Liberia’s Agricultural Growth: 198,000 Farmers Supported by New Government Initiatives
By Amos HarrisMONROVIA – Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah has announced that approximately 198,000 crop farmers across Liberia have directly benefited from government-supported agricultural extension services. Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Minister Piah outlined the diverse range of support provided to these farmers. Minister Piah reported that cultivated farmland has grown by approximately 6,000 hectares nationwide. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) continues to support Liberia through its “Hand in Hand” Initiative. This includes the “One Country, One Product” approach, which is specifically designed to strengthen agricultural value chains and enhance Liberia’s potential to compete in export markets.
Source:GNN Liberia
January 09, 2026 19:53 UTC
Changing The Dry Season Narratives
This article focuses on the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s preparedness to supply sustainable, uninterrupted electricity during the dry season. In short, the current management team at the LEC has initiated a concerted transformation, aiming at overcoming the chronic outages and load shedding during the dry season. Coffee’s two new turbines under consideration (raising its capacity toward 150 MW), LEC is developing a 20 MW solar farm at the same site, expected to be commissioned in early 2026. Expanded Power Imports and Thermal CapacityTo sustain the supply, Liberia has also tapped into regional and independent power producers (IPPs). With still much to do, the Management’s preparedness, sustained political commitment, and continued donor backing, Liberia’s electricity supply is now in much stronger shape for the dry season than at any point in the past decade.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 19:05 UTC
Liberia: NEC Slams Upper Bong Protest, Rejects ‘County-Native’ Demand for Elections Magistrates
Monrovia – The National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia has strongly condemned a protest staged at its Upper Bong County Magisterial Office, describing the action as unlawful and based on false and misleading claims. The Commission dismissed the claims as “disparaging, unsubstantiated, and unsupported by the Elections Law of Liberia,” stressing that no legal provision requires Elections Magistrates to be appointed based on birth county or native status. Addressing concerns raised during the protest, the Commission clarified that the current Elections Magistrate for Upper Bong County, Mr. Alfred W. Tokpa, is a seasoned and long-serving NEC staff member who previously served as a Regional Coordinator. His appointment, the NEC emphasized, was made in full compliance with the Elections Law. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to independence, credibility, transparency, and professionalism in the administration of public elections across Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 19:05 UTC
Young Liberian Humanitarian Commences Modernization of Schools In District 16
Monrovia – Young Liberian humanitarian Fate Bobby Tapson has commenced the modernization of various public and private schools in electoral district # 16, Montserrado County. He pointed out that the gesture is intended to foster the provision of quality education to Liberia’s future leaders in a better atmosphere. He said Liberian children must have better access to quality education and learn under favorable conditions as compared to their counterparts across the African continent. Currently, Tapson is undertaking the elevation of the St. Paul Bridge Junior High Public School to senior high. According to him, the gesture is intended to enhance learning and teaching activities at one of the oldest public schools on Bushrod Island.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 19:00 UTC
Liberia: Labour Minister Kruah Seeks Reconciliation Among Workers In 2026
Labour Minister Cllr. Coorper W. KruahLabour Minister Cllr. Coorper W. Kruah Sr. has declared 2026 ‘a year of peace, reconciliation and unity’ among workers in order to achieve the ARREST AGENDA of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. They further commended Minister Kruah for the recent ‘Season Food Packages of one bag of rice and financial soup kind distributed among the workers, describing it as ‘unprecedented in the history of the Ministry’. For their parts, Deputy Labour Ministers for Administration and Assistant Minister for Regional Labour Affairs, Othello P. Mansuo and Madam Daybah Johnson, among other Senior Staff, welcomed the Minister’s call for reconciliation and urged the workers to see each other as family members.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:55 UTC
Liberia: Customs Brokers Slam GTMS Over ‘Exorbitant’ Fees, Accuse Commerce and Industry Ministry of Stifling Trade
Mr. Hinneh alleges that brokers are now being billed between $5,000 and $20,000 USD for equipment that historically carried a standard fee of just $190 USD. “These charges are unreasonable, arbitrary, and run contrary to internationally recognized shipping practices,” Mr. Hinneh stated. Mr. Hinneh argued that “flat racks,” specialized containers used for oversized loads, must be classified according to global maritime standards. “Even if these items were considered loose cargo, GTMS is not a cargo-handling company,” Mr. Hinneh clarified. “These actions are an embarrassment to the trading community and undermine Liberia’s credibility as a transparent, business-friendly environment,” Mr. Hinneh added.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:50 UTC
Liberia: LFA Slaps Match-Fixing Bans on Urey, Swen as Both Cry Foul
According to the association, the sanctions stem from investigations into two league fixtures Paynesville FC vs. Freeport FC and Shaita Angels FC vs. Paynesville FC in which the committee said evidence established deliberate attempts to influence match outcomes. Eugene Swen, a registered Paynesville FC player, received a two-year ban from all football-related activities and stadium access, inclusive of a previous suspension already served. The LFA described the sanctions as a demonstration of its zero-tolerance policy toward match manipulation and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity and credibility of domestic football competitions. “Despite this politically driven ruling, Shaita Angels will stand firm,” Urey said. Both Urey and Swen are expected to pursue appeals through the appropriate channels as the controversy continues to unfold.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:45 UTC
Liberia: County Meet Quarterfinals: Grand Kru, Montserrado Share Points as Grand Bassa Girls Thrash Bong County
Dominant and energetic, Grand Kru kept Montserrado under pressure throughout the first half, controlling large spells of possession. Grand Bassa Bounce Back in StyleIn late Group Stage kickball clash, Grand Bassa bounced back emphatically after an opening defeat to Grand Kru, thrashing Bong County 8–0 home run at the Samuel K Doe sports complex. The spotlight now shifts to the decisive clash between Nimba and Grand Bassa, which will determine who advances to the semifinals. Meanwhile, Bong County will host Grand Kru, knowing only a win can keep their semifinal hopes alive. With the quarterfinal group stage wide open, all teams remain in the hunt, promising an exciting climax to this year’s County Meet.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:45 UTC
Minister Bangalu Hails Security, Rule of Law as Major Successes of 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet
J. Cole Bangalu, has described the preliminary and quarterfinal stages of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet as “excellent and successful,” citing enhanced security measures, strict adherence to the rule of law, and improvements in sports infrastructure as key contributors to the milestone achievement. Minister Bangalu expressed gratitude to President Joseph N. Boakai for supporting the project, describing it as a “milestone achievement.”“We are playing night games today because of the installation of the new digital LED floodlights,” Minister Bangalu said. Addressing criticism, Minister Bangalu cautioned against the spread of misinformation and irresponsible commentary, describing such acts as “strategic negativity” that could undermine national unity. The Minister further called on participants, county officials, team managers, supporters, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the rules governing the National County Sports Meet. “The success of the National County Sports Meet belongs to all of us,” Minister Bangalu
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:39 UTC
Liberia: Gov’t’s Flagship Development Program Under Scrutiny as IMF Warns of Implementation Risks After USAID Shutdown
The warning comes amid growing concern over the feasibility of the AAID’s ambitious financing envelope. The IMF said that pressing ahead with the plan in its current form, without adjusting to declining partner support, could expose the economy to severe risks. Strengthening public investment management and improving implementation capacity were also highlighted as critical steps to ensure value for money and rebuild confidence among development partners. A significant portion of this projected financing was expected to come from international partners, including USAID and other bilateral donors. According to Harleyson, the IMF has not stated that the AAID is unachievable or advised that it be abandoned.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:30 UTC
Liberia: War Crimes Court Office Submits Long-Awaited Bills to Justice Minister Amid Dispute With Civil Society
Jallah Barbu, executive director of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court of Liberia, presenting draft bills for a war and economic crimes court and a national anti-corruption court to Oswald Tweh, Liberia’s justice Minister. Credit: War Crimes Court Office. Summary:The Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court of Liberia has submitted draft bills for a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court to the justice minister, following weeks of public dispute with leading civil society advocates. The submission comes after a coalition of advocates independently presented their own war crimes court bill to a Senate committee in December. “Liberian laws do not address questions of war crimes.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:30 UTC
Liberia: Ex-Defense Minister Samukai Calls for Fiscal Discipline, Eyes 2029 Political Comeback
Monrovia — Liberia’s former Minister of National Defense, Brownie Jeffrey Samukai, says sustained economic growth depends largely on the government’s ability to minimize revenue leakages that continue to undermine national development. Samukai, a veteran security and economic policy figure, served as Defense Minister for 12 consecutive years under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Speaking on Thursday on the Truth Breakfast Show, Samukai said the government must take the lead in holding itself accountable. Service Over CreditAddressing ongoing debates over which administration initiated certain development projects, Samukai dismissed the argument as unnecessary and counterproductive. The reason the people took their decision in 2020 has not changed, and I am very convinced and determined,” Samukai added.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:25 UTC
Liberia: House To Open 2026 Legislative Session At Providence Baptist Church In Historic Return
Following the flag-raising and parade ceremonies at the Capitol Building grounds, members of the House of Representatives will proceed to the Providence Baptist Church for the official opening sitting. Richard Nagbe Koon, will deliver his official opening statement, outlining the legislative agenda for the Third Session. The Providence Baptist Church holds deep historical significance, having served as the meeting place for Liberia’s earliest lawmakers long before the construction of the Capitol Building. The unprecedented opening session at Providence Baptist Church is expected to signal a renewed focus on accountability, national reflection, and people-centered governance as the 2026 legislative calendar officially begins. The House has clarified that its presence at Providence Baptist Church on Monday is solely for the official opening ceremony and does not constitute a venue for regular legislative sittings, which will continue at the Capitol Building.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:20 UTC
Liberian-Born U.S. Citizen Hospitalized After Alleged Rough Encounter With ICE Agents in Minnesota
MINNESOTA, U.S. – A Liberian-born, naturalized United States citizen, Emmanuel Sackie, says he was injured and hospitalized following an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, an incident that has raised fresh concerns about the treatment of citizens during immigration enforcement operations. Sackie said he was inside the store when his fiancée, Amanda Tuonyon, called to inform him that immigration agents were surrounding their vehicle. Tuonyon told reporters that the agents claimed the vehicle was registered to someone named Joseph. “I am a legal citizen, and this is my first time being in handcuffs in my whole life,” Sackie said. He told WCCO News that he was taken to an undisclosed location and later released.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 17:30 UTC
Liberia: ERU Sergeant Arrested After Parking Dispute Turns Violent, Leaves Two Injured in River Gee
The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 7, when Sergeant Beweh, who was en route to Maryland County, made a brief stop in Kanweaken. Local motorcyclists reportedly attempted to explain the restriction, but Sergeant Beweh allegedly insisted that the vehicle remain there, leading to a heated argument. Upon his return, Sergeant Beweh reportedly renewed his demand to park in the restricted area, while the motorcyclists maintained that doing so would violate police instructions. In an attempt to assert control, Sergeant Beweh allegedly discharged his firearm several times—first into the air and then into the ground. Confirming the incident, Assistant Commander of Police (ACP) Theophilus Toe Togba said Sergeant Beweh has been arrested and is undergoing investigation.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 17:25 UTC