Author: Akoi Baysah

-Urges Budget Boost to Sustain GrowthBy: Matalay KollieThe Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) hasregistered notable milestones in Liberia’s agricultural sector under theleadership of Dr. Arthur Karnuah. This was the central message from CARI’s CommunicationsDirector, Papa Morris, during a recent appearance on a local radio program inGbarnga.Morris outlined a series of operational and strategicreforms that have reinvigorated CARI’s mandate, citing enhanced internalsystems, increased donor confidence, and direct farmer engagement as keyindicators of progress.Among the standout reforms is the introduction of abiometric attendance system that has streamlined employee monitoring andimproved institutional discipline. Equally transformative is the strengtheningof internal controls, which Morris said…

By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, H.E. Dr. Indira Lopez Arguelles, haspaid a courtesy visit to Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye,in Monrovia. The meeting, which took place on Friday, marked the first officialinteraction between the two officials and is expected to lay the foundation fordeeper cooperation between both nations.Minister Paye welcomed the Ambassador warmly and emphasized the significanceof the visit, noting that it represents Cuba’s growing interest instrengthening ties with Liberia. He highlighted the shifting global landscape, where countries areincreasingly embracing a multipolar world order that values sovereignty andmutual respect.“The world…

By: Laymah KollieThe Plenary of the Liberian Senate has given Labor Minister Cllr. CooperKruah a two-week deadline to submit a comprehensive list of all work permitsissued by the Ministry of Labor.This decision follows persistent concerns raised by Montserrado CountySenator Abraham Darius Dillon, who accused the Ministry of issuing over 8,000work permits to non-Liberians without clearly defined job categories ordescriptions. Senator Dillon contended that such practices undermine the rightsof qualified Liberians to gain employment.Minister Kruah appeared before the Senate on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, butfailed once again to produce the requested documentation. His noncomplianceprompted the Senate’s latest mandate.During the session, Senator…

By: Laymah Kollie Liberia’s Ambassador-Designate to theUnited Arab Emirates, Mohammed Dukuly, faced intense scrutiny during his Senateconfirmation hearing today over allegations of past corruption.Senator Jonathan Boy Charles Sogbie of River Gee County questioned Dukulyregarding a corruption scandal dating back to the transitional government ofGyude Bryant. According to Senator Sogbie, Dukuly was declared a fugitive after reportedlyfleeing Liberia and refusing to participate in an investigation into theallegations.Dukuly, who served as a senator from 1997 to 2003, was later appointed asLiberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Organization forMigration (IOM) from 2004 to 2005. Reports indicate that during his time at theIOM, Dukuly, along…

By: Abraham K. KollieA visually impaired student, Joe Moses Kpaklah who has earned a Bachelor’sDegree in Primary Education from Cuttington University, is seeking financialsupport to cover his graduation expenses, estimated at over $640.Kpaklah’s academic journey is more than a personal milestone, it is apowerful symbol of perseverance and the capabilities of visually impairedindividuals in Liberia, where access to inclusive education remains a majorchallenge.Despite the lack of adequate resources and infrastructure for students withdisabilities in many educational institutions, Kpaklah has defied the odds. Hissuccess underscores the urgent need for stronger support systems and greaterinvestment in inclusive education across the country.As he…

By: Akoi M Baysah, Jr.The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, has reaffirmed its commitment toregional integration, good governance, and institutional collaboration ascritical pillars in advancing the ECOWAS Vision 2050.This was underscored by Chief Dr. William D. Towah, Director of Finance andAdministration, during his goodwill message at the opening ceremony of theFirst Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2025, held at theParliament’s headquarters in Abuja.Speaking on behalf of the Court’s President, Hon. Justice Ricardo CláudioMonteiro Gonçalves, Dr. Towah emphasized the ECOWAS Court’s readiness tostrengthen cooperation with the ECOWAS Parliament in pursuit of a peaceful,inclusive, and prosperous region.“Our presence here is…

By: Bryan DiohThe Maryland Youth Association is appealing for increased support to boostrice production in the county, stressing the urgent need for farming equipmentto expand operations and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s food security.Speaking to journalists, the association’s president, Melvin Weah,reaffirmed the group’s commitment to complementing the Ministry ofAgriculture’s efforts in strengthening local food production. However, hecautioned that without timely intervention and access to essential tools, theirambitions could stall.“We have a dream to help make Maryland County self-sufficient in foodproduction, particularly rice. But that dream is at risk without adequateequipment to support our work,” Weah said.According to him, the association has…

By: Ben TC BrooksThe Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has arrestedthree women during a drug search and seizure operation in Tienpo Nyonken, RiverGee County.The arrests occurred on May 19, 2025, during a routine LDEApatrol in Tienpo Statutory District, a densely populated area known for activemining operations.According to the LDEA, the operation led to the discovery ofa significant quantity of illegal substances at the suspects’ residence. Items confiscated included half a plate of compressed marijuana, six wraps ofmarijuana, and a bottle of King Juice reportedly laced with marijuana. Thetotal street value of the drugs is estimated at LRD 15,600.The suspects have…

By: Theo WilliamsThe Ministry of Public Works has stepped up its road rehabilitation effortsacross Monrovia, with major progress reported on the 72nd Road in Paynesville.This initiative is part of a broader national agenda aimed at improving roadconnectivity, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing the capital city’soverall infrastructure.According to the Ministry, the 72nd Road holds strategic importance due toits location and the high volume of daily commuters. It serves as a vital linkbetween several residential communities and key commercial areas. Once completed, the rehabilitation is expected to bring significant reliefto both motorists and pedestrians who have long endured poor road conditions.Construction crews…

By: Stephen N. Sonpon In an effort to strengthen Liberia’s fight against corruption and promotetransparency in public asset management, the Center for Media Studies andPeacebuilding (CEMESP) and the Liberia Asset Recovery and Property RetrievalTaskforce (AREPT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) tocollaborate on public awareness and civic engagement efforts.The agreement outlines joint initiatives including town hall meetings, radiotalk shows, and policy brief development, targeting Nimba, Bong, Montserrado,and Grand Bassa Counties. These platforms aim to educate citizens on thebenefits of asset recovery, encourage public dialogue, and highlight governmentefforts to address impunity.Speaking at the ceremony, CEMESP Executive Director Malcolm Joseph describedthe…