MONROVIA — Liberia has secured another significant position in the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) following the election of Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) Head of Secretariat, Jeffrey N. Yates, as an Alternate Board Member representing the Anglophone and Lusophone Africa constituency.

By Anthony Gray

Yates emerged from a competitive election involving Liberia, Zambia and Nigeria, with the three countries vying for two positions on the EITI International Board.

Following the vote, Zambia and Liberia secured the two seats, defeating Nigeria in the regional contest. The Anglophone and Lusophone Africa constituency comprises Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Angola, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania and Uganda.

Following the election, the Members’ Meeting, comprising representatives from all 56 countries implementing the EITI, approved Yates’ election on Tuesday.

He will also serve on the

Validation Committee of the EITI International Board, placing Liberia in a key position in discussions surrounding transparency and accountability in the extractive sector.

The EITI International Board is the initiative’s principal consensus-based decision-making body. It sets strategic priorities, exercises executive powers and assesses the progress of implementing countries against the EITI Standard.

The Board is also responsible for approving the EITI’s work plans and International Secretariat budget, providing strategic direction and evaluating countries’ compliance with the EITI Standard, among other responsibilities.

Yates’ election adds him to a distinguished list of Liberians who have served on the EITI International Board, including Cllr. T. Negbalee Warner, Senator Milton Findley and Alfred Brownell.

The LEITI Secretariat attributed Yates’ election to the collective support of the Government of Liberia, the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG), LEITI staff and stakeholders, expressing appreciation for their contributions to Liberia’s continued engagement with the global transparency initiative.

Yates’ election is being viewed as an important recognition of Liberia’s role in promoting transparency, accountability and responsible governance within the extractive sector, while giving the country an opportunity to contribute to critical decisions shaping the future of the EITI globally.

Monrovia – A Christian ministry known as the Holiness Revival Movement is calling on Liberians to return to what it describes as the Biblical teachings of righteousness, holiness and preparation for eternity.

By Anthony Gray

Speaking ahead of a four-day conference scheduled for October 1–4 in Congo Town, outside Monrovia, Pastor Paul Rika said the movement is in Liberia to “revive holiness” and encourage Christians and non-Christians to embrace what he described as the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Rika said the non-denominational movement was established as a means of bringing Christians together around Biblical teachings, emphasizing that human beings will ultimately face judgment.

According to him, the world is not a permanent place and people must therefore prepare for what comes after life.

He said Jesus Christ came and died for humanity so that people could have access to God, urging Christians to take seriously the teachings contained in the Bible.

Pastor Rika also linked some of the social problems and corruption in society to what he described as a decline in the preaching of biblical truth and the fear of God.

He referenced the Biblical instruction to observe the things written in Scripture, arguing that stronger adherence to Christian teachings could help promote moral discipline and responsible living.

The preacher further challenged those who question the existence of heaven and hell, saying Christians should take seriously the Bible’s teachings about life after death and divine judgment.

Meanwhile, Evangelist Linda Paul Rika shared her personal testimony, recounting what she described as a dramatic transformation from a lifestyle she considered contrary to Christian teachings.

She said that before encountering Jesus Christ, she struggled with alcohol, multiple relationships, drug use, tattoos, what she described as “naked dressing,” and visits to herbalists for charms.

Evangelist Linda said her experience eventually led her to embrace Christianity and dedicate herself to spreading a message of repentance, righteousness and holiness.

She also warned that, in her view, Satan is blinding people to the seriousness of sin and the consequences associated with it.

The Holiness Revival Movement says its Liberian campaign is intended to serve as a catalyst for Christians from different denominations to come together and renew their commitment to Biblical teachings.

Pastor Rika, who is currently on a tour of Liberia, said the campaign seeks to bring what he called “the life of the truth of Jesus Christ” to the Liberian people.

The conference is scheduled to run from October 1 to 4 with morning sessions beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Oldest Congo Town, opposite SATCOM

Organizers are expecting large numbers of people to attend and are inviting Liberians from across the country to participate in what they describe as a life-changing Christian gathering focused on repentance, holiness and faith in Jesus Christ.

MONROVIA — The United Methodist University (UMU) has defeated the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) by two points in an inter-university debate organized by the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) to promote public discussion on the management of Liberia’s extractive resources.

By Anthony Gray Email: bishoptonygray@gmail.com Contact: 0777308943

The debate, held over the weekend, focused on whether extractive companies should work with affected communities and counties to implement Social Development Funds or whether the Central Government should take full responsibility for managing and implementing the funds.

UMU argued in the affirmative, supporting the involvement of affected communities and counties, while AMEU argued against the motion, maintaining that the Central Government should take full charge of the funds.

The competition generated intense intellectual exchanges, with students from both universities presenting arguments on transparency, accountability, community participation and government responsibility in managing resources generated from the extractive sector.

At the end of the competition, UMU emerged victorious by a narrow margin of two points. The winning team received US$250 in cash and gold-like medals, while AMEU, as runner-up, received US$150 and silver-like medals.

Speaking at the opening of the program, LEITI Head of Secretariat, Jeffrey N. Yates, said the debate was part of the institution’s public engagement activities designed to sample citizens’ views and encourage constructive discussions on issues affecting Liberia’s extractive industry.

Yates said engaging young people in conversations about natural-resource governance is important to strengthening public understanding and promoting greater accountability in the sector.

LEITI is Liberia’s implementing body of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which promotes transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources.

The initiative provides information on extractive-sector revenues, payments, contracts and other issues to enable citizens to better understand how the country’s natural resources are managed.

The question of Social Development Funds remains an important issue in Liberia, particularly for communities affected by mining and other extractive activities.

The funds are intended to support development in communities connected to extractive operations, but concerns have periodically been raised about their management, transparency, allocation and implementation.

LEITI’s 15th EITI Report, covering July 2021 to December 2022, reported about US$34 million in social and environmental expenditures by companies in Liberia’s extractive sector, including approximately US$28 million in mandatory social expenditures.

LEITI has also reported concerns raised by citizens during its community engagements over the transparency and accountability surrounding Social Development Funds. In some communities, residents have called for greater participation in determining how funds are used and stronger oversight of projects financed through extractive-sector contributions.

Civil society organizations have similarly raised concerns about the implementation of County Social Development Funds, including issues surrounding citizen participation, decision-making, project monitoring and ensuring that communities receive meaningful benefits from natural-resource activities.

The LEITI debate, therefore, provided a platform for students to examine the competing approaches to managing development funds while encouraging young Liberians to participate in national discussions on transparency, accountability and responsible management of the country’s natural resources.

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — The West African Health Organization (WAHO) has officially welcomed Professor Palokinam T. Pitche as its new Director General, while paying tribute to outgoing Director General

By   Anthony Gray, contributing writer  

Dr. Melchior Athanase J. C. Aissi following the completion of his four-year tenure.

The transition ceremony was held Wednesday, September 9  at the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Côte d’Ivoire, bringing together WAHO staff, representatives of the ECOWAS Resident Representation and the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).

Members of Dr. Aissi’s family and representatives of WAHO’s technical and financial partners also attended the ceremony. The event featured a documentary highlighting key achievements recorded during Dr. Aissi’s four-year leadership of WAHO, followed by remarks from both the outgoing and incoming Directors General and the Lead Representative of WAHO’s technical and financial partners.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Aissi highlighted progress in harmonizing regional health policies, strengthening community health systems and improving the quality of healthcare across West Africa.

He also pointed to efforts toward malaria elimination, the strengthening of technical platforms and increased support to ECOWAS Member States as some of the key areas of progress during his administration.

Dr. Aissi commended WAHO staff and its technical and financial partners for their contributions and urged them to provide continued support to Professor Pitche as he takes charge of the regional health institution.

Taking over the leadership of WAHO, Professor Pitche praised his predecessor for the work accomplished during his tenure and pledged to consolidate the gains made by the Organization.

Professor Pitche said his administration would align its priorities with the broader objectives of ECOWAS, with particular emphasis on harmonizing regional health policies and processes.

He also identified the strengthening of basic health services, improved access to quality medicines and vaccines, preparedness and response to health emergencies, and support for Member States in advancing universal health coverage as key priorities.

The formal transition was completed with the signing of the official record of assumption of duty in Abidjan, marking Professor Pitche’s formal assumption of office as WAHO Director General.

The ceremony also recognized Dr. Aissi and his wife with certificates and farewell gifts in appreciation of his service to the Organisation. His Executive Assistant, Dr. Félix Agbla, was also presented with a token of recognition for his support during Dr. Aissi’s tenure.

MONROVIA — The National Patriotic Party (NPP) has suspended three of its partisans after they allegedly used the party’s official letterhead to endorse a planned opposition roundtable initiated by former President George Manneh Weah without authorization from the party’s leadership.

By Anthony Gray

The suspended partisans are Emmanuel Goll, Neileh Daitouah and Daoda Nesco.

NPP Executive Committee Chairman George Mulbah said the decision was taken by the party’s Executive Committee following the trio’s involvement in the endorsement.

Mulbah said the use of the NPP’s official letterhead to issue a statement on behalf of the party without approval from its authorized leadership constitutes a breach of the party’s established procedures.

He maintained that individual partisans cannot independently commit the NPP to political positions or initiatives without first obtaining authorization from the party’s leadership.

According to the Executive Committee Chairman, the disciplinary action is intended to preserve order within the party and ensure that official statements attributed to the NPP reflect decisions taken through its recognized structures.

The suspension follows a statement reportedly issued by Goll, Daitouah and Nesco endorsing a proposed opposition unity roundtable being advanced by former President Weah.

The roundtable brought together opposition political parties and other stakeholders to discuss possible areas of cooperation ahead of the 2029  Presidential and Legislative Elections.

However, the NPP’s response has placed the focus on internal party authority and the procedures governing public statements issued in the party’s name.

Mulbah emphasized that the NPP has established leadership structures responsible for determining and communicating the party’s official positions.

The suspension could also send a broader message to party members that political engagements undertaken in the name of the NPP must receive the necessary approval before being made public.

The development comes as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2029 Elections, with discussions surrounding alliances, political cooperation and leadership expected to become increasingly prominent.

For the NPP, the immediate issue remains adherence to its internal structures and ensuring that members do not independently speak or act on behalf of the party without authorization.

The party has not indicated how long the suspension of the three partisans will remain in effect or whether additional disciplinary measures could follow.

Meanwhile, the NPP has announced plans to hold its national convention in December, where delegates are expected to elect a new corps of party leaders.

The convention is expected to provide a major platform for the party to assess its internal affairs, strengthen its structures and prepare for the political challenges ahead of the 2029 Elections.

The December Convention could also become an important moment for the NPP as it seeks to define its leadership direction and political strategy going forward.

MONROVIA — Liberia’s ambitious US$54.7 million plan to transform its national identification system is yet to take off, with the National Identification Registry (NIR) saying the proposed deal with OeSD International GmbH remains subject to legislative approval and other legal requirements.

By Anthony Gray, Contributing Writer

NIR Executive Director Andrew Peters said the concession agreement between the Government of Liberia(GoL) and the Austrian-based company has been signed, but implementation cannot begin until the required legislative rectification is completed.

“The Concession Agreement between the Government of Liberia and OeSD International has been signed. However, its implementation remains subject to the required legislative rectification and other applicable legal requirements,” Peters stated during a press briefing in Monrovia.

Peters said the NIR would respect the authority of the Legislature and would not pre-empt the outcome of the ongoing legal process. While awaiting approval, he said the Registry is concentrating on institutional preparedness, stakeholder engagement and public awareness ahead of the next phase of the national identification program.

If approved and implemented, the project would mark a major shift in Liberia’s identity management system, moving beyond traditional identity cards to an integrated digital identity platform.

The proposed system would include biometric enrollment and deduplication, digital and physical identity credentials, secure identity verification, data integration and interoperability, as well as stronger cybersecurity and protection of personal information.

It would also introduce county-level and mobile enrollment, potentially making national identification services more accessible to people in rural and underserved communities.

According to Peters, OeSD International is expected to finance approximately US$54.7 million for nationwide enrollment and supporting infrastructure under a Build, Operate and Transfer arrangement.

The investment would cover biometric and identity management systems, digital applications, data migration, servers and network infrastructure, cybersecurity, identity verification, training and technology transfer.

Peters  averred that  the financing arrangement is intended to ease the immediate financial burden on the government while helping expand access to national identification cards, particularly among economically disadvantaged populations.

Peters also moved to address concerns over the ownership and security of Liberians’ personal and biometric information. He stressed that the proposed concession does not hand ownership of citizens’ identity data to OeSD International.

“Liberian identity data remains a national asset under the authority and control of the Republic of Liberia through the appropriate government institutions,” Peters intimated.

He explained that OeSD International would serve as the technology and concession partner, while the NIR would retain its statutory responsibility for national identity administration, data governance and the country’s identity infrastructure.

Peters pointed out that  cybersecurity, controlled access, secure storage, auditability and protection of personal information would be central to the modernization effort. He added that the arrangement includes training and technology transfer designed to strengthen Liberia’s long-term capacity to manage the system without permanent dependence on an external company.

Meanwhile, Peters has cautioned citizens and residents against unauthorized individuals claiming to have special connections within the NIR.

He urged members of the public not to pay anyone promising to secure a National ID outside the Registry’s official registration process.

Peters said the NIR will release official information on enrollment locations, registration requirements, schedules and ID issuance once the necessary legal and implementation conditions have been met.

The NIR is also preparing for this year’s National Identification Day, which will be observed on Wednesday, September 16.

The annual observance is intended to raise public awareness about the importance of national identity and promote a stronger sense of belonging among Liberians.

This year’s celebration will be held under the global theme, “My Identity. My Shadow. Never Apart.”

Peters said President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has been invited to serve as Guest of Honor and keynote speaker.