Author: Akoi Baysah

By Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) at the Poynter Institute has strongly condemned the recent U.S. decision to deny visas to European public officials and civil society leaders, calling it a “disturbing departure from historic principles of free expression.” The bans reportedly target individuals for their professional contributions to information integrity, a move the IFCN describes as antithetical to democratic values. “These officials are being personally targeted for their civic participation under laws passed by their own democratic governments, including the European Union’s Digital Services Act,” the IFCN statement said. “Their work, ranging from exposing coordinated…

By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The family of a 14-year-old girl who in September 2025 reported an alleged statutory rape involving Bryant McGill, then Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, has formally requested access to the full investigation report and supporting evidence from the Liberia National Police (LNP). According to legal counsel, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, the request follows the public release of the LNP’s final investigative report on January 12, 2026, which concluded that McGill was not culpable. The police reportedly conducted extensive investigative measures, including forensic and technical analyses both locally and internationally. In a letter to Police…

By Jeremiah Binda A jury at Criminal Court “C” on Tuesday unanimously convicted two former senior officials of the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) for stealing more than US$100,000 in public funds, marking a significant development in the government’s fight against corruption and economic crimes. The convicted officials are Lawrence George, former Deputy Director General for Administration, and Dominic Paye, former Comptroller of LISGIS. The crimes were committed in 2024 during their tenure at the institution under the administration of former President George Manneh Weah. According to a report from the court, jurors ruled that the prosecution…

By: Wilfred Duosi At least 156 students of the William V.S. Tubman University in Harper, Maryland County, are set to benefit from a financial aid program initiated by Liberian businessman and humanitarian Dorbor Bedell. Mr. Bedell, a native of Maryland County, announced the initiative while speaking on The Daily Show, a sister program of Cape News. He said the decision to support students at Liberia’s second state-run university is driven by the current economic challenges facing the country and his desire to give back to his people. LAccording to him, investing in education is a critical step toward building the…

By Laymah Kollie The Liberian Senate has announced plans to review the controversial salary harmonization policy implemented during the administration of former President George Manneh Weah, a move that could reopen national debate over public sector pay cuts that affected thousands of civil servants. The salary harmonization exercise, carried out in August 2019 under the Weah-led government, impacted an estimated 10,000 civil servants across various ministries, agencies, and commissions. The policy formed part of broader public financial management reforms intended to address wage disparities within government. At the time, former Minister of Finance and Development Planning Samuel D. Tweah Jr.…

By: Wilfred Duosi Employees of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) have received a major transportation boost following the provision of a National Transit Authority (NTA) bus aimed at reducing the high cost of commuting to work. The Managing Director of the LAA, Ernest R. Hughes, made the disclosure on Monday during a presentation ceremony held at the Authority’s head office at Roberts International Airport (RIA). He explained that the decision to acquire the NTA bus was reached in consultation with members of the LAA Board of Directors. According to Director Hughes, many employees have faced persistent challenges in commuting to…

By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA), also known as the National Archives of Liberia, has successfully concluded a three-day technical assessment in Voinjama City, Lofa County, aimed at strengthening institutional relationships and evaluating the operations of its county facilities. The assessment, which took place from January 7 to 9, 2026, was conducted to foster cordial working relationships with CNDRA staff, key stakeholders, and county authorities, while also obtaining firsthand information on the performance and challenges of the agency’s local operations. The technical team was led by Mr. Gabriel N. Domah, Deputy Director…

By Akoi M Baysah, Jr. Palm Farm Community residents in Central Louisiana District number one Montserrado County have benefited Ninety Thousands Liberian Dollars and Ten Bags Cement from its Representative Rugie Y. Barry as a contribution towards a bridge construction project. Making remarks over the weekend, Louisiana Township, Council Chairman, Moses Dennis Bolay said achievements are made when people entrusted with power work together with citizens, adding that it easily allows progress to sail. “This is how development works, when leaders and citizens work together, progress becomes possible.” Bolay has stressed that the money and the cement donated are meant…

By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has filed a motion requesting the recusal of His Honor Joe S. Barkon from presiding over the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Abdullai L. Kamara, citing concerns over judicial neutrality and the appearance of impartiality. In a statement released Monday, the Commission confirmed that a motion to advance the case on the trial docket of the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court has been granted. As a result, the matter is scheduled to be heard today, January 12, 2026, While acknowledging the court’s decision to expedite the hearing. The LACC disclosed that it…

The Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA), commonly known as the National Archives of Liberia, has officially launched an ambitious Five-Year Strategic Development Plan aimed at modernizing the country’s documentary heritage and repositioning the institution for national and global relevance. The plan was unveiled during a ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Sinkor, where Director General D. Nelson Bearngar described the occasion as a historic milestone in the ongoing transformation of the National Archives. According to Bearngar, the document—titled “Five-Year Strategic Goals”—will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening the agency’s capacity to effectively execute its statutory…