is the immediate formation of a high-level task force designed to break the “cartel behavior” currently stifling the local economy. He proposed that the body include the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), the Ministry of Transport, the LPRC, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA). He noted that “small market cups” of rice the primary way low-income families purchase the staple remain prohibitively expensive. Bakery Goods: Despite the drop in flour prices, the cost of bread and local pastries remains high, impacting low-income households and school-aged children. Local Goods: Commodities like cassava, pepper, and charcoal are becoming unaffordable, which Brown attributed to high transport costs and exploitation by middlemen.

The regional bloc emphasized that Liberia’s success reflects not only national progress but also collective West African solidarity within the African Union framework. Beyond expressions of support, ECOWAS outlined specific expectations for Liberia’s engagement on the Council, calling on the country to champion key African priorities, particularly the operationalization and full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719. ECOWAS believes Liberia’s voice on the Council will be critical in pushing the process forward and translating the resolution into practical outcomes. The regional bloc also urged Liberia to actively support Africa’s economic agenda, including advocacy linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area. Liberia last served on the Security Council in 1961 during a negotiated one-year term, a period that contrasts sharply with the contemporary two-year non-permanent membership secured through a competitive General Assembly vote.

The transition comes at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the outsourcing and managed services landscape. The leadership appointment reinforces confidence among clients, partners, and employees, while supporting TASC Outsourcing’s next phase of growth focused on scalable service delivery and operational excellence. As part of this strategy, the Group will be increasing its footprint as a Managed Services Provider (MSP) across both TASC and AIQU and respond to growing demand for flexible, AI-enabled managed services in the region. His appointment supports TASC Group’s ambition to help enterprises accelerate AI adoption and modernize their technology and operating models. Commenting on the appointment, Mahesh Shahdadpuri, Chairman of TASC Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Jayajyoti as our CEO at a pivotal stage in TASC Group evolution.

Monrovia – The legal firestorm surrounding the eligibility of FC Fassell President Cassell Anthony Kuoh to contest the upcoming Liberia Football Association (LFA) elections has reached the nation’s highest temple of justice. By: Christopher C.Walker 0777898224/0886723075, [email protected]Sources close to Kuoh indicate that a petition filed before the Supreme Court of Liberia seeks a definitive interpretation of the LFA Statutes in light of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia. The Supreme Court has reportedly given the LFA’s legal team ten days to respond to the petition. “The Liberia Football Association receives money in the national budget. Constitutional Provision Core ArgumentArticle 2 The Constitution is supreme; any LFA statute inconsistent with it is void.

MONROVIA – FC Fassell’s transformation under Fabio Lopez has been nothing short of remarkable. For Lopez, a coach with two decades of experience spanning multiple continents, his assessment of the team’s current form is not arrogance, but a reflection of reality. “At this moment of the league, we are unplayable,” he stated boldly. Five or six clubs are waiting for someone to make a mistake.”While the club has eyes on the CAF Champions League, Lopez knows continental ambitions hinge entirely on domestic dominance. “If you talk about the CAF Confederations Cup or Champions League, it means I need to win the title here first.”

MONROVIA – The President of the Liberia National Handball Association (LNHA), Aratus G. Larkpor, has issued a stern call to coaches and athletes participating in the 2026 National Handball League, urging strict adherence to competition rules to ensure a seamless and successful season. Larkpor commended the level of sportsmanship witnessed during the previous season, describing the conduct of coaches and players as a positive foundation for the sport’s growth in Liberia. He emphasized that technical skill alone is insufficient, noting that responsible behavior on and off the court remains a mandatory requirement for anyone wearing a handball jersey in the national league. With Liberia looking to increase its footprint in continental handball, Larkpor noted that the 2026 season is a critical evaluation period for national team scouts. He lauded the referees for their performance during the previous campaign and expressed confidence that they will maintain high levels of professionalism and neutrality throughout the 2026 season.

Rather than allowing the setback to stifle his efforts, Minister Jabateh has chosen to redirect the resources to other vulnerable populations in urgent need. The Minister remained steadfast during the ordeal, emphasizing that the initiative was born of pure compassion rather than a partisan agenda. “We have no political interest in this gesture,” Minister Jabateh stated. “As an Assistant Minister of Local Government, it is our responsibility to make meaningful contributions to our people when they are in need. In addition to his humanitarian efforts, Minister Jabateh addressed the public’s concerns regarding the recent evictions.

Prize underscores Emirate’s global commitment to science, innovation and advanced materials researchHis Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today awarded the Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials Science during the 17th International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM), one of the world’s leading forums for advanced materials research. Presented on day two of IWAM, the Prize recognizes exceptional contributions to materials science and its applications in addressing global challenges. The Sheikh Saud Prize reflects His Highness’s belief in science as a cornerstone of human progress and sustainable development. The workshop’s program of lectures, discussions and academic exchange reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term commitment to research, education and innovation. Awarded biennially, the Sheikh Saud Prize is a central pillar of IWAM and honors individuals whose work has delivered global impact.

By Amos HarrisDespite renewed government commitments to enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, Liberia continues to struggle with deep-seated structural and coordination challenges that jeopardize progress toward global sanitation targets. Yarngo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Commission (NWASHC), during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The CEO’s remarks shed light on the daunting scale of the sanitation crisis, particularly within urban and peri-urban communities where basic infrastructure is largely non-existent. As Liberia prepares to implement its 2026–2030 sanitation roadmap, the NWASHC head called for stronger political will and increased participation from the citizenry. Nevertheless, analysts caution that without sustained funding, stricter enforcement of regulations, and genuine institutional synchronization, the country’s ambitious sanitation goals may remain out of reach.

Speaking during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Deputy Minister Sando issued a stern warning against what he characterized as the selective adherence to the law. While the Deputy Minister acknowledged the significant hardship and emotional toll faced by these families, he maintained a firm distinction between executive policy and judicial enforcement. In an effort to prevent future disputes, Deputy Minister Sando concluded his address by urging Liberians to exercise extreme caution during land transactions. He advised citizens to seek rigorous legal guidance to navigate the complexities of property ownership and to avoid falling victim to fraudulent sales. As public discontent persists, the handling of these evictions remains a critical test of the state’s ability to balance legal integrity with its duty to safeguard its people.