Monrovia — What began as a moment of hope for conservationists ended in frustration after a dolphin that washed ashore at Miami Beach in Monrovia was killed and butchered before a rescue team from the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) arrived at the scene.

By Francis Boayue

Videos circulating on social media initially showed a group of men gathered around the stranded dolphin. The men appeared to be keeping watch over the animal and were heard saying they were waiting for fisheries authorities to arrive and take it to safety.

Following public attention to the incident, NaFAA announced that it had dispatched a team to the beach to respond to the situation.

In a Facebook post, the authority said it had sent a team to Miami Beach to address the reported incident involving a dolphin that had come ashore.

NaFAA also thanked Martin K. N. Kollie and his Verity Team for bringing the incident to public attention through social media. The authority commended community members for initially responding to the stranded animal.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Martin K. N. Kollie and his Verity Team for bringing this matter to public attention through social media. We also commend the community members who took the initiative to act promptly in serving as first responders,” the authority said.

However, the initial optimism surrounding the rescue effort quickly faded.

In a subsequent Facebook update, NaFAA disclosed that the dolphin had not survived before its team reached the location. According to the authority, community members who had initially assisted the animal later killed it and shared the meat among themselves.

“It’s sad to report that the dolphin discovered on Miami Beach earlier 2day did not survive before our team arrived at the scene. The community helped but later killed and shared it,” NaFAA stated.

The circumstances surrounding the dolphin’s death, including whether any individuals will face legal consequences, were not immediately clear.

Conservation Concerns

The incident has renewed concerns about the protection of wildlife and marine species in Liberia, where conservation efforts continue to face challenges from the hunting and consumption of animals.

Dolphins play important roles in marine ecosystems, but stranded animals can be vulnerable to injury, stress, and human interference. Wildlife experts generally advise members of the public not to kill, handle unnecessarily or attempt to return stranded dolphins to the water without guidance from trained responders.

Instead, members of the public should notify the relevant authorities and keep a safe distance while awaiting assistance.

The Miami Beach incident also raises questions about public awareness of wildlife protection laws and the response mechanisms available when protected animals are found in distress.

Although the government has designated certain wildlife species for protection, animals continue to be hunted or killed for consumption and commercial purposes in some communities.

Another Wildlife Incident

The dolphin’s death comes less than a week after a crocodile was reportedly killed in a suburb of Monrovia.

In that incident, the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) reportedly intervened and burned the crocodile in an effort to discourage its continued consumption. It was not immediately clear whether anyone was arrested in connection with the incident.

The two cases have drawn attention to the challenges facing authorities responsible for protecting wildlife and enforcing conservation measures.

For conservationists, the death of the dolphin underscores the need for stronger public education, faster responses to reports of stranded animals and greater awareness of the importance of protecting vulnerable species.

While community members initially appeared willing to help the dolphin, its eventual killing before the arrival of trained responders turned a potential rescue into a loss for marine conservation.

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority had not announced any arrests or further enforcement measures in connection with the incident at the time of publication.

MONROVIA, LIBERIA -World Hope International (WHI), a Christian relief and development organization, has dedicated seven mini-grid complex solar-powered water systems comprising seven elevated water towers and 17 water kiosks to the Government of Liberia, a significant milestone in expanding access to safe drinking water in underserved communities.

By Francis G. Boayue

The dedication, held on Friday, October 16,  covers four project communities in Montserrado and Margibi counties under the project title: “Improved Access to Safe Drinking Water in Liberia Project”.

The water systems are expected to benefit more than 40,000 residents, providing access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water for household use and other essential needs.

The beneficiary communities include Baypolu, Yarwuellie and Dolo Town in Margibi County, and the Sarah Johnson Community at 15 Gate in Kingsville, Lower Montserrado County.

The initiative addresses longstanding water challenges in these rural and peri-urban communities, where residents have often struggled to find safe and reliable water sources.

Each system combines a solar-powered submersible pump system with a borehole and an elevated concrete tower with six 1,500- or 1,000-gallon storage tanks, each equipped with inline erosion chlorination treatment units.

These solar panels, which power submersible pumps in the boreholes, lifting groundwater into the storage tanks from which it is distributed through the seventeen (17) community water kiosks.

The inline erosion chlorination system is intended to treat the water for possible impurities, allowing routine treatment year-round, while the solar energy is expected to reduce dependence on conventional electricity and fuel-powered pumping.

Through the 17 kiosks, residents will have water closer to their homes, reducing the time and effort spent collecting it from distant or unreliable sources.

Women and children, who often carry much of the household water-collection burden, stand to gain more time for education, livelihoods and family care.

The facilities are also expected to contribute to improved public health, community development and empowerment, creating opportunities for employment and livelihood activities for women and girls.

Originally implemented by Winrock International and partners with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Improved Access to Safe Drinking Water in Liberia Project came to a halt when President Trump froze all USAID funding globally.

This disrupted implementation, leaving critical water infrastructure unfinished and the communities and towns hopeless.

Recognizing the importance of completing the facilities, the Government of Liberia(GoL), through the National WASH Commission, engaged WHI to mobilize resources to fund and implement the Project.

 WHI then took responsibility for funding and completing the Project, which had been stalled due to the USAID funding freeze.

‘‘Today, we celebrate this massive achievement as water now flows in these previously abandoned communities and towns. The transition underscores the value of collaboration among the Government of Liberia, National WASH Commission and International humanitarian organizations in closing gaps in water service delivery and safeguarding investments in essential public infrastructure.’’

Beyond construction and dedication, WHI stressed that long-term sustainability would depend on community ownership, routine maintenance, responsible water use, and effective management, as community water committee trainings were held to equip them with sustainable water management and governance skills.

Speaking at the dedication, the WASH West Africa Regional Director,  Elijah Kihara Maina of World Hope, emphasized the need to keep the facility functional for years to come: “We have trained your technicians, your WASH committee, and your leadership. This project is now yours. You must take ownership of it. We want to come back after ten years and still see this facility alive and serving the people of these communities,” Maina said.

His remarks highlighted the importance of strengthening local capacity to manage and maintain the facilities after project completion.

Community Water Committees (CWCs), Water Service

Providers (WSPs), local leaders and relevant government institutions are expected to play key roles in keeping the systems operational and accessible.

Maintenance schedules, water-quality monitoring, financial accountability, and timely repairs will be essential to protecting the investment.

At the dedication, World Hope International CEO & President, Rev. Jenn Petersen, addressing the gathering in absentia through the Liberia Office Administrator, S. Josen Fahn Jr., greeted the community and leadership of the government present and said her heart was with them.

In her remarks, she said, “Today, we celebrate these towers and kiosks bringing safe, clean water right into the heart of Dolo Town, Baypolu, Yarnwuellie, and Sarah Johnson. This means fewer long walks. Fewer sick children. More time for school, for work, for family. That is something worth celebrating!”

She acknowledged that the project faced obstacles along the way and paid tribute to the teams and community members who saw it through.

“This project was not an easy one. There were starts and stops. There were challenges. There were days when the finish line felt very far away. And yet, our team kept going,” she said.

As it is written in Hebrews 12:1-2, she commended the Liberia WASH team and the community for their perseverance.

 “Our Liberia WASH team ran with perseverance, and you have waited with perseverance. To World Hope WASH Manager, Teron SY Bartuah, Sr., every technician, every driver, every community mobilizer, and every local leader who refused to give up, thank you. You didn’t just finish the race. You finished it well,” Petersen said. She added that the team was surrounded throughout by “a great cloud of witnesses”: the mothers, fathers and children of the Project Communities who cheered them on.

She urged families to take ownership of the new facilities.

“So, to the families of Dolo Town, Baypolu, Yarwuellie and Sarah Johnson, this water is yours. Care for it, protect it and may it bless your children and your children’s children.

Rev. Peterson also took the time to thank the Liberia WASH team: “You carried this project across the finish line, and today we celebrate with you.”

She ended with a blessing for Dolo Town and Liberia.

The handover ceremony attracted dignitaries across government and the humanitarian INGOs WASH sector.

Delivering the dedicatory message,  Chuchu Selma, Country Director for Water Aid Liberia, used the occasion to applaud World Hope International for leading on the Completion of this Project, highlighting that this was the right step in the right direction.

He emphasized that it is now time for the communities to take matters into their own hands to ensure the sustainability and ownership of the Project.

Speaking on behalf of the CEO,  George W.K. Yarngo of the National WASH Commission,  Abed Tobey, Technical Consultant at the Commission, praised World Hope for completing the Project after the USAID funding freeze, saying the communities’ hope has now returned.

He admonished the local community leadership to take action for the ownership and management of these water systems.

 He highlighted that “Media institutions have always reported the lack of safe drinking water in rural communities across the fifteen political subdivisions of Liberia. Today, World Hope International has answered that cry in Baypolu, Yarnwuellie, Sarah Johnson and Dolo Town by providing safe and clean drinking water. We are grateful for this timely intervention,” Tobey said.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, the Project Manager from BK Enterprise, Abel Folokulah, praised residents for their resilience and urged them to protect the new infrastructure, saying, “Public facilities are not to be taken for granted. This is not just a government or NGO project; it is your own project. Now that you have it, you must protect it,” Folokulah said.

For his part,  Moibah Narmah, who represented the Office of the Margibi County Superintendent at earlier handover activities in Gibi District, commended WHI and the National WASH Commission for completing the facilities.

He described the work as commendable and appealed to both institutions to extend similar interventions to other communities in the district that still lack safe drinking water.

At Sarah Johnson, Madam Godgift Mulbah, Chairlady of the Pro-Women Group, pledged to support the maintenance of the water systems and urged residents to use the improved source rather than unsafe shallow wells and creeks.

“We, the women of the Project Communities, promise to maintain this water facility. We are calling on all our people to stop drinking from shallow wells, creeks and untreated water sources and make full use of this newly constructed safe and clean drinking water facility,” the group’s chairlady said.

Madam Godgift Mulbah, speaking on behalf of women and children, underscored the role of safe drinking water in protecting families from preventable illness.

 “Safe water is the best way to protect our children from sickness and infection in rural communities. I am calling on all women to always send their children to the water kiosks; this water will not make us sick,” Madam Mulbah concluded.

Also speaking at the ceremony in Dolo Town was  Ivar K. Jones, Representative – Electoral District #2.

Jones took the opportunity to highlight the water challenges he has witnessed in District #2 and, at the same time, underscore his contribution to supporting the District to have access.

“Today, we are here to commission these systems for use, and I know this is the work of Almighty God. Firstly, let me appreciate World Hope for restoring the hope of the people of Dolo Town, Baypolu, Yarnwuellie, and Sarah Johnson; indeed, you are World Hope, as your name suggests. You come at the right time, when the community’s hope seems lost and today that lost hope flourishes with clean and safe drinking water now flowing in every part of our communities. I want to take this time to thank and appreciate to World Hope International for the job well done. And to the people of Dolo Town and the rest of the communities, please take ownership and protect these water systems, he concluded as he led the dignitaries and high-profile guests to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.’’

The dedication aligns with national efforts to strengthen Liberia’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation.

For residents of Baypolu, Yarwuellie, Dolo Town and the Sarah Johnson Community, the facilities offer a chance to improve daily living conditions and secure a service fundamental to public health and human dignity.

The dedication, however, marks the start of another phase: keeping the systems functional, monitoring water quality regularly, and ensuring management arrangements are transparent and effective.

Sustained cooperation among WHI, the Government of Liberia(GoL), the National WASH Commission, local authorities, Water Service Providers and Community Water Committees is critical to keeping the water system functional year-round.

As the systems move into community use and management, their long-term success will depend on all stakeholders protecting the infrastructure and keeping safe drinking water accessible to the people it was built to serve.

BANJUL, The Gambia — Liberia secured three podium finishes at the 8th West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2026, placing second in jollof rice preparation and third in both cake-making and barbecue competitions.

By Francis G. Boayue

The competitions were held on Tuesday, October 20  in The Gambia, bringing together culinary professionals from across West Africa to showcase their skills and national cuisines.

In the cake-making category, Sierra Leone took first place, followed by Ghana in second, while Liberia finished third.

The Gambia won the barbecue preparation competition, with Nigeria placing second and Liberia taking third place.

In the jollof rice category, The Gambia secured first place, Liberia finished second, and Burkina Faso placed third.

The results highlight Liberia’s culinary talent and provide an opportunity to promote the country’s traditional cuisine as part of broader efforts to strengthen tourism and regional cooperation.

The Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), represented by its Creative Economy Manager, Barcolleh Poronpyae, accompanied a delegation from the Liberia Professional Chefs Association (LIPCA) to the regional festival.

Speaking at the festival’s opening ceremony on behalf of the LNTA, Poronpyae emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, networking, and strategic partnerships in advancing culinary tourism and creating opportunities for food entrepreneurs.

He also expressed appreciation to the Government and people of The Gambia, the Chefs Association of The Gambia, and the festival organizers for their hospitality and support in hosting the Liberian delegation.

According to the LNTA, participation in WAFFEST provides an opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships, exchange professional experiences, and explore initiatives to develop Liberia’s culinary industry.

Poronpyae also expressed Liberia’s interest in hosting a future edition of the WAFFEST cooking championship, which could provide a platform to showcase Liberian cuisine, local culinary talent and the country’s cultural heritage to regional and international audiences.

The festival promotes West African culinary traditions while encouraging professional exchanges and creating opportunities within the food, hospitality and tourism sectors.

Liberia’s performance adds to efforts to position the country’s culinary industry as a contributor to tourism development, cultural promotion and economic opportunities for local chefs and food entrepreneurs.

Monrovia — Civil society organizations and the Law Reform Commission of Liberia have called for comprehensive reforms of the country’s mining laws, warning that outdated legislation, weak enforcement and limited community participation could prevent Liberians from fully benefiting from the nation’s mineral wealth.

By Francis G. Boayue

The call was made Wednesday, October 21, during a multi-stakeholder dialogue on minerals, mining, and inclusive sustainable development organized by the Civil Society Consortium on Minerals, Mining and Inclusive Sustainable Development in Monrovia.

Speaking at the event, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Law Reform Commission, said Liberia’s Minerals and Mining Law of 2000 had failed to keep pace with subsequent legislation governing land rights, environmental protection, concessions and extractive industry transparency.

Cllr. Varmah said the existing legal framework contains inconsistencies with other laws, including the Land Rights Act of 2018, while leaving critical areas such as mine safety, explosives management and community grievance mechanisms inadequately addressed.

He disclosed that the commission would lead the technical legal secretariat responsible for a comprehensive review and drafting process for Liberia’s mining laws, with support from the Legislature, relevant government institutions, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.

The commission outlined seven priorities for reform, including legal harmonization, protection of community rights, gender inclusion, transparency, environmental protection, responsible investment, and the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining.

For his part, Silas Siakor, representing Liberia’s civil society consortium, said the reform initiative seeks to ensure Liberia’s mineral resources generate greater benefits for citizens.

Siakor noted that several important natural resource laws were enacted after the 2000 mining law, creating inconsistencies that require urgent attention.

He said mining remains a significant source of government revenue and employment, stressing that the objective is to improve governance so the sector can fulfill its development potential.

Meanwhile, Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Executive Director for Technical Services, Dweh S. Boley, welcomed the reform initiative but cautioned that stronger legislation must be matched by adequate technical capacity.

Boley emphasized the need for stakeholder cooperation to balance economic development with environmental protection, warning that Liberia’s environment faces serious challenges.

The dialogue comes as Liberia anticipates increased mineral production, particularly iron ore and gold, heightening calls for transparent and inclusive management of natural resources.

BANJUL, The Gambia — The Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) has participated in the 8th West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2026 in The Gambia, as part of efforts to strengthen regional collaboration and promote Liberia’s culinary tourism sector.

By Francis G. Boayue

The LNTA delegation, represented by its Creative Economy Manager, Barcolleh Poronpyae, accompanied the Liberia Professional Chefs Association (LIPCA) to the festival, which is bringing together stakeholders in the food and culinary industries across the West African region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of the LNTA, Poronpyae emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, networking, and strategic partnerships in advancing culinary tourism and creating opportunities for food entrepreneurs.

He also expressed appreciation to the Government and people of The Gambia, the Chefs Association of The Gambia, and the festival organizers for their hospitality and support in hosting the Liberian delegation.

According to the LNTA, participation in WAFFEST provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with regional partners, exchange experiences, and explore opportunities to develop Liberia’s culinary industry as part of its broader tourism sector.

Poronpyae also expressed Liberia’s ambition to host the WAFFEST cooking championship in a future edition, a move that could provide a platform to showcase the country’s local cuisine, culinary talent, and cultural heritage to regional and international audiences.

The festival serves as a platform for promoting West African food traditions, encouraging collaboration among culinary professionals and creating opportunities for businesses operating within the food and hospitality industries.

Liberia’s participation reflects ongoing efforts to position its culinary offerings as an important component of tourism development and to expand opportunities for local chefs and food entrepreneurs through regional engagement.

MONROVIA — The Ministry of Agriculture(MOA), in collaboration with the Society for the Conservation of Nature Liberia (SCNL) and other partners, has convened a national workshop to validate findings from Liberia’s first national honeybee survey, aimed at establishing baseline data to guide the development of the country’s beekeeping industry.

By Francis G. Boayue

The validation workshop held over the weekend brought together stakeholders in agriculture, beekeeping and conservation to review the survey findings, identify challenges facing honey producers, and recommend measures to strengthen production, improve market access, and promote sustainable beekeeping practices.

The survey covers Liberia’s 15 counties and seeks to establish baseline information on the number and distribution of beekeepers, honey production trends, harvesting methods, and the marketing of honey products.

Austin G. Yeanay, Director of Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture, welcomed participants and expressed optimism that the findings would provide useful information to advance the sector.

Yeanay acknowledged that the survey process had faced delays but said the information gathered from the field would provide a basis for discussions and further action. He encouraged participants to carefully review the findings and contribute to deliberations that would help move the beekeeping sector forward.

Cecil S. Wilson, Country Director of Universal Outreach, said the survey presented an opportunity to understand the current state of beekeeping in Liberia, particularly in areas where organizations have supported the activity for several years.

Wilson, who said he had spent 14 years working in Liberia, noted that the initiative would help stakeholders assess developments in the sector and identify barriers to its growth.

He urged participants to pay close attention to the findings and provide meaningful contributions to ensure the final report accurately reflects the realities of beekeeping across the country.

Michael E. Taire, Program Manager of SCNL, described the survey as significant, noting that Liberia had not previously conducted a national assessment of honey production.

According to Taire, the findings will establish a baseline against which future changes in the number of beekeepers, production levels, and market participation can be measured.

He explained that the survey examines the number of farmers engaged in honeybee production, their geographic distribution, harvesting practices and the plant species that attract bees.

The assessment also considers how beekeepers process, package and market their products, including whether they sell locally or supply supermarkets and other larger markets.

Taire said the information would help stakeholders determine whether honey production is increasing or declining and identify opportunities to improve the competitiveness of Liberian honey.

He added that the findings could inform strategies to expand market access and explore opportunities for exporting Liberian honey to other countries.

The initiative is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the Apimondia program, with the Ministry of Agriculture taking the lead in collaboration with SCNL and other organizations involved in beekeeping development.

Other partners identified during the workshop included the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Samaritan’s Purse, Universal Outreach, and the Association of Beekeepers of Liberia. The names and roles of participating organizations will need confirmation before publication.

Beyond agricultural production, Taire said beekeeping also contributes to environmental conservation because honeybees depend on flowering plants, including those found in forests and agricultural areas.

He encouraged communities, particularly those living near forest areas, to embrace beekeeping while protecting forests and planting trees that provide suitable habitats and food sources for bees.

According to him, maintaining healthy forest ecosystems can support honey production while advancing broader conservation efforts. The validated report is expected to provide the Ministry of Agriculture and its partners with information to guide interventions, address challenges confronting beekeepers, and strengthen the development of Liberia’s honey production industry.

MONROVIA — The Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called for stronger leadership, institutional capacity-building, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into statistical systems across West Africa to improve data production and support evidence-based policymaking.

By Francis G. Boayue

The call was made during the closing ceremony of a five-day leadership and statistical management training for heads and senior managers of national statistical institutions across the sub-region held over the weekend in Monrovia, Liberia.

Speaking at the ceremony, LISGIS Director General Richard Fatorma Ngafuan described Liberia’s hosting of the training as a significant milestone, noting that it was the first statistical leadership training of its kind held in the country.

Ngafuan thanked the ECOWAS Commission for the opportunity and expressed hope that Liberia would continue hosting similar regional programs aimed at strengthening statistical institutions and professional collaboration among member states.

He emphasized that developing effective statistical systems requires more than technical expertise, arguing that institutional leaders must also acquire the management and leadership skills necessary to improve performance and service delivery.

Referencing futurist Alvin Toffler, Ngafuan stressed the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing world.

He said the training provided participants with an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of institutional governance, leadership, and the effective management of national statistical agencies.

According to Ngafuan, statistical institutions must also improve how they communicate data and research findings to policymakers, public officials, and ordinary citizens who may not understand technical statistical terminology.

He said the ability to translate complex statistical information into accessible language is essential to ensuring that data informs public policy and contributes to national development.

The LISGIS Director General also urged statisticians across West Africa to embrace artificial intelligence and explore its potential to accelerate data production and improve the timeliness of official statistics.

Ngafuan observed that technological developments are transforming the way information is collected, processed, analyzed, and communicated, making it necessary for statistical institutions to strengthen their technological capabilities.

He encouraged participants to consider developing AI-powered tools and agents that could support statistical production and ensure that timely, reliable data is available for policy formulation and development planning.

“Statisticians in West Africa should not be talking about slowing down,” Ngafuan said, emphasizing the need to accelerate institutional capacity-building in response to technological advancements.

He added that participants should share the knowledge gained during the training with colleagues and staff in their respective countries to promote institutional improvements and strengthen regional statistical systems.

Ngafuan also highlighted the diversity of West Africa, noting that despite differences in language, geography, and national circumstances, countries share a common interest in improving the quality and usefulness of official statistics.

He concluded by thanking the ECOWAS Commission and LISGIS staff for their collaboration in organizing the training, describing the program as a successful step toward strengthening statistical leadership in the region.

Meanwhile, Samson Bel-Aube Nougbodobove, Director of Research and Statistics at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the distinction between leadership and management, urging participants to apply the skills acquired during the training and extend the learning experience to other officials within their institutions.

He said ECOWAS intends to share leadership training materials with participating countries to enable them to organize similar programs for technical directors and other senior officials responsible for economic statistics, social statistics, coordination, and related areas.

Nougbodobove described the training as the commission’s first leadership program specifically organized for directors general of national statistical institutions.

He indicated that the initiative could be expanded to reach other levels of statistical management and technical personnel across the region.

On artificial intelligence, the ECOWAS official said the commission wants West African statistical institutions to participate actively in discussions about how emerging technologies can improve the production and management of official statistics.

He disclosed that the commission would engage relevant officials to explore the establishment of a small working group focused on artificial intelligence and its application to statistical systems.

According to Nougbodobove, the proposed initiative could help member states develop a common regional approach to AI adoption while encouraging countries to share their experiences and expertise.

He cited the potential for countries making progress in AI applications to share knowledge with other member states, reducing dependence on external expertise and strengthening regional cooperation.

Rather than relying primarily on study visits outside the continent, he encouraged countries to learn from one another by exchanging technical knowledge and practical experiences within West Africa.

Nougbodobove also urged participants to strengthen confidence in ECOWAS as a regional institution and contribute proposals that could improve statistical development across member states.

He stressed that the commission exists to serve its member countries and that stronger cooperation among national statistical agencies is necessary to advance regional development.

He further acknowledged concerns about institutional challenges and the cancellation of scheduled activities, saying the commission was committed to improving implementation and ensuring that resources allocated to training and workshops produce meaningful results.

The ECOWAS official encouraged national statistical institutions to strengthen their capabilities and work toward making West Africa a leading region in statistical development on the African continent.

The five-day training brought together senior statistical officials from across West Africa to discuss leadership, institutional management, capacity-building, and emerging technologies.

The program was intended to strengthen the ability of statistical institutions to produce and communicate reliable data that can inform policymaking, improve governance, and support socioeconomic development across the ECOWAS region.

BUCHANAN— The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with ForumCIV, the National Rural Women Structure, the National Alliance for Women Land Rights and other partners, has launched a three-day national celebration and action forum for rural women in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

By Francis G. Boayue

The forum, held on Tuesday, October 13 ahead of Liberia’s National Women’s Day Celebration, brought together stakeholders to discuss policy dialogue, accountability, evidence-based advocacy, access to justice, productive land use, recognition of practical skills, economic empowerment and national commitments to advancing rural women’s rights.

This year’s celebration is being held under the theme: “Celebrating Rural Women, Securing Land Rights, and Advancing Resilient Livelihoods.”

Delivering the welcome remarks, Grand Bassa County Superintendent,  Karyou Johnson, described the county’s hosting of this year’s celebration as a historic milestone, emphasizing the important role rural women play in Liberia’s social and economic development.

“Rural women are the backbone of Liberia,” Supt. Johnson said, noting that they sustain families, contribute to national food production and keep agricultural activities going despite persistent challenges in accessing land, justice, and economic opportunities.

Supt. Johnson said the forum provides a timely opportunity to address the challenges rural women face, particularly in securing land rights. “Land rights are not a favor; they are a right,” he emphasized, according to remarks delivered at the opening ceremony.

The superintendent also highlighted his administration’s efforts to support rural women through county budget allocations.

He said that during his first budget period, his administration provided direct financial assistance and agricultural support to rural women’s groups across the county’s districts.

According to Supt. Johnson, the administration continued its support during the second budget period, focusing on inclusion and contributions to programs designed to benefit rural women.

Serving as guest speaker, Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Atty. Laura Golakeh, reaffirmed the ministry’s willingness to work with rural women across Liberia’s 15 counties to advance their priorities and development agenda.

Deputy Minister Golakeh said the ministry recognizes the contributions rural women make to their communities, families, and the country’s overall stability.

She also acknowledged the challenges confronting rural women and welcomed their demands for greater access to opportunities, resources, and support.

However, Deputy Minister Golakeh stressed the importance of strengthening rural women’s organizational structures to ensure their concerns are effectively communicated and addressed.

She said a coordinated structure would enable the ministry and its partners to engage rural women more effectively across the country and work collectively toward finding solutions to their challenges.

The three-day forum is expected to provide a platform for rural women and other stakeholders to discuss practical measures for strengthening land rights, expanding economic opportunities and promoting resilient livelihoods.

The gathering also seeks to encourage stronger accountability and national commitments toward improving the social and economic conditions of rural women in Liberia.

MONROVIA— The Liberia Professional Chefs Association (LIPCA), with support from the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), is set to represent Liberia at the West Africa Food Festival (WYFfest), scheduled to take place in Banjul, The Gambia, from October 15 to 21, 2026.

By Francis G. Boayue

The association’s participation is expected to provide an opportunity to showcase Liberia’s traditional cuisine, cultural heritage, tourism potential, and culinary enterprise to a regional and international audience.

Under the theme of showcasing Liberia’s flavors, people, and potential to West Africa and the world, LIPCA aims to highlight the country’s diverse food traditions and the role of culinary arts in promoting tourism and economic development.

The festival will bring together participants from across the region to celebrate West African food, culture, and culinary creativity.

With the support of the LNTA, LIPCA’s participation reflects efforts to promote Liberia’s culinary identity and create greater visibility for local chefs and food-related businesses beyond the country’s borders.

The association is expected to use the platform to present traditional Liberian dishes and demonstrate how the country’s cuisine forms an important part of its cultural identity.

Beyond food presentation, the festival also offers an opportunity to promote tourism and enterprise by connecting culinary professionals, showcasing local food products, and highlighting the potential of Liberia’s hospitality sector.

LIPCA’s participation could also help create opportunities for professional networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration with chefs and other stakeholders from across West Africa.

The association’s representation at the festival comes amid broader efforts to position Liberia’s cultural heritage and tourism attractions as part of the country’s economic development potential.

Through its participation, LIPCA seeks to contribute to the promotion of Liberian cuisine and strengthen recognition of the country’s culinary traditions within the West African region and beyond.

The West Africa Food Festival is scheduled to run from October 15 to 21, 2026, in Banjul, The Gambia.

MONROVIA –  The Chief Executive Officer of SAPPIMAH Cassava Refining Company, Beyan Flomo Pewee, has welcomed a proposed US$100 million investment in Liberia’s cassava sector but is urging the government to give greater attention to Liberian-owned agricultural businesses struggling to secure financing for expansion.

By Francis G. Boayue

Pewee in a Facebook post on Wednesday,  October 7 said while foreign investment remains important to the growth of Liberia’s agricultural sector, it should not come at the expense of local entrepreneurs who are already operating in the sector and seeking capital to scale their businesses.

“The proposed US$100 million investment in Liberia’s cassava sector is welcome,” Pewee said. “But I have one serious question for the Ministry of Agriculture: What are we doing for the Liberian manufacturers already struggling to raise US$1–5 million to scale?”

His comments come amid growing discussions around investment in Liberia’s agricultural sector, with the government placing agriculture among its key development priorities.

According to Pewee, existing financing mechanisms for local agricultural manufacturers remain inadequate to support businesses seeking to transition from small-scale operations into commercially viable industries.

He argued that grants ranging between US$50,000 and US$200,000 are insufficient for agricultural manufacturers seeking to establish or significantly expand processing facilities.

“We cannot keep giving agricultural manufacturers US$50,000–$200,000 grants and expect them to build serious industrial businesses,” he said.

Pewee pointed specifically to cassava processing, noting that even relatively simple gari or fufu production operations could require between US$1 million and US$2 million when equipment, electricity, working capital, raw materials, packaging and market access are taken into consideration.

He stressed that his position should not be interpreted as opposition to foreign investment.

“I am not against foreign investment. Bring the US$100 million,” Pewee said. “But foreign investment cannot become a substitute for building Liberian-owned businesses.”

The cassava entrepreneur is calling on the Ministry of Agriculture to identify a group of promising Liberian-owned agricultural enterprises and provide them with targeted support to expand their operations.

“Minister Nuetey, pick 5–10 serious Liberian agricultural businesses. Help them access capital, markets, technology and export opportunities. Help them scale,” he urged.

Pewee said Liberia should measure the success of its agricultural policies not only by the volume of foreign capital attracted to the country, but also by the number of Liberian-owned companies that become commercially sustainable and generate significant revenues.

“Agriculture is this government’s number-one priority,” he said. “Then let us measure success not only by how much foreign capital we attract, but by how many Liberian companies we help reach US$1 million in annual revenue.”

He described the development of locally owned agricultural enterprises as essential to achieving what he called genuine economic empowerment and agricultural transformation.

“That is true empowerment. That is agricultural transformation,” Pewee said.

He further cautioned against overlooking local entrepreneurs while pursuing large-scale external investments, arguing that Liberian businesses already operating in the agricultural sector should be treated as important components of the country’s investment strategy.

“We cannot keep searching for the diamond outside while ignoring the one being built here,” he said.

Pewee concluded his remarks by reaffirming his commitment to cassava production and processing, saying: “I’m going back to my cassava farm.”