MONROVIA – Marking a monumental milestone in the socio-economic and political development of post-conflict Liberia, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.  has formally received a historic petition and Executive Brief from Liberian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) requesting a statutory 0.1% Legislative Budgetary Appropriation from the National Budget to address the acute sustainability crisis facing more than 2500 civil society organizations across the country.

By Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusd.r@frontpageafricaonline.com

The high-level presentation took place at the Executive Mansion on Tuesday, September 1 during a strategic consultative engagement organized under the umbrella of the Voices of The Elders (VOTE) – Republic of Liberia.

The petition was presented on behalf of the CSO Consortium Partners for Democracy & Good Governance (PdG) by Rev. Augustine S. Arkoi, Founder/CEO of the Better Future Foundation (BFF) and Co-Chair of VOTE-R.L., accompanied by an eminent delegation of 16 Elders and 5 youth representatives led by VOTE Chairperson Elder Maureen Johnson Hutchison, alongside distinguished statesmen and women including Sister Mary Laurene Brown, Dr. D. Evelyn S. Kandakai and Hon. Rupel Marshall.

This Executive Mansion engagement represents the culmination of a rigorous, transparent, and democratic process that commenced on December 12, 2025, during the CSO Consultative Forum, where the draft CSO Sustainability Bill was formally debated, adopted and signed by civil society leaders.

Following nationwide mobilization, the petition was formally submitted to the 55th National Legislature and subsequently adopted by the House Plenary on June 24.

The presentation to President Boakai on September 1 bridges legislative adoption with Executive endorsement, positioning domestic CSO co-financing for inclusion in the upcoming national budget debates.

The presentation of the CSO Sustainability Framework comes at a profound historical moment, coinciding with Liberia’s celebration of 23 years of unbroken peace since the signing of Liberia’s Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) in Accra, Ghana on August 18, 2003, as well as the global observance of the International Day of Peace on September 2, last week.

As articulated in the keynote address by Ambassador Blamo Nelson during the 62nd National Unification Day, that was organized by BFF and CSO Partners, the Accra CPA served as a 7-Point Roadmap designed to transition Liberia from 14 years of civil devastation toward political tranquility and constitutional normalcy.

The CPA called for seven mandatory actions:

1. Ceasefire and cessation of hostilities; 2. Formation of the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL); 3. Complete disarmament and demobilization of all armed groups; 4. Appointment of an independent National Elections Commission (NEC); 5. Organization and conduct of free, fair, multiparty democratic elections; 6. Inauguration of a democratically elected constitutional government; and 7. Establishment of statutory integrity institutions to enforce laws and good governance compliance.

All citizen groupings and signatories—perpetrators and victims alike—have fully complied with the terms of the CPA, establishing over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance. However, civil society leaders emphasize that while the CPA successfully ended armed conflict, the total withdrawal of international peacekeeping missions (UNMIL) and the scaling back of major bilateral donor funding (including USAID and SIDA) have created a severe operational vulnerability for domestic non-governmental organizations.

Citing international best practices—such as statutory civil society funds established in Ghana, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and various European democracies—The CSO- PdG Consortium emphasized that domestic budgetary allocations are essential to guarantee national ownership and prevent civil society extinction.

The proposed 0.1% Legislative Budgetary Appropriation fulfills Section 7.2.1.5 of the GoL/CSO Partnership Policy and the GoL-CSO Accord (2016), which explicitly obligate the Liberian government to establish legal and financial mechanisms, including a dedicated Civil Society Trust Fund.

The framework incorporates rigorous accountability mechanisms, requiring audited financial statements, tax compliance, non-partisan affidavits, and competitive proposal evaluations by an Independent Evaluation Panel, as preconditions for CSOs to assess the funds .

Executive Brief Policy Recommendations

Alongside the CSO Sustainability Bill, the delegation submitted a comprehensive Memorandum/Executive Brief, detailing critical policy recommendations to solidify national stability:

• Promulgation of an Executive Order for an Interim National Peacebuilding and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC): The Executive Brief outlines the structural limitations of the current peacebuilding architecture, which operates as a minor unit (Liberia Peacebuilding Office – PBO) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
• An Executive Order establishing an autonomous NPRC will unify fragmented peacebuilding mandates, fulfill outstanding requirements of the 2009 TRC Final Report and the Strategic Roadmap for National Healing (2013–2030), adhere to Article 5 of the 1986 Constitution, and decentralize conflict resolution across Liberia’s 15 counties and diaspora communities.
• Institutionalization of Peace and Civics Education: The proposal calls for embedding Civics and Peace Education into school curricula nationwide to foster patriotism and civic duty among Liberian youth.
• Rapid Intervention on Environmental Security: The Brief alerts the administration to the existential threat posed by coastal erosion and Atlantic Ocean encroachment along Monrovia’s Sinkor–Congo Town land strip, urging immediate coastal defense projects to mitigate community displacement, trauma, and economic loss.

Conclusion

President Boakai expressed gratitude for the comprehensive presentations and called for a follow-up engagement with VOTE-R.L. leadership at his Rehab residence to further examine the actionable recommendations.

Speaking at the CSOs press briefing in Monrovia on Tuesday, September 29,  Veteran Educator Mary Laurene Browne, former UNDP Development Economist, Dr. Anthony Barclay and VOTE’s Chairperson Elder Maureen Johnson Hutchison and Civil society leaders and Elders remain optimistic that Executive backing for the 0.1% Legislative Budgetary Appropriation and the interim NPRC Executive Order will seal President Boakai’s legacy as a transformative leader devoted to enduring peace, national unification and sustainable democratic development.

ANC Political Leader Welcomes US$1 Billion Revenue Milestone, Calls for Greater Accountability and Improved Public Welfare

MONROVIA – The Political Leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Alexander B. Cummings, has welcomed Liberia’s achievement of surpassing US$1 billion in domestic revenue collection but cautioned that the milestone would mean little if the government’s spending priorities fail to improve the lives of ordinary Liberians.

By Augustus D.R. Bortue

Cummings said the achievement was encouraging, particularly as the government moves toward its ambitious US$1.2 billion national budget. However, he stressed that the impact of the increased revenue would depend on how the government allocates and spends the funds.

He warned that if the government continues allocating resources in the same manner as in previous years, ordinary Liberians may not experience meaningful improvements in their living conditions.

The ANC leader made the remarks in an interview with journalists on Tuesday, September 22, at the Don Bosco Youth Center in New Matadi, Monrovia.

“When the US$1.2 billion national budget was presented, there were doubts about whether such an ambitious target could be realized. Today, surpassing US$1 billion in domestic revenue collection has shown that the target was not merely an aspiration. It was achievable,” Cummings said.

Reflecting on his earlier advocacy for a billion-dollar national budget, Cummings recalled that he faced skepticism when he made the proposal during a presidential debate in 2017.

“I think it is a good thing. You know, in 2017, I said at a debate at the time that Liberia should have a billion dollars, and people were laughing and said it was not possible. It should have been a billion-dollar budget years ago, and I say now it should be two, three billion dollars,” he stated.

Cummings argued that Liberia’s budget remains comparatively small when measured against those of neighboring countries, suggesting that the country has the potential to mobilize more resources to finance development.

“If you look at our neighboring countries and where their budgets are, and you compare them with our budget, ours is still behind,” he said.

Despite welcoming the revenue milestone, Cummings emphasized that the government must ensure that increased public resources translate into tangible benefits for citizens rather than simply expanding the size of the national budget.

Calls for Accountability

Asked what message he had for Liberians, Cummings said the country could achieve more and urged citizens to remain resilient while demanding accountability from the government.

“My message to all Liberians is that Liberia deserves better. We can do better than what we have. We should not give up; we should be resilient,” he said.

He called on citizens to continue demanding results from the government, which he said bears responsibility for the welfare of the country.

Cummings also cited persistent corruption concerns and unresolved questions surrounding the Foya Project and developments at the Guinean border as issues requiring greater public scrutiny.

“We are still talking about the corruption of the country. We wrote a letter on the Foya Project, and we are not giving up on this. We still do not know what is happening at the Guinean border,” he said.

“There are a lot of challenges. We should be demanding until we get results.”

ANC Open to Opposition Unity

On the prospects of opposition political unity, Cummings described collaboration among opposition parties as important and said the ANC remains open to discussions with other political groups.

However, he cautioned that any renewed effort must take into account the lessons learned from the collapse of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), a former alliance of opposition parties.

“We have learned from the mistakes of the past of the Collaborating Political Parties. We will not repeat those mistakes. So, we will see where things go. We are open to conversation and making sure that this time it is in our interest,” Cummings said.

The CPP was established by the Alternative National Congress, Unity Party, Liberty Party and All Liberian Party to consolidate opposition support. The alliance, which was certified by the National Elections Commission in 2020, experienced internal divisions and the withdrawal of member parties before its eventual dissolution in April 2024.

Cummings Commends Youth Initiative

Cummings made the remarks while attending an awards ceremony organized by Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko Jr. to recognize outstanding young people and professionals for excellence and community service.

The initiative celebrates individual achievements while encouraging academic advancement, professional growth and youth empowerment in the district.

Cummings praised Rep. Foko for sustaining and building upon the legacy of the late former District #9 Representative Munah Pelham-Youngblood, who initiated the program.

He described the awards ceremony as a wonderful initiative and said he was inspired by what he witnessed at the event.

Cummings also commended the young people and other participants for their contributions to the district, thanking Foko for continuing the legacy of his predecessor.

For his part, Rep. Foko thanked Cummings and other dignitaries who attended the ceremony, reaffirming his commitment to sustaining the initiative in honor of the late lawmaker.

Monrovia – As geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf escalate to levels not seen in decades, the global energy landscape has been thrown into unprecedented turmoil.

By Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusd.rbortue@frontpageafricaonline.com

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions in the Red Sea have sent shockwaves through international oil markets, threatening supply chains and driving petroleum prices to historic highs.

Yet, despite these formidable challenges, Liberia stands firm, with the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) assuring the nation that fuel supplies remain uninterrupted and the country remains safe amid the global uncertainty.

A Global Crisis Unfolds.

The roots of the current crisis lie in the Middle East, where heightened geopolitical tensions have led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which approximately 20 percent of global oil supplies transit.

The disruption has been described by the World Bank as “the largest oil market disruption in history,” with global oil supply crashing by 10.1 million barrels per day in August 2026 alone.

The Red Sea route, already strained by ongoing conflicts, has further compounded the crisis, with shipping traffic plummeting and major exporters scrambling to find alternative routes.

The consequences have been felt worldwide. Brent crude prices surged by about 65 percent by the end of August and have passed US$106 per barrel in mid  September, marking the highest monthly rise on record.

The International Energy Agency estimates that global oil demand fell by nearly 5 percent in the second quarter of 2026, as high prices and supply disruptions rippled through economies.

For net importers like Liberia, the shock has been particularly acute.

Liberia’s Challenge: A Net Importer in a Volatile World

Liberia, like many nations, depends almost entirely on imported refined petroleum products.

This near-total dependence makes the country highly vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.

The African Development Bank notes that the Middle East crises have significantly affected Liberia through sharp increases in global oil prices, which quickly translate into higher domestic fuel costs, amplifying inflationary pressures across the economy.

“Liberia’s economy is intrinsically linked to the global energy market,” said a senior Economist & Market Analyst at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

“When the Strait of Hormuz closes, the effects are felt in Monrovia within weeks.”

LPRC’s Proactive Response: Keeping the Nation Moving

Despite these daunting circumstances, the Government of Liberia, through LPRC and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has acted swiftly and decisively to shield the public from the worst of the crisis.

A formal contingency plan was activated to prevent sudden and unjustified price spikes, with continuous monitoring of international oil prices and market conditions.

At a high-level meeting with importers, distributors and petroleum-sector stakeholders recently, the government expressed grave concern over the rapid escalation of global petroleum prices but underscored its commitment to ensuring a steady supply of fuel nationwide.

The government also negotiated adjustments to diesel and gasoline prices to US$6.05 and US$5.58 respectively to balance fiscal responsibility with sensitivity to the economic realities faced by businesses and households.

Liberia’s Prices: Lower Than Regional Peers

While Liberians have not been immune to the global price surge, the country has managed to keep fuel costs significantly lower than many of its neighbors.

As it stands, the retail price of gasoline in Liberia is at approximately US$5.58 per gallon, with diesel at US$6.05 per gallon. In contrast, average petrol prices per gallon in Guinea are US$7.90 and in Sierra Leone is Us$9.20 in Ghana is US$6.32.00, compared to Liberia’s US$6.31.

This relative stability is a testament to the government’s careful decision making and LPRC’s strategic decision-making.

The LPRC has emphasized that the new ceiling prices are designed to reflect ‘true market conditions’ and ensure continued availability at depots countrywide.”

Sufficient Stocks, Uninterrupted Supply

Perhaps the most reassuring news for Liberians is the confirmation that the nation holds adequate fuel reserves to run the economy.

The government has assured the public that Liberia currently holds a significant and secure stock of petroleum products.

“We must commend the management and staff of LPRC for their steadfast leadership and effective operational planning in ensuring the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products throughout Liberia” remarked Tyson Dorbor, a well-known petroleum distributor, praising the company for maintaining a stable and reliable fuel supply despite global market uncertainties and supply chain disruptions.

Vigilant Monitoring and Future Preparedness

The government has made it clear that it will not rest on its laurels.

“The government assures the public that it will continue to closely monitor developments in the international petroleum market and remains prepared to take appropriate actions in the national interest,” read a statement from the LPRC.

Authorities have also adopted strict anti-hoarding and market enforcement measures, including nationwide inspections of fuel stations and markets, to prevent artificial shortages and price manipulation.

Looking ahead, LPRC is expected to construct a 50,000-metric-ton petroleum storage facility, a move that will further strengthen Liberia’s fuel security and expand its strategic petroleum reserves.

This forward-looking investment underscores the government’s commitment to long-term energy resilience.

A Nation Steady in a Stormy World.

In a world where a single strait can determine the fate of economies, Liberia has demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Through proactive governance, strategic stockpiling and the diligent efforts of LPRC, the nation has weathered the initial shock of the global energy crisis.

While the road ahead remains uncertain, Liberians can take comfort in the knowledge that their fuel supply is secure, their prices are among the lowest in the region, and their government is vigilant.

As the world grapples with the consequences of geopolitical turmoil, Liberia stands as a beacon of stability—proof that even in the most challenging times, careful planning and decisive action can keep a nation moving.

BEIJING, China – Liberia’s efforts to modernize agriculture and strengthen smallholder farming have gained further exposure to global innovations and experiences following the participation of the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P)/Investing in Livelihood Resilience and Soil Health in ACP Countries (ILSA) in the 2026 World AgriFood Innovation (WAFI) Conference in Beijing, China.

By Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusd.rbortue@frontpageafricaonline.com

The three-day conference, held September 17–19 in Pinggu, Beijing, brought together policymakers, agricultural experts, researchers, development partners, private-sector actors and innovators to exchange knowledge and explore solutions for building more productive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

STAR-P/ILSA Project Coordinator Stephen Marvie participated in the global gathering, engaging with participants on innovations, technologies and partnerships with potential relevance to Liberia’s agricultural transformation.

Also attending the Beijing engagements were IFAD’s Country Director for Liberia, Mr. Marcelin Norvilus, and Mr. Lorenzo Nimley, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, further strengthening Liberia’s participation in the international knowledge exchange.

Hosted by China Agricultural University under the theme, “Green and Healthy Transformation of Agrifood Systems,” WAFI 2026 placed strong emphasis on innovation, technology, climate resilience, sustainable food production, and partnerships as countries confront growing food-security and natural-resource challenges.

For STAR-P/ILSA, the conference provided an opportunity to learn from experiences in other countries, explore technologies and approaches that could be adapted to Liberia’s farming conditions, and strengthen connections with institutions and actors working to improve agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

The engagement was particularly timely as Liberia works to expand mechanized agriculture, improve productivity and reduce farmers’ dependence on labor-intensive production methods.

Ahead of WAFI 2026, Mr. Marvie also participated in the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) Marketplace on Small-scale Agricultural Machinery, held September 15–16 at the UN Compound in Beijing.

The Marketplace brought together participating countries and institutions to share experiences and practical solutions in small-scale agricultural mechanization. Discussions also provided exposure to machinery, technologies, and approaches that could make mechanized services more accessible and appropriate for smallholder farmers.

The Beijing engagements provided STAR-P/ILSA with practical lessons and new perspectives to inform ongoing efforts to strengthen smallholder agriculture in Liberia, particularly in mechanization, climate resilience, sustainable production, and innovation.

STAR-P/ILSA is implemented by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Agriculture, with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

In a related development, the Government of Liberia and IFAD will conduct a Joint Supervision Mission from September 22 to October 9, 2026, covering the Tree Crop Extension Project Phase Two (TCEP-II), Building Climate Resilience in the Rice and Cocoa Sectors Project (BCRP), STAR-P and ILSA.

The mission will review implementation and financial progress, assess follow-up actions from previous missions, identify operational challenges, and strengthen coordination among the projects to accelerate results and maximize the impact of IFAD-supported investments on farmers and rural communities across Liberia.

MONROVIA – Information Minister Jerolinmek  Mathew Piah has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to ensuring maximum protection for professional and ethical Liberian Journalists.

By Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusd.rbortue@frontpageafrica0nline.com

‎Speaking at the 2nd Annual Presidential Media Dinner at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, outside Monrovia on  Saturday,  September 12, Minister Piah  stated that under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Administration,  no Media Institution will be shut down.

‎He committed that no Liberian Journalist operating professionally and ethically will be censored as there will be no journalist unlawfully detained.

‎He emphasized that those dark days in the Liberian Media will not resurface under this government, stressing that the government is ready to protect Journalists, but those with professional and ethical standards.

He then called on Liberian journalists and media institutions to uphold ethical standards and avoid publishing or broadcasting unverified information.

Minister Piah warned that the spread of false or unverified information could create fear, damage reputations, cause public confusion, and undermine public trust in the media.

He  asserted  that information can spread rapidly by radio, Facebook, WhatsApp and other communication platforms, reaching thousands of people within a short period, urging journalists to verify information before publication.

Minister Piah then assured that the government will continue to support and protect a free press that informs the public, investigates issues responsibly, and promotes peace and national development.

Also speaking, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai  reiterated his administration’s pledge to a free, responsible, professional and vibrant media in Liberia.

President Boakai also underscored the importance of the media in protecting democracy and advancing national development.

The President expressed profound appreciation to journalists for their courage, sacrifices and dedication to nation-building.

He also encouraged the press to continue reporting critical national issues by holding government and public officials accountable.

For his part, the President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Julius Kanubah, appealed to President Boakai to support the completion of the National Headquarters of the PUL.

Kanubah said  the  PUL remains committed to constructing its headquarters on the land acquired by the organization since 1997.

He acknowledged past challenges surrounding funds previously contributed toward the proposed headquarters, but said the Union remains committed to transparency and accountability.

Kanubah stated that the proposed facility would serve as a national home for press freedom, professional development, ethical journalism and the protection of journalists.

The PUL President then expressed hope that the Presidential Dinner with the Media would serve as a defining moment for renewed intervention toward the construction of the PUL Headquarters.

Monrovia — Acting Justice Minister and Attorney General of Liberia, Cllr. Betty M. Lamin Blamo, has officially taken charge of the Ministry of Justice, pledging to lead with integrity, fairness and impartiality.

By Augustus D. R Bortue-augustusd.rbortue@frontpageafricaonline.com

Cllr. Blamo made the commitment Thursday, September 10 during an elaborate transition ceremony held in the 6th Floor Conference Room of the Ministry of Justice, where she officially assumed her new responsibilities before senior officials, employees and stakeholders within the justice sector.

She expressed gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for the confidence reposed in her among many distinguished legal professionals, describing the appointment as both an honor and a call to greater service.

Cllr. Blamo also commended former Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh for his distinguished leadership and the significant contributions made during his tenure, noting that his service left a strong foundation for the Ministry.

The Acting Minister also emphasized that advancing the work of the Ministry of Justice will require collective commitment and collaboration among all justice and security institutions.

She specifically acknowledged the vital roles of prosecutors, the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation and other partners, stressing that their cooperation will be essential in achieving the Ministry’s mandate.

Giving the welcome remarks, the Deputy Minister for Administration and Public Safety, Cllr. Cora N. Hare Konuwa, said, ‘‘We are gathered here today for a significant institutional milestone—the official handover ceremony at the Ministry of Justice. This transition marks a seamless continuation of our collective duty to uphold the rule of law, protect constitutional integrity, and ensure the impartial administration of justice across the Republic of Liberia.’’

Deputy Minister Konuwa extended the Ministry’s   deepest appreciation to the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh and the former Solicitor General, Cllr. Augustine C. Fayiah.

‘‘During your respective tenures, you led this Ministry and the department of public prosecution with a steadfast commitment to legal excellence. You worked tirelessly to guide our justice and security sectors through complex national landscapes, leaving behind an impactful legacy of diligence. As you both prepare for your next national reassignments, we thank you for your patriotic service to the state and wish you continued success,’’ Deputy Minister Konuwa stated.

 She said it   is a tremendous honor to officially welcome   the incoming Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. Betty M. Lamin Blamo, and the incoming Solicitor General, Cllr. Abraham Boimah Sillah, Sr.

‘‘Madam Minister, your return to the Ministry of Justice is greeted with immense confidence. Your distinguished legal career, notably including your prior exceptional service as the Solicitor General of Liberia, brings invaluable institutional memory back to the forefront of our justice system,’’ she intimated.

‘‘Mr. Acting Solicitor General Cllr. Sillah, we welcome you with equal optimism. Your extensive legal background, your scholarly contributions and your leadership within the Liberia National Bar Association equip you remarkably well to head the government’s litigation and public prosecution efforts. The leadership, prosecutors, security forces, and administrative staff stand fully prepared to align with your shared vision and support your execution of the law with absolute integrity,’’ the Ministry of Justice official pointed out.

According to her, the transitions of this magnitude reinforce the strength of our democratic institutions.

She stressed that they remind them that while leaders change, the foundational mission of the state—to provide transparent, evidence-based justice for every Liberian citizen—remains absolute.

‘‘On behalf of the entire Ministry of Justice family, I welcome everyone to this symbolic ceremony. Thank you, and may God bless the Republic of Liberia,’’ she added.

 For his part, the former Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh expressed confidence in the ability of Cllr. Blamo and Acting Solicitor General, Cllr. Sillah   to provide effective leadership and leave a lasting impact at the Ministry of Justice.

Cllr. Tweh encouraged officials and employees of the Ministry to extend their fullest cooperation and support to the new leadership, emphasizing the importance of unity and professionalism in advancing the institution’s mandate.

Meanwhile, the ceremony was attended by senior management officials, representatives from justice and security institutions, and other stakeholders who gathered to witness the formal transition of leadership at the Ministry of Justice.

The former Secretary General of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Cllr. J. Aloysius Toe,  has resigned from the party, days after he said Political Leader Alexander Cummings removed him from the ANC’s core leadership chatroom.

By Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusd.rbortue@frontpageafricaonline.com 

In his letter of resignation dated Sunday, September 6 and addressed to the National Chairman of the ANC, Cllr. Lafayette E.O. Gould , Cllr. Toe said, ‘’please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the Alternative National Congress(ANC) effective immediately, following my arbitrary removal by the Political Leader from the ANC New core Leaders chartroom on September 5, 2026-a platform comprising current and former party leaders  and eminent partisans-without any cause or triggering event known to me-without explanation, and without the courtesy of prior conversation.’’

‘‘ Under these circumstances,  I can no longer  continue my membership in the party, and I respectfully request that the ANC update its records accordingly,’’ he added.  

 Cllr. Toe said he was removed  despite having committed no wrongdoing.

According to sources, relations between Cllr. Toe and the ANC have been strained following his appointment by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to the Board of Directors of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC).

Meanwhile, the ANC and Cllr. Cummings have yet to publicly response to Cllr. Toe’s resignation or his account of the chatroom removal.

Congo Town – Partners in Development (PADEV) has successfully completed three targeted interventions, reaching over 6,000 beneficiaries in four counties in southeastern Liberia under the Community-Based Forestry and Protected Area Management (CBFM) Project.   

The key areas of interventions focused on forest governance, biodiversity-compatible livelihood and enterprise development activities and strategic communication.  These activities were implemented in three phases from 2024-2026 across 30 communities in Grand Gedeh, River Cess, s,Sinoe and River Gee Counties.

In forest governance, FDA approved project six project supported applicant communities which met the legal requirements to attain Authorized Forest Community (AFC) status.  

Furthermore, 152 people representing their communities in forest governance activities successfully completed leadership and governance training in Grand Gedeh and River Gee  Counties.

These efforts bridged relationship and coordination gaps between the forest governance institutions and the local authorities of Konobo and Glio-Twarbo Districts in Grand Gedeh on one hand; and the forest governance entity and the local authorities of Sarbo, Putupo and Gbeapo Districts on the other.

In livelihoods, 200 farmers received direct site-based training in climate-smart agriculture (CSA). Farmers trained were equipped with essential farming tools and supplied quality agricultural input.

The 20 most consistent farmers who adapted the CSA approach received support during all three phases of the project.

They raised a cumulative amount of L$218,375 from the sale of hot pepper and local cowpea while they wait for the over 6000 plantain suckers they cultivated to mature for harvest and the market.

A total of 12 resilient village saving and loan associations (VSLAs) maintained active operations during the project in line

with plans to sustain access to finance. With an aggregate membership of 347, the 12 VSLAs raised L$5,395,220 in dues, fines and social funds towards the end of the 2026 cohort.

For the green-enterprise program, CBFM trained 200 beekeepers, supplied 300 beehives and equipped them with essential beekeeping materials including bee-suits, raingear, smokers, plastic containers, harvesting knives and handouts.

In addition to this support, two local beekeeping associations were reorganized, formalized and given logistics to increase their operational capacity.

In strategic communication program, the project formed one community theatre troupe to reduce community reliance on external project-funded entertain group for public outreach.

The 17-member troupe successfully completed training in local choreography, traditional Liberian folksongs and was equipped with costumes and choreography materials to enhance its activities.

To further expand community awareness, 40 community women were trained and supplied with megaphones loaded with pre-recorded messages in local languages and illustrative posters to conduct awareness in their communities.

To support their efforts, the women were given monthly stipend during the first and second phases of the project.

As part of efforts to empower forest entrepreneurs, CBFM facilitated the formation of one community-based organization (CBO) in Weasayn Community, Rivercess County.

The 37-member group was supported with infrastructure and logistics to buy and aggregate nontimber forest products for farmers and sell to external buyers.

As a start, they raised L$195k from the sale of the country spice in the first quarter of 2026.

In enterprise activities, the project constructed one mini-warehouse to serve as an aggregation hub for local farmers, producers and marketers. Additionally, the project procured and delivered one tricycle to the community to enhance transportation for farmers and producers.

The tricycle has loading capacity of 1.5tons

The project was designed to strengthen the management of community forests and protected areas in Liberia, through improved governance of community forest management bodies (CFMBs), capacity building of forest regulatory institutions, empowerment of national civil society organizations, (CSOs/NGOs) and Forest and Farm Producer Organizations, integrated natural resources management and the promotion of sustainable livelihood incentives for forest fringe communities.

The project was funded by the Swedish Embassy with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in coordination with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to complement the role of FDA in the sustainable management of protected and community forests.

CBFM served seven counties including four in the Southeast which covered Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Sinoe and River Cess Counties and three in the Northwest which included Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount and Lofa Counties.

MONROVIA – A prominent Liberian democracy advocate , policy advisor and former government official, Dan Torkamawon Saryee, has given what he described as his honest view on Liberia’s economy.
Saryee said the Liberian economy is growing, saying that is headline and that is true.
But Saryee pointed out that he has sat with enough farmers, traders and young graduates to know that a growth number doesn’t mean much if it never reaches their pockets.
Saryee, who has been a notable voice in Liberia’s civil society, governance and public administration sectors for over two decades, told the FrontPage Africa(FPA) in an interview in Monrovia Thursday, September 3 that growth only matters if it shows up as jobs, better incomes, less hunger and a better quality of life.

By Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusd.rbortuefrontpageafricaonline.com

The former Deputy Managing Director of the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation during the regime of former President George Manneh Weah recalled that in 2025 was a strong year on paper, driven largely by mining, with agriculture and services pulling their weight too.

Encouraging, no doubt.

‘‘But ask the average person on the street what matters and the question gets a lot more basic, a lot faster: Where are the jobs? Can I afford food, transportation, rent, school fees, and healthcare,?” he asserted.

That’s really where the conversation should start.
Saryee, who also served as Acting Director General of the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) in President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Administration, noted that, ‘‘we have a real employment problem. Too many Liberians are stuck in informal work — petty trading, subsistence farming, small hustles just to get by. It keeps families afloat. It rarely gets anyone ahead. ’’

According to him, he does not say that to dismiss the market women or the roadside sellers — they’re working harder than most of us.

‘‘The point is that we need an economy where people aren’t just looking for jobs, but where businesses are actually creating jobs,’’ the prominent Liberian democracy advocate and policy advisor stated.
Agriculture should be creating jobs, not just food
Speaking further, Saryee averred that Liberia can’t fix unemployment while still treating agriculture as mostly subsistence farming, stressing ‘‘we should be producing more rice, cassava, and vegetables — more of nearly everything we grow, really — not just to feed ourselves, but to build real businesses around it.’’

‘‘Take cassava. A farmer grows it. Someone else buys it, processes it, package it, moves it, sells it — or finances and equips the people doing all of that. One crop, handled right, can quietly create a dozen jobs along the way.
That’s why we need serious investment in agro-processing, storage, transportation, irrigation, farm-to market roads and agricultural financing. Government has initiated these processes but the need to accelerate is like yesterday. The World Bank has pointed to agro-processing and expanded production as real opportunities for more inclusive growth,’’ Saryee intimated.
Let’s track business growth, not just business registration
The former LACRA boss intoned that Liberia doesn’t just need more businesses — it needs businesses that can actually grow and hire.
‘‘Recent World Bank data found that 86% of firms in the National Establishment Census were micro-sized, and nearly 89% were one-person operations. So, the real question isn’t “how many businesses do we have, it’s: How many grew from one worker to five? From five to twenty? From twenty to a hundred? That’s where the real job creation happens. Government should make it easier for legitimate small businesses to get financing, electricity, land, technology, and markets — and tie that support to results: production, compliance and jobs,’’ Saryee uttered as he expressed the hope that policymakers will consider his view on Liberian economy with constructive lenses if they must change the paradigm shift.
Government can’t be the employer of last resort

‘‘Government has a role. But let’s be honest — the public payroll was never going to be Liberia’s employment strategy, no matter how much we wish it could be. The real job of government is to create the conditions that let private businesses invest, produce and hire: reliable power, better roads, working ports, affordable financing, rules people can actually plan around,’’ he continued.
He said Liberia should also work to cushion food-price shocks by producing more locally and improving storage, transport, and processing — WFP has flagged how much risk our heavy reliance on food imports creates.
Young people need a real path to work

‘‘Our young population is one of our biggest assets — but it turns into a serious problem when people leave school with no realistic way to earn a living. We should be more aggressively expanding practical training — construction, electrical work, plumbing, welding, agribusiness, IT, healthcare support, and a dozen other trades that this country will need for decades,’’ Saryee accentuated.

‘‘But training on its own solves nothing. We can’t train people for jobs that don’t exist. It has to connect directly to employers, apprenticeships, and real projects on the ground — otherwise we’re just handing out certificates,’’ Saryee uttered.

Touching on how to deal with corruption and waste, Saryee said no economic plan works if public resources leak out through corruption, waste, poor procurement and weak accountability.

‘‘Every public dollar should be treated as money that could have built a school, fixed a road, backed a farmer, or helped launch a business. Development runs on trust. Investors need confidence, entrepreneurs need predictability and citizens need to know public resources are actually being used for the public good,’’ Saryee said.

Meanwhile, the prominent Liberian democracy advocate, policy advisor named five things to focus on right now.
1.
2.Feed Liberia — grow local food production and agro-processing.
3.Power businesses — expand reliable, affordable electricity to productive areas.
4.Finance entrepreneurs — make real financing available to businesses that can grow and hire.
5.Build market infrastructure — roads, bridges, storage, ports, electricity, and digital connectivity that link producers to markets.
6.Measure job creation — make jobs, business growth, local production, and household income the actual targets.
What success really looks like

Saryee concluded by saying Liberia shouldn’t judge its economy only by GDP growth, investment headlines or government revenue. He acknowledged that those matter, but they’re not the finish line.
He further noted that the real test is whether an ordinary Liberian can honestly say:
“I can find work.”
“My business can grow.”
“My children can eat.”
“My income is improving.”
“I have hope for tomorrow.”

‘‘We have the land, the young people, the coastline, the agricultural potential — most of what we need is already here. I don’t pretend to have every answer for how we turn that into businesses, jobs, and income. But I know what the wrong answer looks like: waiting.
The goal isn’t just a bigger economy. It’s stronger households. Because at the end of the day, this was never really about statistics. It’s about putting bread on the table,’’ he said.

MONROVIA  Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Legislature have placed transparency, accountability and public trust at the center of preparations for the country’s 2029 Presidential and Legislative  Elections, warning that credible elections must be built long before voters head to the polls.

By  Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusd.rbortuefrontpageafricaonline.com

The call came Wednesday, September 2  during the formal launch of the NEC’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030, where NEC Chairperson  Jonathan K. Weedor and Chairman of the House Committee on Elections and Inauguration, Prof. Thomas Romeo Quioh, stressed the need for an electoral system that is open, inclusive, independently credible and trusted by Liberians.

Launching the five-year strategic roadmap, Weedor said the NEC is determined to ensure that Liberia’s electoral future is defined by integrity rather than uncertainty, with every vote serving as a true reflection of the will of the people.

“We are not merely unveiling a document; we are launching a bold new chapter in Liberia’s democratic evolution,” Weedor stated.

He described the plan as a commitment to strengthening Liberia’s democratic institutions and ensuring that electoral processes remain transparent, credible and worthy of public confidence.

The NEC’s new strategic direction comes against the backdrop of a rapidly changing electoral environment, including the growing influence of digital technology, shifting demographics and increasing demands for transparency in election management.

The NEC Chairman acknowledged that the Commission’s previous strategic cycle achieved important milestones but also exposed weaknesses in technological infrastructure, financial sustainability and institutional capacity.

The new plan, he said, is designed to address those challenges through six strategic pillars covering legal and policy reform, governance and financial sustainability, institutional capacity, technology and digital transformation, stakeholder engagement and inclusion as well as electoral operations.

Transparency as a Measure of Performance

With more than US$75 million expected to be required for implementation over five years, Weedor  pointed out that  the NEC recognizes the level of accountability that must accompany such an investment.

He disclosed that the Commission will establish a Strategic Plan Steering Committee, Pillar Leads and Technical Working Groups, alongside quarterly reviews, annual performance reporting and a risk-mitigation framework.

The objective, he said, is to ensure that the plan does not become another document on a shelf but a measurable roadmap for delivering credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

“We intend to manage this Plan with the discipline and transparency it demands,” Weedor  intimated.

He called on the government, political parties, civil society, the media, development partners and citizens to regard electoral integrity as a shared national responsibility.

Legislature Warns Against Waiting Until 2029

Prof. Thomas Romeo Quioh, meanwhile, said the credibility of Liberia’s democracy cannot be separated from the credibility of its electoral system.

Speaking on behalf of the House of Representatives, Prof. Quioh welcomed the NEC’s strategic plan but urged the Commission to ensure that its commitments translate into measurable action.

He emphasized that legislative oversight of the NEC must promote accountability without undermining the constitutional independence of the electoral body.

“Transparency about achievements, challenges and areas requiring additional support will strengthen public confidence,” Prof. Quioh stated.

He further warned that Liberia cannot afford to wait until 2029 before beginning serious preparations for the next elections.

“The 2029  Presidential and Legislative Elections  cannot begin in 2029,” he declared.

He said voter registration, electoral boundaries, civic and voter education, election technology, security, recruitment and training of electoral personnel, logistics, dispute resolution and accessibility must all be addressed well ahead of the election year.

Technology and Trust

Prof. Quioh also  cautioned  as the NEC moves toward greater use of technology in electoral administration.

While technology can improve efficiency and accessibility, he said it must not become a source of doubt among voters.

He called for electoral technologies to be secure, transparent, independently verifiable and understandable to ordinary Liberians.

At the heart of every technological innovation, he said, must be one question: “Does it strengthen the credibility and confidence of the Liberian voter?”

The two officials also underscored the importance of ensuring that women, young people, persons with disabilities and rural communities are fully included in the electoral process.

Prof. Quioh reminded political parties and other stakeholders that the responsibility for credible elections extends beyond the NEC.

He called on political parties to respect electoral rules, candidates to promote peaceful competition, the media to provide factual information, civil society to strengthen civic education and accountability and security institutions to remain professional and impartial.

As Liberia begins preparations for the 2029 Elections, the NEC’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 is being presented as a roadmap toward a modern, professional, independent and inclusive electoral institution.

But beyond the plans, officials say the ultimate test will be whether Liberians can approach the ballot box with confidence that their votes will be counted fairly and that electoral rules will be applied transparently and impartially.