Author: Julius Konton

By: Julius Konton In a bold move that has reignited national debate over governance, patronage, and institutional decay, Liberia’s Civil Service Agency (CSA) has rolled out its Credential and Verification Exercise at the National Housing Authority (NHA), the 43rd public institution to undergo the controversial audit. The exercise, officially described as a government-wide reform initiative to strengthen transparency and productivity, is also exposing long-standing structural weaknesses within Liberia’s public sector, including ghost workers, misclassification of senior officials, and systemic political interference in recruitment. At the center of the initiative is CSA Director General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., whose blunt…

By: Staff Writer As Liberia continues to grapple with the complex challenges of rapid urbanization, land tenure disputes, and enforcement of zoning regulations, humanitarian and emerging political leader Julius Konton Jr., a prominent figure in District Eight of Montserrado County, has urged Liberians to refrain from politicizing the ongoing Saye demolition exercise, which has left several families homeless. Speaking amid rising public debate and political commentary surrounding the demolitions, Konton emphasized that not every national challenge should be reduced to political blame or partisan confrontation. “Not every issue or hardship must be politicized,” Konton said. “If Liberia is to grow…

By: Julius Konton Liberia has officially declared its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), seeking to represent West Africa for the 2026–2028 term, in a move that underscores the country’s growing diplomatic ambitions and renewed continental influence. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of elections scheduled for 11–12 February 2026, during the 48th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The AU Peace and Security Council, Africa’s principal decision-making body on conflict prevention, management, and resolution, plays a critical role in…

By: Julius Konton Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has mounted a robust defense of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration amid mounting opposition criticism, insisting that the government remains firmly focused on delivering tangible economic and infrastructure gains for the Liberian people. Speaking as a guest lecturer on the CLASS Reloaded show, Minister Ngafuan described President Boakai as an energetic and forward-thinking leader, deeply engaged in what he termed “big and consequential plans” aimed at correcting decades of structural underdevelopment. “President Boakai is animated. He is always thinking, thinking deeply about what Liberia should become,” Ngafuan…

By: Julius Konton As hundreds of residents displaced by the controversial demolition exercise in Sinkor struggle with homelessness amid a fragile national economy, the legitimacy, morality, and timing of the court-backed eviction have become the subject of intense national debate, drawing sharp reactions across Liberia’s legal, political, and civil society circles. The demolition centered on 4th and 5th Streets in Sinkor, one of Monrovia’s oldest residential neighborhoods has left families sleeping in the open, personal belongings scattered across streets, and an already strained urban population grappling with survival. For many victims, the eviction was not only sudden but devastatingly final.…

By: Julius Konton The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has taken a significant step toward strengthening football governance and sustainable development following the successful completion of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Football Executive Management Programme (FEMP) by its newly promoted Talent Development Scheme (TDS) Coordinator, Wind Gargar. Mr. Gargar completed the prestigious programme in Cape Town, South Africa, joining a growing cadre of African football administrators equipped with advanced leadership, governance, and management skills aimed at transforming football across the continent. A Continental Programme Shaping Modern Football Administration The CAF Football Executive Management Programme is a flagship capacity-building initiative aligned…

By: Julius Konton Liberia’s literary community marked a significant cultural milestone with the official launch of The Emperor’s Son, a historical novel by acclaimed Liberian author Vamba Sheriff, at the main auditorium of the University of Liberia on Capitol Hill. The high-profile ceremony drew government officials, academics, writers, students, and cultural enthusiasts, underscoring the growing national and international interest in African historical fiction. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Managing Director of the National Port Authority Sekou Dukuly, and Minister of State Without Portfolio Hadja Mamaka Bility, alongside senior members of…

By : Julius Konton Liberia has marked a new milestone in child-centered education and community engagement as the Kids Educational Engagement Project (KEEP Liberia) successfully hosted the first edition of its PlayFest, a vibrant, family-oriented event aimed at promoting literacy through the power of play. The day-long celebration, held at the Invincible Sports Park in Monrovia, brought together children, parents, educators, and community members in an atmosphere filled with games, physical exercises, storytelling, and interactive learning activities. Organizers described the event as both a joyful family gathering and a strategic platform to strengthen Liberia’s reading culture. Speaking at the opening…

By: Julius Konton In a heartfelt ceremony celebrating mentorship, education, and personal transformation, Ambassador Bill Rogers has paid glowing tribute to renowned educator Dr. Grace Dinkins, the woman he credits with shaping his life’s journey and inspiring his commitment to service and societal transformation. The event, marked by reflection and gratitude, highlighted the enduring power of education and mentorship in shaping future leaders. Ambassador Rogers formally presented a collection of his professional papers and records of achievements to Dr. Dinkins as a symbol of appreciation for her lifelong influence on his personal and professional development. According to Ambassador Rogers, Dr.…

By: Julius Konton West African leaders convened in Accra for a high-level consultative conference on regional cooperation and security amid mounting instability across the Sahel and coastal West Africa, with Liberia’s President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. delivering a stark warning that the region faces “no option but collective survival.” Speaking at the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security, President Boakai said recent developments in Niger, where political upheaval and security uncertainty continue to reverberate across the Sahel, serve as a “rude awakening” for the sub-region and validate the urgency of coordinated action. “Wars and violent conflicts, once started,…