The Costa Quagmire Vs. The Irony Of Professed Free Speech In Liberia
MR. COSTA, it may be recalled, fled the country in 2020 after a writ was issued for his arrest amid allegations from the government that the talk show host allegedly, fraudulently obtained a laissez passer travel document. SEVERAL CRITICS and media watchdogs wasted no time in slamming the administration for its position on the issue. THE PRESS UNION OF LIBERIA has already begun consulting its lawyers for legal opinion to inform its position on the government’s statement against Radio Bushrod (D-15) regarding the Costa saga. It appears that Mr. Weah is continuing the trend set by his predecessors regarding freedom of speech, reminiscent of the dictatorial tendencies that leave many unanswered questions about the President’s words vs. actions and promises versus implementation. THE LATEST SAGA involving the Weah government and Mr. Costa raises a lot of questions and contradicts every commendable declarations Mr. Weah has made both prior to his election and its aftermath.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 25, 2021 07:27 UTC
Liberia: An Analysis of The Issues Likely to Redefine, Reshape – or Alter the Outlook of the Ruling Coalition for Democratic Change-led Government’s Agenda
By Rodney D. Sieh, [email protected]Said President Weah: “As we open our doors to all foreign direct investments, we will not permit Liberian-owned businesses to be marginalized. The President himself acknowledged last January in his annual message that Liberia’s next-door neighbors are ahead of the curve. Over the past two years of the Weah administration, the economy faced uncertainty due to declining mining exports and rising inflation and currency depreciation. WATER & ELECTRICITYRocked by inconsistent supply of electricity to residents of Monrovia and its environs, President Weah, last March, demanded more efficiency and productivity. 2 of the government’s Pro-Poor agenda, road connectivity is one of the major aims of the Weah administration.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 25, 2021 07:15 UTC
Liberia to Become First Country to Power TRANSCO CLSG Transmission Lines As Weah-led Government Lauded for the Support
Liberia to Become First Country to Power TRANSCO CLSG Transmission Lines As Weah-led Government Lauded for the SupportMONROVIA – Liberia would be the first country among the TRANSCO CLSG nations to commission transmission lines from the Ivory Coast that would bring into the country 225kv volts to compliment the Mount Coffee Hydro for affordable and widespread electricity distribution in throughout Liberia. This, according to the TRANSCO CLSG General Manager Mr. Mohamed Sherif, would not have been possible without the commitment from the Government of Liberia, especially the Minister of Finance and Development Planning. He said at the inception of the government, the project was about 20 percent but it is currently at about 97 percent nearing completion from Mah in Ivory Coast to the Mount Coffee substation. There is a 225kv substation in Yekepa which the LEC would connect to to supply electricity in Nimba. “From Buchanan we come to Mount Coffee is the biggest among the CLSG substations in the four countries.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:56 UTC
Liberia: APM Terminals Concession Agreement Review Delays amid Tariff Increment, But Company Assures Win-win for All
We appreciate your partnership and look forward to even more positive engagements this year,” APM Terminals stated in its advisory. During the hearing, scores of lawmakers also recommended the revision of APM Terminals concession agreement signed with the Liberian government in a bid to reflect present day realities. “There was an agreement between the shareholders of APM Terminals and the GOL. He pointed out that APM Terminals believes that any revision of the concession agreement should be beneficiary to both the government and the company. “If for instance the government says APM Terminals is not allow to adjust tax for the next five years, then the government will have to propose certain terms that will ensure that APM Terminals will not be short-changed over the five years period.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:55 UTC
VP Jewel Howard Taylor Rallies Liberian Women to Capture 50 Percent Legislative Seat Come 2023
Monrovia – Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has pledged her unflinching support to the women of Liberia in ensuring they grab at least 50 percent of seats at the Liberian Legislature comes 2023. The Vice President made the aspiring statement when she serve as installation officer of the Women’s NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) Board members’ induction ceremony on Friday. “If we do not look forward to get women in position of trust, we will continue to be where we are. And that is incumbent Senator Nyonblee Karngar Lawrence of Grand Bassa County, currently the only female Senator at the 54th Legislature of Liberia. Meanwhile, other officials inducted include Facia B. Harris, First Vice President, Marayah Fyneah, Second Vice President, , Miatta D. Thomas, General Secretary, Laura Bee-Kiekpo, Treasure, Victoria T. Koiquah, member and Salome Tulay also member.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:45 UTC
Liberia: What Went Wrong and Right in Lofa 2020 Senatorial Race?
With approximately 276,863 population, according to the 2008 national census, Lofa county comprises six tribes, including Lorma, Mandingo, Gbandi, Kissi, Kpelle, and Mende. In the just-ended mid-term senatorial election in the county, 11 candidates were cleared by the National Elections Commission to contest the lone senatorial seat. When things appeared to be falling apart against her ambitions, Madam Fofana finally defected and tried to resuscitated a dying political party – ALCOP of ailing Prof Alhaji G.V Kromah. On social media, one analyst known as Samuel K. Boy pointed out that Boakai has taken even more than he has given back to Lofa County. Jallah consistently the second place winner to the Lofa County Senatorial election in his third pursuit.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:33 UTC
Liberia: Weah @ Mid-term: The Achievements Thus Far
That historic ceremony came on the heels of an overwhelming victory where the legendary icon won 14 of the 15 political subdivisions (Counties) of the country. “I George Weah, Your New President, I Will Not Let You Down, I Will Not Make Liberians Spectators In Their Own Country, I Will Connect Liberia With Paved Roads,” the President said amid unceasing applauses. Within hours of taking over the presidency, Weah issued an ultimatum to outgoing government ministers and civil servants to return all government equipment, including cars, or face arrest. Such moves were applauded by the media and the public at large and raised hopes of a change in political culture. Foreign aid also began to decline in 2016 with the end of the Ebola crisis, creating foreign exchange and inflationary pressures.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:33 UTC
Dr. Cassell Inspires Young Liberians; Donates Food And Cash To Vulnerable Youths, Others At “World Trade Center”, Pelhum Building In Monrovia
Dr. Cassell Inspires Young Liberians; Donates Food And Cash To Vulnerable Youths, Others At “World Trade Center”, Pelhum Building In MonroviaMONROVIA – Renowned Liberian humanitarian Dr. Daniel E. Cassell has inspired young Liberians to adequately utilize their skills and remain hopeful of a brighter future, despite the numerous challenges they are presently encountering in the country. He provided several bags of rice and gallons of cooking oil to the less fortunate Liberians and presented the amount of L$50,000 each to the two groups. Earlier on, the President of ALIPROSEC, Mustapha K. Metzger, commended Dr. Cassell for the gesture. He dispelled rumors that the “World Trade Center” serves as the epicenter for the falsifying of significant documents in Liberia. At the Pelhum Building in Monrovia, the less fortunate youths commended Dr. Cassell for extending help to them at the time they are in dire need.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:33 UTC
Liberia: NaFAA Sets Deadline For Paddle (Kru) Canoes Operators
The government of Liberia through NaFAA reached the decision over the weekend following a three-day consultative meeting held at the Mesurado Pier on Bushrod Island with paddle canoe representatives (Kru Fishing Chiefs) outside Monrovia from January 20-23, 2021. The adjustment in paddle canoes fishing license fees was done in consultation with representatives of the various fishing communities (Kru fishing Chiefs) across the nine coastal counties (Cape Mount, Bomi, Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa, River Cess, Sinoe, Grand Kru, and Maryland). The more than 30 fishing Kru Chiefs in attendance at the consultative meeting declared their commitment in ensuring the full compliance of all paddle canoe operators across the nine coastal counties in Liberia. They vowed to ensure that all Kru canoe operators cooperate with government through NaFAA to enhance the already existing transformation within the fisheries sector. Meanwhile, the Kru fishing chiefs have lauded the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority administration for being willing to incorporate them in the fight against illegal fishing.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:11 UTC
Liberia: Simeon Freeman Donates to Grand Bassa Football Team
Recently players of the Grand Bassa team were leaving their camping ground due to the lack of support from the county authorities. Making the donation, Simeon Freeman encouraged the players not to give up though they are not being supported. Coach Ottis Tarnue, coach of the Grand Bassa County team spoke out. The Chairman of the Grand Bassa Sport Association, (BSA) Jerry Vonyeegar could not hold his smiles as he greeted Mr. Freeman in a friendly manner. After making the donation to the team, Simeon Freeman however promised the players more of his support if the team will win their pending game against Margibi County.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 20:26 UTC
Liberia: Woods Foundation Awards Eight Scholarships From Welcome Tournament
MONROVIA – The Prince & Tawa Woods Foundation has awarded eight scholarships in Logan Town. The community have welcomed me and wholeheartedly received my gesture,” said Prince Woods. Woods said he has never been afraid to return to his community unlike some Liberians, who harbored fears for good or bad reasons. As long as there is a God, we always put those things [fear factors] behind us,” added Woods. St. Edward defeated St. Matthew by 46 to 40 points while Bushrod Bulls lost by 41 to 47 points to All Stars.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 12:22 UTC
Liberia: Musa Bility Elected Chairman of Liberty Party
GBARNGA – The opposition Liberty Party has elected Musa Hassan Bility as chairman to pilot the affairs of the party. Those elected along with Bility were Rugie Barry, Vice Chairman for Administration, J. Elder Jallah, Vice Chairman for operations, Eric Augustine Frederick, Vice Chairman for Inter-Party and NEC Affairs and senator Abraham Dillon, Vice Chairman for Political and Legislative Affairs. Yougie, Vice Chairman for Planning, Policy, Policy and Programs, Cllr Kuku Y. Dorbor, Vice Chairman for Gender and Social Policy, Prince A. Toles, Vice Chairman for Mobilization and Martin S. Kolah, National Secretary. “This is not the Liberty Party that we fought for.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 23, 2021 23:48 UTC
Liberia: Liberty Party Chairman Steve Zargo Resigns amid Ongoing Convention
MONROVIA – Opposition Liberty Party Chairman Senator Steve Zargo (LP –Lofa County) has resigned his position as Chair of the party. Addressing a news conference Friday, he said, it now appears to him that his continuous service as a chairman of the Liberty Party may not serve the spirit, intent and purpose which Cllr. Senator Zargo failed to recognized the political leader, Senator Nyounblee Karnga-Lawrence’s efforts to his leadership. According to Article 6 of the Liberty Party revised constitution, the Standard Bearer shall be the leader and Chief Representative Spokesperson only during election year. However, if the Standard Bearer is not elected President, the Standard Bearer position shall cease to exist ninety (90) days immediately after the presidential election, and the Standard Bearer automatically becomes the political leader”.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 23, 2021 18:29 UTC
Liberia Returnee Network Vocational Training Program Graduates 106 Student, Most of them Women
Graduates of the Liberia Returnee Network Vocational Training Program at the Cycle 6th held at the Jubilee Praise Church on the Old RoadMonrovia – Liberia Returnee Network Vocational Training Program, a vocational institution training program established by a group of Liberian professional volunteers who returned from exile (refugee camps) has graduated 106 students, mostly women from its cycle 6th training program. The Liberia Returnee Network Vocational Training Program Cycle 6th graduating ceremony was held at the Jubilee Praise Center Edifice on the Old Road. He called on the graduates to use the skills they have acquired and contribute to society. It’s an asset that you have acquired and you will take it with you wherever and whenever,” Representative Morris said. Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Liberia Returnee Network Vocational Training Program Tyrone Taigar Marshall says as a professional returnee volunteers group, their desire is to contribute to the rebuilding process of Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 23, 2021 00:11 UTC
Liberia: Financial Mismanagement at CARI –General Auditing Commission Audit Report
MONROVIA – The General Auditing Commission (GAC) has identified multiple issues of significant materiality that affect the operations of the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 in the audit report recently released to the National Legislature. According to the audit report, payments amounting to US$47,922.50 were made in the name of CARI Finance staff rather than the vendors / service providers or the authorized representatives. The audit further noted a variance of US$59,369.29 between the total amounts disbursed to CARI as per the Fiscal Outturn Report 2019/2020 and the total amount received as per the Expenditure Report. Therefore, given the nature of this transaction, the GAC has referred this matter to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission for further investigation. The total salaries paid in the names of the separated staff for the period under audit was US$14,006.85.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 22, 2021 23:58 UTC