Author: Akoi Baysah

By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. Harare, Zimbabwe- The Director General of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), Mr. Bemanya Twebaze, today officially opened the practical sessions for the 18th cohort of the Masters in Intellectual Property (MIP) program, jointly offered by ARIPO, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Africa University. Speaking at the opening, Mr. Twebaze emphasized the critical role of intellectual property knowledge in driving Africa’s socio-economic development and strengthening human capital. “Building expertise in IP is not just an academic exercise; it is a strategic investment in Africa’s future, empowering innovators, creators, and policymakers,” he said.…

By Abraham K. Morris, Sr. Liberia’s political memory is a fragile thing. One flattering speech, one nostalgic holiday, one sentimental Facebook post — and suddenly we’re polishing the statues of a leader whose records deserve interrogation, not incense. The growing chorus claiming William V. S. Tubman as “the Best President in Liberia’s history” is a prime example of how mythology can eclipse measured history. And because political history is not a playground for national fantasy, the counter-narrative must carry equal weight, equal evidence, and far more honesty. What follows is not a personal attack on Tubman. It is a sober,…

By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), in collaboration with the OECD’s Tax Inspectors Without Borders, Criminal Investigation (TIWB-CI) program and tax experts from Sweden and Kenya, has successfully concluded the second Joint Tax Crime Investigation Mission in Liberia, marking another milestone in the country’s fight against tax evasion and financial crime. According to LRA issued release, the weeklong mission brought together investigators and technical specialists from the LRA, the Financial Intelligence Division (FID), the Swedish Tax Agency (STA), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), as well as representatives from the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Ministry of…

By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The Chairperson of the National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC), Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah, is participating in a high-level Digital Era Conference bringing together prominent women leaders from across Africa. The conference, hosted under the auspices of the Global Leadership Academy for Women, has convened delegates from 35 African countries to explore the evolving role of women in leadership, technology, and governance. The gathering forms part of a broader effort to strengthen women’s participation in decision-making spaces across the continent. Discussions during the sessions have focused on the need for greater intentionality in promoting women’s…

By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The Alternative National Congress (ANC) has sharply criticized the Unity Party–led government for what it describes as misplaced priorities, accusing the administration of focusing on expanding party headquarters while Liberians continue to endure worsening economic and social conditions. In a statement issued Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the ANC expressed “profound disappointment” over the government’s alleged failure to address the rising cost of living, high unemployment, deteriorating basic services, and persistent infrastructure challenges. According to the ANC, rather than implementing policies to ease the daily struggles of ordinary citizens, the Unity Party is “channeling resources and…

By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) has concluded a high-level study tour to Mauritius, marking a major step in its efforts to strengthen Liberia’s global competitiveness through improved Special Economic Zones (SEZ) development. The mission was supported by the World Bank, funded by the Liberia Investment, Finance, and Trade (LIFT) Project. The study tour, coordinated by the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius, provided LSEZA with critical insights into globally recognized SEZ governance structures, investment promotion strategies, and logistics operations. These insights are expected to inform Liberia’s emerging SEZ framework and help drive private-sector–led…

By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The International Development Law Organization (IDLO),a U S backed institution has donated a consignment of high quality Samsung tablets to the Liberia National Police to boost the country’s fight against Trafficking in Persons (TIP). IDLO Country Manager, Chinyelumgo Okoh, applauded the strong and longstanding partnership with the LNP, funded through the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) since 2018, which she said continues to advance investigations, expand public awareness on human trafficking, and improve the quality and accuracy of national trafficking data. The new devices are expected to enhance digital case…

By: Joseph Kerkula The Government of Liberia has sharply responded to recent comments by Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, dismissing his assertions against the Unity Party-led administration as misleading, inconsistent, and lacking constructive value. Speaking during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs Daniel Sando criticized the senator’s remarks, describing them as “blind criticism that does not reflect the realities of the government’s ongoing development agenda.” Sando argued that Senator Snowe’s comments stand in stark contrast to his own political activities. He pointed to the senator’s recent…

By : Jeremiah Binda Bong County District #2 Representative James Kolleh has voiced strong opposition to President Joseph Boakai’s draft legislation seeking to abolish harmful cultural practices, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Speaking to journalists in Gbarnga during ongoing discussions on the proposed bill, Rep. Kolleh argued that Liberia’s cultural traditions “cannot be abolished,” insisting that eliminating such practices would undermine the identity and heritage of indigenous communities. The lawmaker stated that if the legislation reaches the House of Representatives for debate, he will “strongly vote against it.” He further proposed that, rather than pursuing outright abolition, the government should…

By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC), through its Geo-Information Services (GIS) Section, has begun the first phase of confirming local government subdivisions across three southeastern counties, Maryland, Grand Kru, and Sinoe. The exercise is designed to verify the inventory and composition of all localities within these subdivisions and serves as a critical precursor to the upcoming Boundary Delimitation Review Process. The confirmation mission brings together a broad range of local and national stakeholders, including District Superintendents, Commissioners, Mayors, Paramount and Clan Chiefs, Township Commissioners, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs,…