Monrovia – Family members and loved ones are celebrating a remarkable milestone as Bade Baker, affectionately known as “Aunty Bade,” marked her 100th birthday on March 12, 2026, reflecting on a life defined by service, resilience, and humor.

Ms. Baker, the third child of Fr. J.D.K. Baker and Mrs. Marguerite K. Baker, is the matriarch of a large family that now spans four generations. She is the mother of three children, grandmother to six grandchildren, and has numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

By By Lovette Tucker & Mae Azango, Nieces of Aunt Bade

A trained nurse, Ms. Baker dedicated more than 60 years of her life to the medical profession, serving in hospitals in both Liberia and the United States. Even in retirement, she remains active, continuing to practice the home economics skills she learned as a student at Bromley Mission, particularly her love for making beautifully embroidered tablecloths.

Despite reaching a century in age, family members describe Aunty Bade as remarkably independent. She is known for her sharp eyesight—still able to thread a regular needle and read small-print books without the aid of glasses.

Her lively personality and unique routines also keep those around her entertained. According to her nieces, Lovette Tucker and Mae Azango, Aunty Bade has even set up what the family jokingly calls her “office” in the bathroom, where she spends time carefully folding tissue pieces one by one. She also enjoys walking around the house late at night, moving from room to room in the dark.

Doctor visits with the centenarian have also produced memorable moments. During one visit, after a doctor unsuccessfully attempted to draw blood and prepared to try again, she reportedly warned him, “If you stick me one more time, I am going to slap you so hard!” — firmly refusing any further attempts.

Aunty Bade’s sharp wit and sense of humor continue to delight family members. When asked how she was doing, she once quipped, “Why ask how I am doing—are you a doctor?” On another occasion, when asked about her age, she replied, “Why not ask me how young I am?”

Her humor extends to matters of romance as well. When relatives jokingly suggested finding her a 90-year-old boyfriend, she quickly responded, “What do I want a ninety-year-old man for? I’m looking for a younger man to take me to bed—not someone I’ll have to take to the bathroom or someone who will ask me, ‘Bade, where are my pants?’”

For her family, Aunty Bade represents more than longevity. She offers a glimpse into the wisdom that comes with living a full century—reminding them that worries about material success are fleeting, while gratitude and faith endure.

Even at 100, relatives say there is one habit she never forgets: thanking God and appreciating the people around her.

Paynesville – As Valentine’s Day approaches, married couples and lovers around the world prepare to celebrate love. But beyond flowers and romantic dinners lies a deeper question: What is the secret to a long-lasting marriage? And how can young couples learn from those who have stood the test of time?

By Mae Azango | mae.azango@frontpageafricaonline.com

Each Valentine’s season, this paper spotlights couples who have been married for 25 years or more, offering lessons to a generation where many marriages begin today and end tomorrow.

Rev. Archie Roberts and his wife, Rev. Geanjay George Roberts, have been married for over 27 years, tying the knot on June 14, 1999. What makes their union even more remarkable is that both are ordained ministers of the Gospel.

As another Valentine’s Day draws near, the couple says the occasion is no different from any other day.

“Valentine’s Day is like any other day for us,” Rev. Roberts said. “We are in love every day, and our love has grown stronger over the years.”

Seated in their church office at the Voice of Repentance Outreach Center in the King Gray, Paynesville community, Rev. Roberts reflected on how their journey began.

Meeting his wife in 1998, he believes, was divinely orchestrated.

“As a young man, I was not living a life pleasing to God,” he admitted. “I wouldn’t say I was a playboy, but I was engaging in relationships without understanding that sex is not love. When I realized my life wasn’t progressing, I decided to change and serve God. I prayed for direction and asked God to lead me to a good, God-fearing wife.”

He said when he saw Ms. Geanjay George at the Eliza Turner AME Church branch, which had moved to the Paynesville Community School in Joe Bar, he immediately felt she was the answer to his prayer.

“The Holy Spirit spoke to me,” he recalled.

At the time, the church’s Assistant Pastor encouraged the two to work together in planning church activities, as the workload had become overwhelming. That partnership laid the foundation for a deeper bond.

“It was as if God had already planned it,” Rev. Roberts said. “I first became her friend, and gradually our relationship developed.”

Still, he hesitated to propose.

“I wasn’t employed at the time, apart from doing handyman work for the church. One day I asked her if she would marry a man like me without a stable job. When she said yes, I suggested we fast and pray about it to seek God’s guidance.”

For young couples struggling to sustain their marriages, Rev. Roberts emphasized friendship as the bedrock of any lasting relationship.

“Be your partner’s best friend. When you are friends, you understand each other’s likes and dislikes. That foundation will carry you through difficult times,” he said.

Mrs. Roberts acknowledged that their early years were not without challenges.

“It wasn’t easy at the beginning,” she said. “We came from two different backgrounds. But we communicated about everything, and that helped us overcome many obstacles.”

She stressed that open communication — even about sensitive issues — is critical.

“We talked about everything, including our sex life, which is often considered taboo in Liberia,” she said. “It’s important to know what your partner likes and to express what you like as well. That understanding strengthens intimacy.”

Recalling their courtship, Mrs. Roberts said her husband wrote a formal letter to her father seeking permission to date her — a gesture rooted in tradition.

“My father was old school, so that was one of the first things he did,” she said with a smile.

Offering advice to younger couples, Mrs. Roberts urged women to stand by their husbands through both good and difficult times.

“Do not capitalize on your husband’s weaknesses and attack him over them,” she advised. “What shames a man can also make him angry. Instead, help him overcome his weaknesses. Communication is very important in every relationship, so keep communicating to make your relationship stronger.”

After 27 years, the Roberts’ message is clear: love is not sustained by grand gestures on one day of the year, but by faith, friendship, patience, and daily commitment.  

Monrovia, Liberia – The Monrovia City Hall recently became the center of an important dialogue as dozens of adolescent girls and young people gathered to engage government officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), donor organizations, school administrators, and community leaders in addressing the challenges affecting them.

By Mae Azango mae.azango@frontpageafricaonline.com

The event, a Call to Action Review, was organized by Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) in partnership with the Global Fund for Children as a follow-up to the Adolescent Girls Summit held last year in Liberia. The summit had brought together 121 young people from 10 West African countries, highlighting critical issues such as early marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancy, the inclusion of sexual education in school curricula, and access to free sanitary pads for adolescent girls.

Youth-Led Initiative Calls for Policy Action

Unlike traditional forums, this event was planned and organized entirely by young people, who extended invitations to key government agencies, including the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Gender, Education, and Health, as well as the House of Representatives’ Committee on Gender. Their goal was to push for concrete actions, such as educating citizens on the negative consequences of female genital cutting/mutilation (FGC) and advocating for the adoption and enforcement of laws banning the practice across West Africa.

The forum featured interactive panel discussions, where young people posed direct questions to government officials, CSO representatives, and donors. Many of these concerns were addressed, with stakeholders pledging to amplify the youths’ demands and work toward sustainable solutions.

Young Leaders Speak Out

Ms. Jameline Gbapea, Global Board Chair for the SheLeads Project, emphasized the importance of young people taking charge of their own advocacy efforts.

“We are speaking out for our basic rights, including the fight against FGM, teen pregnancy, and the need for free sanitary pads in schools. It is time adolescent girls stand up for our rights. We must stop thinking that we are too young to lead or take initiatives. We can start in our schools, communities, and wherever we find ourselves. By discussing our problems and engaging our peers and mentors, we can bring about change,” she said.

Gbapea highlighted how the SheLeads Project empowers young women in schools and institutions by providing support and motivation for them to take on leadership roles. Inspired by the Girls Summit, she launched the Teens Association Program in her community and hosted a Teen Lecture Series last December.

“SheLeads has helped build my leadership skills, and the Girls Summit has awakened me to do more and push forward,” she added.

Empowering Young People Through Leadership

CHI Executive Director Naomi T. Solanke underscored the importance of allowing young people to lead their own initiatives.

“Getting adolescents and young people to plan their own programs is a powerful way to empower them. They organized, moderated, and invited stakeholders to engage. Our role was only to facilitate—the rest, they did on their own,” she explained.

Solanke noted that CHI has worked with adolescent girls and young people for over three years, mentoring them and hosting annual summits to encourage them to speak out and hold leaders accountable. This year’s review gathered students from six schools, with a total of 186 young participants—98% of whom were adolescents. CHI currently operates in Montserrado, Margibi, Sinoe, and Gbarpolu Counties, with plans to expand to other regions.

Educators Call for Program Expansion

Mr. Augustus Weedee, Vice Principal of Keneja High School, who attended with ten students, praised the initiative.

“This program is very beneficial because it helps educate our students on making informed decisions and becoming better leaders. I encourage CHI and its partners to expand this initiative to more schools nationwide. From this program, I believe my students will take the lead in encouraging leadership discussions within our school and community,” he said.

Key Action Points from the Dialogue

Participants drafted a series of Call to Action recommendations, including provision of free sanitary pads in public and private schools to ensure girls remain in school before and during their menstrual cycles; free medical products to help manage severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS); collaboration with the legislature and government stakeholders to pass and implement gender equality laws for improved representation and inclusion; harmonization of gender and child protection policies, ensuring laws protecting adolescent girls are fully enforced and education for both boys and girls on working together to address gender-based challenges in their communities.

This youth-led movement signals a bold step forward in ensuring adolescent voices are heard and their concerns are acted upon by decision-makers.

Monrovia – As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples celebrate love and exchange gifts. But is love in marriages and relationships today genuine? Why are so many young and newly married couples getting divorced?

By Mae Azango, maeazango@frontpageafricaonline.com

To answer these questions, Bishop Lionel M. Smith and his wife, Rev. Atty. Maria Salome P. Smith, who will celebrate 31 years of marriage next month, share their experiences and secrets to a lasting union despite the challenges.

Bishop Smith, a devoted clergyman, emphasizes that their love has never diminished since they tied the knot on March 5, 1994. “Every day is Valentine’s in our marriage,” he said.

How They Met

Reflecting on their journey, Bishop Smith recalled pastoring Grace Outreach Church in Paynesville when his future wife visited one Sunday. “The moment I saw her, I felt she was the right woman for me. I approached her, expressed my feelings, and we began dating and praying together,” he said. Within six months of courtship, they were married—he was 29, and she was 22.

Secrets to a Lasting Marriage

Bishop Smith believes marriage should not be about dominance but mutual agreement on resolving issues. He advises young couples to prioritize prayer in their union.

“Keep loving your partner and don’t let love diminish; you will always enjoy Valentine’s. Our union has been blessed with three children and two grandchildren, and we are truly grateful,” he shared.

Like any marriage, theirs has had ups and downs. However, Bishop Smith’s approach to conflict resolution has helped. “I stay quiet when my wife is upset, allowing her to cool off before addressing the issue. Two wrongs don’t make a right, and yelling at each other doesn’t solve anything,” he noted.

His advice to young couples: “Resolve your marital problems yourselves and avoid involving third parties. Outside opinions come with different mindsets that may worsen the situation. Instead, listen to each other, be patient, and keep God at the center of your marriage.”

Rev. Mrs. Smith’s Perspective

Rev. Atty. Maria Salome P. Smith recalled their meeting as humorous. Her husband and another pastor had started a church in her community and invited residents to visit. “When I started attending, our spirits clicked, and we began dating and praying together,” she said.

One of their biggest challenges was financial. “In Liberia, many people discourage women from marrying pastors, claiming they don’t make enough money to support a family—especially those pastoring churches that struggle financially. But we held on, and look where we are today,” she said.

When asked if her husband formally wrote to her parents to seek permission to date her, she revealed that he took a different approach. “Instead of writing a letter, he went with his parents to declare his intention to marry me, and we moved forward from there.”

She also revealed that during their six-month courtship, her husband never kissed her until their wedding day. “He was deeply committed to his faith and believed in marriage before intimacy, so I respected his principles. Marriage is a 24/7 job, not an eight-hour shift. This Valentine’s Day, we will celebrate at our second daughter’s wedding, making it even more special,” she said.

Her advice to young women is not to marry for money. “If you marry a man solely for his wealth, he may treat you like furniture—keeping you at home while he does as he pleases. When financial hardship comes, love built on money crumbles. Instead, support your husband, pool your resources, and build a stable family together,” she said.

She further cautioned against materialistic desires that strain marriages. “If you expect your husband to provide the latest fashion, jewelry, and luxury cars just because your friends have them, but he can’t afford it, it will break your home.”

Learning and Growing Together

Rev. Smith admitted that one challenge they faced was not knowing each other well before marriage. “We had to learn each other’s likes, dislikes, attitudes, and financial strengths after marriage, which was difficult but manageable.”

She also shared a personal growth moment. “Initially, I never believed in apologizing when I was wrong. But as I grew in faith, I realized that saying sorry doesn’t make you less of a person; it makes you better. Keeping issues bottled up only builds tension, which can eventually lead to separation. The best way to resolve conflicts is to apologize and move forward.”

Her final advice: “Don’t involve outsiders in your marital issues. Everyone gives advice based on their own experiences, which may not work for you. Handle your issues as a couple, communicate, and trust in God.”

For Bishop and Rev. Smith, the key to a lasting marriage is simple: keep love alive, communicate, support each other, and make every day Valentine’s Day.

MONROVIA – Beatrice N. Wisseh, a 21-year-old social work student at the Mother Pattern College of Health Sciences, never imagined her life would change so drastically until a hit-and-run motor accident left her with both legs fractured and reliant on a wheelchair.

By Mae Azango mae.azango@frontpageafricaonline.com

After undergoing multiple surgeries, her legs are now braced with iron, and she walks with the aid of crutches. Despite these challenges, Wisseh remains determined, pursuing her education and speaking out about the struggles faced by people living with disabilities in Liberia.

As a proud recipient of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Scholarship, she shared her story in an interview, highlighting the daily challenges she encounters in accessing her classes and the broader issue of marginalization faced by individuals with disabilities.

“In the past, at the Dolo Town Public School where I attended, there were no ramps, so my classmates had to lift me in my wheelchair to enter classes, which was very embarrassing. At the Mother Pattern School of Health Sciences, I have to climb many stairs because nearly all of my classes are upstairs. This causes constant pain in my hips and legs. If my classes were downstairs, I wouldn’t go through such pain,” she said.

Barriers to Accessibility

Wisseh emphasized that the lack of accessibility in public spaces is a constant reminder to people with disabilities that they are often overlooked and excluded. “The absence of ramps in public buildings suggests we don’t matter and have no right to higher education,” she said.

Her struggles inspired a poem titled “Voice in the Shadows,” which captures the marginalization and dehumanization faced by the physically challenged.

Excerpt from “Voice in the Shadows”

“They strive in pain, walking paths alone,

Risking their lives on foundations of stone.

Ignored, unheard, no voices to claim,

As if their existence is merely a name.

Are they not worthy of something more,

Of dignity, respect, a life to adore?”

A Broader Issue

Wisseh’s plight reflects the struggles of approximately 10,500 registered persons with disabilities in Liberia, according to J. Emmanuel Kpleh, Resident Supervisor of the Group of 77. Many disabled individuals face mobility challenges due to a lack of wheelchairs, crutches, and other essential items. They also encounter systemic marginalization and limited access to education and employment opportunities.

A report by the Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs), supported by SIDA, estimates that 99% of persons with disabilities in Liberia live in extreme poverty, mainly due to exclusion from education, skills training, and income-generating opportunities. This is significantly higher than the 48% of the general Liberian population living in extreme poverty, according to the United Nations.

Accessibility in Public Spaces

An investigation by FrontPage Africa reporters revealed that several public institutions and universities in Liberia lack accessibility features for people with disabilities. Key ministries, including Finance, Education, Labor, Gender, and Health, do not have ramps or functional elevators. While the Liberia National Police headquarters has a ramp at its entrance, most of its offices, including the Inspector General’s office, are only accessible via stairs.

Among institutions of higher learning, the University of Liberia and other major universities, including UMU, AMEU, Cuttington, and Mother Pattern College, are largely inaccessible. Stella Maris Polytechnic University is an exception, with a ramp located at the back of the building.

Sister Mary Laurene Browne, OSF, President Emerita of Stella Maris Polytechnic, acknowledged the issue. “Not even newly constructed buildings in the capital have easy access for the physically challenged. We have no choice but to begin addressing this problem concretely,” she said.

Advocating for Change

Despite the obstacles she faces, Wisseh is optimistic about her future. She envisions herself as a legal advocate working to dismantle barriers for marginalized people in society.

“In five years, I see myself as a graduate of social work and a legal advocate, leading initiatives to create a more inclusive society. I want to change the narrative, ensuring that the dreams of disabled individuals are no longer ignored,” she said.

Wisseh’s journey and advocacy serve as a powerful reminder of the need for systemic change to ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and dignity for all Liberians, regardless of their physical abilities.

Gbarpolu County—Female Zoes and members of the Sande Bush in Yangaryah Town are proving that they can enhance their livelihoods beyond traditional practices. 

By Mae Azango mae.azango@frontpageafricaonline.com

Through a loan project funded by the Swedish Embassy, in collaboration with ActionAid Liberia and local partner Domafeign, these women have successfully managed a Village Savings Loan program that has improved their financial independence.

The initiative aims to empower Zoes and Sande practitioners by establishing Village Savings Loans in six rural communities in Gbarpolu County. Yangaryah Town women were the first to complete a one-year savings project, showcasing their ability to manage finances and run small businesses.

“I sell dry goods. I received US$20 (approximately L$3,800 at the time) to start my business, and through my savings, I’ve now accumulated L$55,000, which is over US$300,” said Memmah Saryon, a dry goods vendor. 

She noted that her success is partly due to training provided by Action Aid and Domafeign, which has given her confidence in managing her finances.

Saryon, who shared that her husband was initially reluctant to support her participation in the project, has since embraced her efforts. “Using the Village saving loan helped me gain his trust, and now I am able to support our seven children, including two in university,” she added.

As part of the program, women were given US$20 to start their businesses, with an additional L$90,000 distributed among groups of thirty women across six towns. The participating communities are Yangaryah, Gbarma, Zuo, Parker, Vaye, and Tarkpoima.

During a recent closing ceremony, women gathered to collect their one-year profits from a secured steel savings box, which is opened collectively to ensure accountability and security. The women have adopted a numeric system to label their savings, preventing armed robbery by concealing individual amounts.

Weah Seh, a vegetable seller, expressed gratitude for the program, stating that it has allowed her to support her family and regain a sense of autonomy. “With this business, I can help at home, and my husband respects me more,” she said.

Domafeign’s head of program, Foxter Jenemana, emphasized the project’s broader goals, promoting both financial management and the visibility of positive cultural practices outside traditional confines. “We want to showcase the good aspects of the Sande bush, like weaving and cultural crafts, rather than allowing our culture to be hidden away,” he said.

With the first year’s loan successfully returned, Jenemana announced plans to provide larger sums for continued business development. “Our partners will see your success and recognize that you can manage larger loans moving forward,” he added.

Boimah J. Coleman, Executive Director of Domafeign, highlighted the impact of the program on the community, stating that it changes perceptions of women’s capabilities. Clan Chief Varney Sirleaf added that empowering women financially benefits the entire family unit by helping meet essential needs like children’s education.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead in balancing tradition with change, Sirleaf called for continued engagement with communities to foster positive transformation. “Our culture has existed for centuries and cannot disappear overnight, but we can work towards beneficial changes together,” he said.

BUU-YAO, Nimba – In Gbloulay, Buu-yao District 5, Nimba County, while lesson is ongoing, at the Wettkarmouah Faith Foundation of Academic Excellence, eighteen-year-old, Genevie Nanmen Gontoman, horridly rushes out of class to go and nurse her baby in the nursery at the same school she attends. 

By Mae Azango mae.azango@frontpageafricaonline.com

Unlike many teen-aged young mothers in Urban Montserrado, who usually stop school to cater to their babies at home, Genevie has the opportunity to take her eight months old baby along with her to school, take classes and nurse the baby at the same time. 

But she said the mistake of having a baby, studying, and doing other household chores, is tedious.

“When I am taking lessons in class and the baby is crying, the caretaker can come and call me to go and feed my baby. So, I want my friends to go to school before having children, because man time can’t pass. I have no time to study, so it is better for them to focus on their education”, she said.

According to Save the Children’s recent report, Liberia has an alarming high rate of teenage pregnancy. It is estimated that on average 3 in 10 Liberian girls are pregnant before the age of 18. The rate of pregnancy among adolescent girls aged 15-19 in rural areas is almost double that in urban areas 42% and 24% respectively.

Genevie lamented that she faces significant challenges as a result of the pregnancy and has learned from her mistake. She, however, urged her peers to focus their attention on their education as part of adding values to their lives.  

The Ministry of Education that once discouraged schools from enrolling pregnant girls has emphasized that no one is to be left behind in the pursuit of education and that pregnant female students must be allowed in school. 

The Communication and Public Relations Director and Public Affairs Officer of the Ministry of Education, J. Maxime Bleetahn told our correspondent via mobile that the ministry is committed to promoting inclusive education where no one will be left behind.

“I must commend that school for allowing a young mother to go back to school, while the school provides a nursery to keep the child when the mother is learning”, he said.

Commenting on the issue of support for school, Bleetahn stated that plans are underway by MoE to provide subsidy and educational materials to the school upon the return of the minister.

Accountability Lab Liberia, a Civil Society Advocacy group, Country Director Mr. Lawrence Yealue, extols the Ministry of Education for endorsing an inclusive education and urged the ministry to consider providing financial assistance to struggling institutions.

“I think this is a brilliant idea to truly not leave anyone behind, should be carefully considered. If we might as well discuss closing the gender gap, this should be carefully looked into as one of the approaches. How can two commit an act, (male and female) but one is punished and the other goes on to school? It doesn’t make sense to the logical minds. I hear the argument that those teenage-mothers are mothers and should not be placed in the same class with other innocent kids but should we let them down completely? I think no… This approach is good and should be looked into seriously considering the merits and demerits”, he said.

As for giving subsidies, he thinks subsidies should be a matter of relevance and importance and such schools fit those categories.

“The Ministry will play deaf ears to this, since this school is not a school of one politician. But this is sad to see a single Liberian struggling to serve the underprivileged, yet the Government will seem not to care? We cannot afford to continuously be politically correct to call out the Government for what it represents, Lack of care for the true education of its people”, said Yealue.

While the school accepts young mothers to bring their babies to school, which is not common in the educational system in the country, school principal Joe Togbah said this is the only way to give the girl child the opportunity for education.  

“If we do not accept the young mothers, it means we will be depriving them of education. We have women who are caretakers in the nursery to look after the babies while the mothers are in class and when the child is crying, the caretaker can call the mother to nurse the child and return to the classroom. The challenge is that the mother can miss some of the lessons to nurse the baby, but again, what can we do? Because we want to give the girl child the opportunity to be educated, said Principal Togbah

Togbah, who also serves as a teacher for three classes due to limited teaching staff, narrated that the school has 178 students who are enrolled in both nursery and junior high.

Etta Menkoah, a single mother of five and a teacher at the nursery division, said working as a nursery teacher and caretaker, is a great help to her and her kids. But said the burden is very heavy on the Proprietor, who is trying to make a difference in educating their rural children. 

“Our proprietor is doing well because he is not getting help from the government or any organization. He is a great help to this community because he has children who are orphans and are on the school scholarship program. I want the government to help and put a hand around him to run this school because it is not easy for a single man to run a school like this, she said.

The Wettkarmouah Faith Foundation of Academic Excellence Proprietor is owned by Mr. Roosevelt Forkpah, a son of the Buu-yao District. He has established the same school in three Towns including Gboulay, Dinplay and Buu-tuo.   

“My family and I are alone doing all this. I am depriving my children of education and educating children in rural Liberia. There are no text books, and no safe drinking water. We are asking the government through the Ministry of Education for more teachers and to put our teachers on government salary. We are appealing for assistance from the Nimba citizens in the USA, Monrovia and other parts to come to our aid in helping to educate their children from their county, he said.

Proprietor Forkpah said anyone wanting to be a help to educate the children of Nimba, should reach him or family on cell numbers: 0886894058, 0555378187, 0888723422.

GBARTALA, Bong County — Twenty-Eight-year-old Mallah Dolo, a single mother of two, was reading education at the Cuttington University in Bong County, but was forced to become a University dropout and turned to a farmer, when her benefactor, former Bong County District five lawmaker, Edward Karfiah, did not win the last election. 

By Mae Azango, mae.azango@frontpageafricaonline.com

Cultivating the soil for three years in Agartala, Bong County, where she lives since quitting school, Dolo grows crops and vegetable, such as cassava, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, corns, bitter balls or (Garden Eggs) Okra, Pepper, Potato greens, cassava leaves and processing her own farina, but she still faces numerous challenges. 

Speaking in an exclusive interview at a recent three-day National Climate Justice Summit, organized by ActionAid Liberia, and its International and National partners, held at the ESJ Ministerial Complex in Congo Town Liberia, Dolo disclosed that the most challenging part in farming is leasing customary land from Town chiefs within their community to farm, instead of having access to their own land according to the Land Rights Law.

“We the female farmers need help from the government in terms of getting land to farm on, because we are renting the land from our own Town Chief in order to plant our crops and vegetables, and we have to give half of whatever crops and vegetables we harvest. This is not benefiting us, because we do not make much money to sustain our families when we sell the remaining farm produce,” said Dolo. 

Dolo and many other women are facing similar challenges in many rural communities, but she is lucky to be among women farmers under ActionAid partner called Domafeign, which means ‘future’, in the Gola Tribe and it caters to women farmers, but expressed its disappointment over the women farmers’ dilemma.  

“Women doing farming should have access to public farm land in rural communities without fees or tokens, because public farmland is a right for all, including women in farming activities. We will follow the matter up to the Land Administrator’s office in Bong County,” says Domafeign head, Mr. Foxter Jenemana.

Women play a significant role in Liberia’s agriculture, according to the World Food Program, and they account for approximately 80% of the agricultural labor force and are responsible for 93% of food crop production. 

But while agriculture and forestry is important to Liberia’s economy, women’s access and control of land is limited, despite their majority workforce in the agricultural industry in the country. 

The 2018 Liberia Land rights law, is the first legislation to recognize customary ownership of land in Liberia and secures the rights of women to own land and to participate in decision-making and land governance. But since the enactment of Liberia’s 2018 Land Rights Law, women still struggle for land to grow their food. 

Interestingly, the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), which is responsible for land issues in the Country and forms part of drafting the Land Rights Law, has an arm in Bong County, but is unaware of the happenings right under its nose. 

Ms. Amelia Cassell, Bong County Land Administrator, said it is new to her office that women in rural communities are leasing land from Town Chiefs to farm, because no woman farmer is supposed to lease public land in any community. 

In that, customary or public land is for all, including men, women and youth who are all part of the decision making in land governance, according to the Land Rights Law. 

“This has not been brought to our attention. Usually when we visit these rural communities, women are afraid to speak out on issues affecting them pertaining to the Land, so if this woman from Gbartala can come to our office in Gbarnga and let us know the main community in Gbartala this is happening, we will meet with the Town Chief and settle it,” she said.

Cassell further disclosed that people in rural communities are not fully aware of the Land Rights Law because of lack of awareness, and her office has only one motorbike and cannot cover the entire Bong County to carry on adequate awareness.   

Back to Dolo, who described the difficulties in using her physical strength in brushing and planting crops and vegetables, while watering and weeding grass from the farm is important to the growth of farm produce. But she was very happy to be a part of the National Climate Justice Summit, in order to showcase and sell her farm produce and learn more about the Climate change and its importance. 

“The farm work is very hard, right now, my children can help me weed the grass, after they come from school. As I learned from my mother, they are also learning from me. I am grateful to Action Aid and its partner Damafea, because they are providing us with some farming tools and seeds products, but we need access to our farm land to farm, because it is not easy to rent land to farm on,” she said

Louisiana Township, Montserrado, four unarmed soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia, (AFL) were allegedly attacked by a gang of over 25 men, led by Ohmuru Sheriff alias DOC and his brother Sheriff alias (Dangoty), residents of Samukai Town, when they went to check on their property in the Township of Louisiana, Montserrado County.

By Mae Azango & John Dennis Weah

Panic intensified amongst residents when reinforcement of heavily armed men of AFL soldiers from Harrisburg, including additional armed police from the Police Support Unit, (PSU) of the Liberia National Police, arrived on the scene later. 

The state security rushed to the home of Mr. Solomon T. Miller to rescue the situation but upon his arrival the thugs had already fled the scene. 

None of the security personnel of police could speak to journalists regarding the incident, upon leaving former Commissioner Miller’s home.

The AFL Personnel who were said to have returned to the Country after their recent Peacekeeping Mission in Mali, had gone to check on their property they had purchased from former Louisiana Township Commissioner Solomon Miller a few years ago. 

According to eyewitness George K. Kennedy, a tricycle rider, and also a victim of brutality from the same gang, who had severely beaten him, narrated that it all started when the military personnel arrived on the land and saw that all their cornerstones had been broken and they could not recognize 

their boundaries, so they arrested two men they met on the land, which they believed had broken the cornerstones.

But said the soldiers later released the men after Mr. Miller had assured them they had all rights to the land which was deeded to them, but they only needed to do a re-survey to know the exact demarcations. 

“They were over 25 twenty-five men, who put me in the trunk of the jeep, and while fleeing the community, we bumped into the four uniformed AFL personnel, who were leaving the community after concluding talks with Mr. Miller, but Ohmuru Sheriff alias (DOC) stopped his convoy of tugs and ordered them to disrobe the army officers and beat on them. One of the officers who remained standing in his position was hit on the head with a sharp object. I myself witnessed everything that happened to the army men because I pretended unconscious to save my life from the hands of the gang,” said victim Kennedy

Kennedy recounted from his hospital bed how it all started when he decided not to run traffic that afternoon because of his toothache and he went to his uncle’s Mr. Miller’s place to rest for a while. But he later received a called from his aunt and as he was leaving to attend his aunt’s call, he saw a silver jeep with armed men who leader shouted, ‘that is the Mr. Miller man, catch and beat him.’ 

“I ran in the yard of a closed neighbor named Mr. Nyanti for rescue, and when I slid and fell down on the carpet grass, right away, the men rushed on and started beating me with electric wires, steel rods and other instruments. When I said my brothers, you guys can kill me for nothing because I am not Mr. Miller, immediately Ohmuru Sheriff, who led the group said the man is still alive you guys must finish him and the beating continued,” victim Kennedy said

 He further said after he was brutalized he was dumped and left for dead around the Peace Clinic, alongside the Caldwell to Louisiana Highway. But he was later recognized and rescued by some Motorcyclists who rushed him in an emergency to the nearby government clinic, where he was hospitalized. He is currently suffering internal wounds and has arranged to seek an X-ray based on a renowned medical referral. 

In an interview, former Commissioner Miller admitted selling land to the Army personnel few years ago when he was commissioner but alleged that Mr. Momolu Kiadii, who works as Commander of LDEA in Samoka Town, is illegally claiming his property which he Kaidii cannot legally defend in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 “I foresee uncontrollable violence on the increase in Louisiana if the government fails to intervene rapidly as the situation is getting out of hand. Seeing lawless people terrorizing peaceful and law-abiding citizens in the Township is life threatening. I was attacked at home and the same gangsters broke my window glasses, threw rocks and destroyed several items in my living room. My brother was once attacked because of me; if I were not law-abiding, I could get the support of establishing my own violent force to fight back but I cannot go that route because of my personality. The law must protect me!” he said

Mr. Miller, who can be reached on cell number +231886654632, said he fears for his life and that of his family for which he has written to the Minister of Justice and filed a complaint and has also written to the Director of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency with a complaint against their employee Momolu Kiadii. “Kiadii is one of the persons illegally claiming land on my property which he cannot legally defend in any court of competent jurisdiction. He goes to places on my property and discharges firearms, putting fear in the people around,” former Commissioner Miller said. 

Speaking to Mr. Momolu Kaidii via mobile phone, he denied encroaching on Former Commissioner’s property and all allegations of sending thugs to perpetrate violence against peaceful Citizens in Louisiana Township. 

“There are three Towns that are far away from Mr. Miller’s Eighty Acres of land, located after the train tracks which he has sold out. But Mr. Miller is claiming property in these Towns which includes: Gono Town, Bassa Town and Pepper Town. I am the Administrator of Pepper Town, of which my Grandfather Sammy Pepper, established during the Tubman Regime, and I have deeds and all necessary documents in my possession. We are presently in court and Mr. Miller has not submitted any document declaring his ownership of said property,” he said

Kiadii denied the allegations of knowing of any violence carried out on the day of the incident but admitted to being Uncle to the Sheriff Brothers in the Silver jeep, who allegedly headed the gang who perpetrated the violence.

“I am a peaceful man who does not partake in violence. Even though the Sheriff brothers are my nephews, crimes are not transferable. So. it does not mean if my brother kills, I am to pay for his crimes. Every man has to answer for his own crimes, so ask Mr. Miller for their number and you can ask them to also explain their side, because I do not have their numbers” he said 

Meanwhile, Mr. Miller, is requesting the government of Liberia for security presence not for his family members only, but to assign armed security officers in the area in order to swiftly respond to violent incidents to avoid escalating hostility and loss of lives.

Monrovia—Eyea’s Plates and Pour, a newly established restaurant launched by Liberian entrepreneur Madam Aren Kollie, has fallen victim to a burglary and subsequent fire disaster that has left the establishment in ruins. 

By: Mae Azango

The incident, which occurred shortly after the restaurant’s opening on August 24, 2024, has shocked both the owner and the community.

Madam Kollie, who returned to Liberia from abroad to honor her late grandmother Eyea’s legacy of hospitality, expressed her dismay over the breach of trust by the very security personnel hired to protect her investment. 

“The security guards, now in police custody, were on duty when the incident took place,” she explained. “They assured our neighbor, a Lebanese businessman, that the unusual movements in the restaurant were due to workmen operating inside at 5 a.m. Who would believe that?”

The restaurant, located at the intersection of Clay and Carey Streets, employed sixteen Liberians, providing a beacon of hope for the community. 

However, that hope was dashed when unknown thieves, allegedly aided by three of the restaurant’s security guards, broke in and stole valuable items including CCTV equipment, computers, printers, a 55-inch television, and even a tub filled with dry fish. Following the theft, the perpetrators set the restaurant ablaze in an attempt to cover their tracks.

In an exclusive interview, Madam Kollie recounted the moment she learned of the disaster. A call from her cleaner revealed that smoke had engulfed the entire second floor of the building. Tragically, when Madam Kollie contacted the fire service, she was informed that their truck was out of service. 

In an act of solidarity, nearby neighbors helped to break down the door and extinguish the flames, which had originated in the kitchen and destroyed vital kitchen appliances and inventory.

Despite the devastation, Madam Kollie remains resolute about her commitment to the community. “I am disappointed, yes, but I won’t be scared back to Europe,” she stated. 

“In fact, my return ticket for more supplies was scheduled for the 20th of this month, but I will stay here and continue to push forward. I am Eyea’s granddaughter, and I won’t give up.”

Looking ahead, Madam Kollie plans to open an event hall for weddings and other gatherings as a means to continue serving local dishes while repairs are made to the restaurant. 

She urged Liberians in the diaspora not to be discouraged by her experience, emphasizing the need for unity and development. “This is just a distraction,” she said. “Together we can rebuild our motherland, but envy and wickedness will only lead to destruction.”

Madam Kollie remains hopeful that the security firm responsible for the guards will address the damages, allowing her to resume operations and support local employment. 

Her dedication to her community and disdain for the “crab mentality” that seeks to undermine progress serves as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of those committed to rebuilding Liberia.