Author: Julius Konton

By: Julius Konton Two Liberian advocacy groups have urged their government to criminalize Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), warning that the continued tolerance of the practice violates national and international human rights laws. The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) and the Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI), both members of the Dignity Consortium, delivered their joint appeal before the 85th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in The Gambia this week. The organizations described FGM as a severe human rights abuse that inflicts lasting harm on women and girls. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), FGM…

By: Julius Konton In a landmark address on Wednesday, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. officially launched the Automated Legal Power of Attorney (LPA) System, signaling a new era of digital transformation and civil service reform in Liberia. The initiative revives a once-vital welfare scheme for government employees, now modernized to reflect the administration’s vision for an inclusive, accountable, and people-centered public sector. Speaking at a high-level ceremony in Oldest Congo Town, President Boakai declared the launch a “new day for all government workers,” emphasizing the significance of the LPA as a symbol of restored dignity and economic empowerment. “Today, we…

By: Julius Konton President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. on Tuesday formally welcomed five newly appointed ambassadors to Liberia, underscoring the country’s ongoing efforts to broaden its international partnerships and deepen global engagement. At a credential presentation ceremony held in the Cabinet Room of the Executive Mansion, President Boakai received Letters of Credence from the following envoys: Guillermo Marín Gorbea, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain Mahmood Akhtar Mahmood, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mersole J. Mellejor, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, Godwin Baletum Amonzem, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana andMamadu Keta, Ambassador of the Republic…

By: Julius Konton The Director of Press at the House of Representatives of Liberia, Robert Benjamin Haynes, has extended warm congratulations to the newly elected leadership of the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA), following the organization’s 13th National Convention held in Greenbelt, Maryland, USA. Joey Kennedy was re-elected as National President of ALJA, a move that underscores the continued confidence of the membership in his leadership. Joining him at the helm is Volcano Shelton, elected as National Vice President, who brings significant experience and a renewed perspective to the association’s executive team. Other elected officials include Successful…

By: Julius Konton The Executive Mansion has officially launched its 2025–2026 Communication Internship Program, marking a major step in advancing public sector communication and youth empowerment in Liberia. Held at the Executive Pavilion on Broad Street, the event gathered senior government officials, media professionals, development partners, and representatives from academia and civil society. Themed “Building the Future of Public Communications Through Access, Integrity, and Innovation,” the initiative aims to provide young Liberians with hands-on experience in strategic communication, digital media, and public information management within the Office of the President and other government institutions. Speaking on behalf of President Joseph…

By: Julius Konton InQuest Liberia has hailed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for what it calls a courageous and principled decision to veto eleven controversial local government bills recently passed by the National Legislature. The bills proposed the establishment of nine new townships in Nimba County and two new districts in Nimba and Lofa Counties. According to InQuest Liberia’s Executive Director, Matthais Yeanay, the President’s action demonstrates a steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law, administrative integrity, and the spirit of the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018 — Liberia’s cornerstone legislation for decentralization and local governance reform. In…

By: Emmanuel Toe ​The Political Leader of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), Representative Musa Bility, has announced a major initiative to petition the Liberian National Legislature for a series of constitutional amendments, focusing on reducing the terms of elected officials and increasing the retirement age for Supreme Court Justices. Representative Bility unveiled the plans while meeting with members of the Liberian community in Minnesota over the weekend. The proposed changes, he argued, are necessary to accelerate national development and give Liberian citizens more frequent opportunities to hold their elected representatives accountable. ​Under the Representative’s proposal:​House of Representatives: Terms would…

By: Julius Konton Financial crime is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and Liberia is stepping up to confront it on the global stage. The Head of Liberia’s Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Mohammed Nasser, emphasized the need for innovation, compliance, and international collaboration in the battle against sophisticated financial threats. Speaking at the Global FIU Leadership Conference in Bern, Switzerland, Mr. Nasser said Liberia’s inclusion in the high-level summit signifies the nation’s growing commitment to modernizing its financial intelligence systems and aligning with global standards. “As financial crime continues to evolve, Liberia’s presence at the table of global decision-makers signals our…

By: Julius Konton The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) has elected a new corps of leaders at its 13th National Convention, re-electing Joey Kennedy as National President for a second two-year term. In his keynote address, Mr. Kennedy called on Liberian media professionals to play a pivotal role in promoting private sector investment as a means to drive sustainable economic growth and national development in Liberia. Citing the convention’s theme, “Private Sector Investment: A Key to Sustainable Economic Growth and Development in Liberia – The Role of the Media,” Kennedy emphasized the media’s power to shape public…

By: Julius Konton The Office of the President of Liberia is expected to officially launch the Executive Mansion Communication Internship Program today, Monday, for the 2025–2026 cycle. The initiative, which will be implemented through the Department of Public Affairs within the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, is aimed at nurturing a new generation of communication professionals committed to enhancing public service delivery. To be Launch under the theme “Building the Future of Public Communications Through Access, Integrity, and Innovation,” the program is designed to provide students and young professionals with hands-on experience in public communication, media relations, and government…