GANTA, Nimba County — Delegates, who  attended Liberia’s three-day National Constitutional Reform Symposium in Ganta City, Nimba County,   have agreed and signed a resolution setting out their recommendations for a broad national review of the country’s 1986 Constitution.

By Franklin Doloquee

The proposed resolution will provide a basis for wider consultations on whether Liberia should amend specific constitutional provisions or pursue a more comprehensive rewriting of the 40-year-old document.

The agreement to prepare the resolution does not in itself  constitute a final national decision to replace the Constitution.

Once finalized, the document is expected to be presented for consideration by the Executive Branch, the Judiciary, the House of Representatives, the Senate, civil-society organizations, traditional chiefs and elders, the media, youth organizations, women’s groups, People living with disability, organizations representing persons with disabilities, political parties representations, Superintendents Council representations, counties nine men council members and other stakeholders.

Delegates emphasized that the future of the Constitution should not be determined solely by political leaders, legal experts  or participants at a single gathering.

Instead, they called for an inclusive, transparent, and nationally owned process that gives Liberians across all 15 counties a meaningful opportunity to contribute.

Building National Agreement

The symposium was convened by the Governance Commission and the Law Reform Commission, with support from the United Nations Development Programme, ( UNDP) under the theme: “Advancing Constitutional Reform through National Ownership, Inclusion and Democratic Governance.”

Participants included representatives of government ministries and agencies, lawmakers, lawyers, civil-society organizations, professional bodies, traditional authorities, women, young people and persons with disabilities.

Their agreement to develop a resolution marks a step toward consolidating the discussions into a common document.

The resolution is intended to bring together areas of agreement, identify questions requiring further examination and outline a possible direction for nationwide engagement.

At the center of the proposed national review is a fundamental question: can targeted amendments adequately address Liberia’s present governance challenges, or is a more comprehensive constitutional overhaul necessary?

That question remains open for wider public discussion and legal examination.

The delegates’ recommendations are, therefore, intended to inform a national decision, rather than substitute for one.

A Constitution at 40

As Liberia marks four decades under its 1986 Constitution, participants said the country must assess whether its constitutional framework adequately reflects contemporary political, social, economic and governance realities.

The discussions focused on preserving democratic principles while examining provisions that participants believe may require clarification, stronger safeguards, or reform.

Delegates linked the review to public concerns about accountability, citizen participation, local governance, institutional independence and the equitable management of national resources.

The Ganta gathering also forms part of a broader reform conversation. Earlier national discussions organized by the Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission examined the choice between targeted constitutional revision and a more comprehensive overhaul.

Priorities for Reform

During thematic discussions, delegates identified several areas for possible constitutional and legal review: Citizenship and property rights, Natural-resource governance and equitable benefit-sharing, Decentralization, local government and citizen participation.

The tenure, accountability and performance of elected officials. Traditional authority, customary rights, and their relationship with state institutions. Checks and balances among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.

Fundamental rights, inclusion and public accountability. These issues extend beyond the wording of the Constitution.

They concern how public authority is exercised, how communities participate in decisions, how institutions are held accountable and how citizens benefit from the country’s resources.

Participants said the review should ultimately contribute to stronger democratic institutions, improved public-service delivery, social cohesion, and greater confidence in government.

Delegates stressed that consultation must reach beyond national institutions and urban centers.

Their call for participation across all 15 counties places communities, local leaders, and groups whose voices are often underrepresented at the center of the proposed process.

The inclusion of women, young people, persons with disabilities, traditional authorities and civil-society organizations is intended to broaden the range of experiences informing the review.

For that participation to be meaningful, the consultation process would need accessible information, understandable explanations of proposed changes, and opportunities for citizens to raise concerns before decisions are finalized.

The media would also have an important public-information role. At the Ganta symposium, the Press Union of Liberia called for an inclusive reform process and stronger constitutional protection for freedom of expression, press freedom and other fundamental rights.

Calls for Stronger Institutions

Governance Commission Acting Chairman Professor Alaric K. Tokpa has urged that constitutional reform remain nationally owned, inclusive, and focused on practical improvements in governance.

His emphasis on public participation reflects the broader argument that reform should strengthen the relationship between citizens and state institutions, rather than become an exercise confined to political and legal circles.

Civil Service Agency Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, who delivered the symposium’s keynote address, called for reforms addressing excessive political influence, institutional weaknesses, and inadequate accountability.

He identified stronger checks and balances, decentralization, protection of fundamental rights, inclusive participation, and responsible management of public resources as priorities, while advocating nationwide consultations and technical review of proposed amendments.

From Resolution to Reform

The proposed Ganta resolution is expected to guide further consultations, stakeholder engagement and technical legal review. It would provide a platform for national institutions and the public to consider both the substance of reform and the appropriate process for pursuing it.

However, a symposium resolution cannot itself amend the Constitution. Article 91 requires a proposed amendment to receive the support of two-thirds of the membership of each legislative chamber and subsequent approval by two-thirds of registered voters voting in a referendum held no sooner than one year after legislative action.

Citizens may also initiate the process through a petition signed by at least 10,000 citizens, but the proposal must still secure the required legislative concurrence and referendum approval.

Article 92 further requires proposed amendments to be published, explained to the public, and presented separately when more than one amendment is submitted for a referendum.

Any proposal for a comprehensive rewriting would therefore require careful legal examination; the delegates’ agreement to draft a resolution should not be presented as authorization to replace the Constitution. For the Ganta participants, the immediate task is to turn their discussions into a document that Liberians can examine, debate, and help shape.

Their stated objective is a constitutional framework that responses  to present-day needs while protecting democratic values, national unity, the rule of law and the long-term interests of the Liberian people.

MARLAY TOWN, District Number Six — The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) has deployed forest rangers and the  Liberia National Police officers to Marlay Town in the Boe and Quella Administrative District,  Nimba County, following complaints by residents that Burkinabè Nationals have allegedly encroached on community forestland, restricted access to farms and contributed to an unresolved boundary dispute.

By Franklin Doloquee

The delegation, which included FDA officials and police personnel, visited the community on Sunday, November 8 after women and other residents said they could no longer freely access farmland and forest areas they have traditionally used.

Authorities said the mission was intended to assess conditions on the ground, listen to residents’ concerns and prepare a report for further government action.

“We came as a response to the cry of the people of Marlay Town,” said Victor W. Kpaiseh, FDA Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance.

“The women said they no longer have access to their farms, and the Burkinabè have taken over their forest. We are here to identify what is happening and determine the appropriate response.”

Security and Environmental Concerns

Kpaiseh described the situation as a potential national-security concern, citing reports that foreign nationals had occupied portions of community forestland.

He warned that uncontrolled forest clearing, unclear land arrangements, and growing tensions over access to farmland could deepen conflict if not addressed promptly.

The FDA said it has deployed three forest rangers and three Liberia National Police officers to Marlay Town.

Their immediate assignment is to investigate reports of forest occupation and destruction, identify those involved  and gather information for a formal report. Additional security personnel may be  deployed as the investigation progresses.

Officials also expressed concern about deforestation around the disputed area. The FDA said the case reflects broader pressures on Liberia’s forests, where agricultural expansion particularly cocoa cultivation and migration have intensified competition for land, raised concerns about illegal clearing, and threatened community livelihoods.

In southeastern Liberia, reporting has linked the cocoa boom to forest loss and land disputes. Migrant cocoa workers, including Burkinabè and Ivorian nationals, have been recruited by local landholders under sharecropping-style arrangements in which landowners provide land while migrants provide labor and investment.

In Grand Gedeh, the FDA has previously reported that eight of nine authorized community forests were threatened or occupied, with several cases investigated and referred for prosecution.

Residents told the delegation that the boundary between community land and the forest reserve reportedly established in 1952 has become difficult to identify. They said the line has not been regularly maintained or re-demarcated, creating uncertainty over which areas belong to the community and which fall within the protected forest.

Community members called for a fresh demarcation exercise to clearly mark the boundary. The FDA delegation agreed that re-identifying the boundary should be part of the resolution emerging from the meeting.

Residents also raised concerns about land reportedly taken from the community near the reserve. According to one account presented during the meeting, community members had previously sought about 500 meters of land from the reserve for farming, but said land was instead taken from the community side.

The FDA delegation said that specific claim had not been raised during the nearly three-hour town hall, but acknowledged that boundary clarification remained central to resolving the dispute.

To support the process, the FDA plans to use drone technology to help identify and re-demarcate the disputed forest boundary. The agency also said the Liberia Immigration Service has been requested to conduct an enumeration exercise to establish the number of foreign nationals living in the affected communities.

Community Allegations and Response

Some residents accused the Community Forest Management Body of failing to establish clear boundaries between Kpablee and the Boe and Quella districts. They also alleged that some foreign nationals were brought into the forest by local residents under farming arrangements.

However, Boe and Quella Executive Committee Chairman Samuel Dweh denied allegations that local leaders encouraged the presence of foreign farmers.

He maintained that the boundaries were established in consultation with local authorities and the Liberian government. Kpaiseh cautioned residents against giving forestland to foreign nationals under so-called “sixty-forty” farming arrangements, in which one party provides land while another provides labor and investment.

He warned that such arrangements could trigger future land conflicts, particularly where land rights, boundaries and environmental obligations are not clearly documented.

Similar arrangements have been reported in southeastern Liberia, where local landholders provide land to migrant farmers for cocoa production.

Investigations have found that such agreements can lead to forest clearing and disputes over community land governance, especially where formal documentation and oversight are weak.

Residents’ Demands

For residents of Marlay Town, the immediate demands are clear: a properly demarcated boundary, restored access to farmland, and stronger protection of community forests.

Community leaders and women’s representatives said they fear that continued uncertainty could leave them without access to land they have traditionally used for farming.

They warned that uncontrolled forest clearing could undermine livelihoods, water sources, and the local environment. The concerns echo earlier complaints from Marlay Town residents, who have called on the government to investigate alleged unequal enforcement of forest regulations and to provide a lasting solution to the dispute.

The Marlay Town case highlights a growing tension in Liberia between conservation, community land rights, agricultural expansion, and migration. Under Liberia’s Community Rights Law, authorized forest communities may access, manage, use, and benefit from forest resources through Community Forest Management Agreements negotiated with the FDA.

Authorities have also raised concerns about the presence of Burkinabè nationals in southeastern Liberia, particularly in Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties, where many are reportedly engaged in agriculture and mining.

A recently announced registration exercise is intended to document foreign nationals’ identities, locations and immigration status amid concerns over land use, unauthorized economic activity and forest encroachment.

The FDA delegation said the findings from Marlay Town would inform its report and any follow-up action, including possible boundary demarcation, increased ranger deployment, and closer coordination among forestry authorities, police, local leaders and residents. “We have been going across the country,” the FDA official said. “Once the people are crying, the government has to respond in time.”

Community Praise for Kpaiseh

Citizens of Marlay Town praised Victor W. Kpaiseh, a former administrator of the Esther and Jereline Medical Hospital, for what they described as his continued service to the community from his earlier work in student leadership to his current role at the Forestry Development Authority (FDA)

Residents who spoke with FrontPage Africa claimed that Kpaiseh was able to help calm tensions and bring hope to the town. They said his presence, along with the FDA delegation, gave residents confidence that their concerns would be heard and addressed by the government.

Community members said they now await concrete action, including a clear boundary demarcation, protection of farmland and a lasting resolution to the forest dispute.

YOOPEDI, Maryland County — A deteriorating wooden bridge serving as the main access route to Yoopedi in Harper District, Maryland County is exposing more than 600 residents to potential accidents while disrupting daily transportation and economic activities, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.

By Peter P. Toe, Jr., peterp.toe@frontpageafricaonline.com

The bridge, which connects the community to the main roadside, has reportedly deteriorated to the point where vehicles can no longer cross, forcing motorcyclists to dismount and push their motorcycles across the unsafe structure.

Residents say the situation has become increasingly dangerous, particularly for women, children, elderly people and commuters who depend on the crossing to access markets and other essential services.

Speaking during a community visit, Town Chief Othello S. Freeman said residents have repeatedly contributed money to purchase wooden planks and sticks to keep the bridge accessible, but the temporary repairs are no longer holding up.

According to Freeman, the wooden materials used to maintain the crossing have begun to rot, leaving residents exposed to the possibility of the structure collapsing while they attempt to cross.

“We have been contributing among ourselves to buy planks and sticks to maintain the bridge, but the materials are now rotting. We are finding it difficult to continue doing this,” Freeman explained.

He reported several incidents involving people falling from the bridge, including an alleged fatal incident involving a male resident who reportedly died after falling at the location when no one was available to assist him.

Freeman warned that the continued use of the weakened structure could result in further accidents if authorities fail to intervene.

The chief said residents have exhausted their ability to finance temporary repairs and are now appealing to the county administration, national government and humanitarian organizations to reconstruct the bridge.

Meanwhile, a resident, Augustine Howard disclosed that the bridge was initially constructed through an intervention facilitated by a woman identified as Jackie, who reportedly became involved after falling at the location and subsequently helped mobilize support for its construction.

Howard also referenced the involvement of Bishop Collins in facilitating the project.

Other accounts from the community attributed the construction to an intervention by Caritas Cape Palmas, with support from Caritas Germany through the Diocese of Limburg in Germany.

Residents said they had expected a concrete structure but were instead left with a wooden bridge that has deteriorated over the years.

The community’s concerns are not new. Freeman disclosed that residents had previously engaged former Maryland County Superintendents George A. Prowd and Henry B. Cole over the condition of the bridge, but nothing was done.

The residents are now urging the relevant authorities and development partners to either rehabilitate the existing structure or construct a durable replacement capable of providing safe and reliable access to the community.

For Yoopedi residents, the bridge remains essential to their daily survival, serving as the primary connection between their homes and the main road.

Its condition has also raised concerns about the movement of goods, particularly market produce, and the community’s ability to sustain its economic activities.

With the temporary wooden repairs deteriorating and residents unable to finance additional work, the community fears that continued delays could lead to more serious accidents.

Residents say a durable bridge would not only restore safe passage but also improve transportation, strengthen economic activities and reconnect more than 600 people to essential services and opportunities beyond their community.

For now, the deteriorating crossing remains a daily challenge, with residents calling for intervention before another accident occurs.

GBARNGA, Bong County — The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has opened a regional consumer service center in Gbarnga, Bong County, in a move aimed at bringing telecommunications regulation closer to consumers, strengthening oversight of service providers and reducing the burden on rural operators who previously traveled to Monrovia to access regulatory services.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

The facility will provide residents, community radio stations and local internet service providers with a regional platform to report poor network services, lodge complaints, resolve telecommunications-related concerns and process licensing and compliance requirements without making costly trips to the capital.

The opening forms part of the LTA’s decentralization agenda, which seeks to expand the regulator’s presence beyond Monrovia, improve consumer protection and strengthen monitoring of telecommunications services across the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, LTA Board Chairman Clarence Massaquoi described the center as the fulfillment of a commitment by the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to bring government services closer to the people.

He said the facility represents more than the establishment of another government office, describing it as a practical demonstration of decentralization and an effort to address the longstanding concentration of public services in Monrovia.

Massaquoi said local businesses, including community radio stations and internet service providers, would now be able to complete regulatory and compliance processes in Gbarnga rather than incur additional expenses traveling to Monrovia.

He added that the center would strengthen the Authority’s ability to independently investigate consumer complaints, assess reports of poor network performance and verify information provided by telecommunications operators.

According to him, the Board also intends to gradually transfer the management of the facility to qualified residents of Bong County as part of efforts to promote local participation in the regulatory process.

He said community members, students, market women, civil society organizations and youth groups would be engaged in public education initiatives to increase awareness of consumers’ rights and responsibilities in the telecommunications sector.

Massaquoi encouraged qualified residents of Bong County to apply for employment opportunities advertised by the Authority, emphasizing that local professionals should take advantage of opportunities created by the decentralization initiative.

He also disclosed that the Board hopes to acquire land in Gbarnga for the construction of a permanent regional office equipped with telecommunications monitoring facilities.

Such infrastructure, he said, would enable the Authority to monitor telecommunications installations across the county and independently assess the quality and performance of services provided by operators.

LTA Targets Poor Network Coverage, Service Gaps

LTA Commissioner Patrick Honnah described the opening as another milestone in the Authority’s decentralization efforts since its establishment in 2007.

He recalled that a similar consumer service center had previously been established in Grand Bassa County, with Bong County now becoming the next destination in the Authority’s efforts to expand regulatory services across Liberia.

Honnah said the Gbarnga facility would serve consumers, local internet service providers and community radio stations seeking assistance with complaints, licensing, compliance and other regulatory matters.

He explained that having regulatory personnel stationed in the region would eliminate the need for local operators to travel to Monrovia to process documents and address routine regulatory issues.

Beyond administrative services, the Commissioner said the center would strengthen the LTA’s monitoring of telecommunications operators, particularly in the areas of service quality, network coverage and consumer complaints.

He said the Authority’s engineering and compliance teams would use the regional presence to identify network dead zones, investigate service interruptions and engage mobile network operators in addressing persistent connectivity challenges.

Honnah also highlighted interventions undertaken through the Universal Access Fund (UAF) to extend telecommunications services to underserved communities.

He disclosed that the LTA had restored internet connectivity in Gbatala, Bong County, a community that previously lacked both internet and voice services.

He also cited the restoration of internet connectivity at a school in Division 33, Margibi County, saying the intervention had provided students with improved access to research materials and educational resources.

The Authority, he added, is working to upgrade 15 remote telecommunications towers from 2G to 4G technology to improve connectivity in underserved areas.

Honnah further disclosed that the LTA is encouraging Orange Liberia and Lonestar Cell MTN to share telecommunications infrastructure as a means of expanding coverage, reducing duplication and improving the efficiency of network investments.

He said similar interventions would be pursued in other underserved counties, including Nimba, Lofa and River Gee.

Senator Moye Wants Telecom Operators Held Accountable

Bong County Senator Prince K. Moye welcomed the establishment of the regional center, describing it as a practical step toward addressing the challenges created by Liberia’s highly centralized system of governance.

Drawing on his experience as a former representative, Moye said citizens have often been compelled to take local complaints to members of the national legislature, even when such concerns could have been resolved more efficiently at the county or regional level.

He argued that many telecommunications complaints brought to lawmakers could be addressed locally if relevant institutions had the necessary personnel, resources and authority to intervene.

The senator said the LTA’s expanding presence outside Monrovia should improve consumer protection and ensure that telecommunications companies are held accountable for the quality of services they provide.

However, he urged the Authority to ensure fair competition among mobile network operators and intensify efforts to extend coverage to communities that remain without reliable telecommunications services.

Moye specifically cited Winukwala, a major market town along the road to Grand Bassa County, which he said lacks GSM coverage despite its commercial importance.

He expressed hope that the establishment of the Gbarnga center would encourage telecommunications companies to prioritize communities that have remained underserved.

On behalf of the Bong County Legislative Caucus and local authorities, Moye thanked the LTA for selecting Gbarnga as the location for the new regional facility.

Lonestar Cell MTN Welcomes Initiative

A representative of Lonestar Cell MTN also welcomed the opening, describing the facility as an indication of renewed commitment to consumers in Gbarnga and Buchanan.

The representative said the center represents accountability, accessibility and empowerment for people who depend on telecommunications services for communication, education, business and innovation.

Reliable telecommunications services, the representative noted, are no longer a luxury but a necessity, making it important for consumers to have accessible institutions where their concerns can be heard and their rights protected.

The company also acknowledged the LTA’s efforts to place consumers at the center of telecommunications regulation, oversight and service delivery.

The opening of the Gbarnga Consumer Service Center marks another step in the LTA’s efforts to decentralize regulatory services and expand its presence across Liberia.

The Authority says it intends to establish similar facilities in other parts of the country as it works to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve service delivery, protect consumers and narrow the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

LOFA, VOINJAMA CITY — Rural women in Lofa County have praised the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for empowering them through the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, saying the program has improved their literacy, business management skills, and livelihoods.

By Patience M. Jones- patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

The women made the commendation on Wednesday when Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie visited Voinjama City as part of her ongoing county assessment tour. The minister was warmly received by county leaders and community representatives.

The beneficiaries described the minister’s visit as a rare opportunity to meet her face-to-face and share their experiences, while expressing appreciation for the ministry’s efforts to improve the lives of rural women.

During the visit, local women’s agricultural groups also showcased their locally produced goods, including a product called Bengadee, demonstrating how they are using available empowerment opportunities to strengthen their economic activities.

According to the beneficiaries, the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 has provided opportunities in snail farming, rice production, tie-dye production, and adult literacy, equipping them with practical skills to improve their livelihoods.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Makaimai Konneh said the initiative had transformed her life, particularly by improving her literacy and business management skills.

Konneh explained that before participating in the program, she could neither write nor recognize her name, numbers, or signs on documents. However, she said the adult literacy training had equipped her with the ability to identify and write her name and numbers.

She also said the program had educated women on the proper procedures for cross-border trade, encouraging them to comply with government regulations rather than resort to unofficial channels or shortcuts when traveling to purchase goods.

According to Konneh, the knowledge and skills acquired through the initiative have also changed how her family and community members perceive her.

“Before, I was not respected in my community, but now my family and community members respect me,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to the Government of Liberia and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for providing opportunities to improve the lives of rural women.

Another beneficiary, Weedor Jallah, said the initiative had positively affected her life and those of other women through livelihood training, agricultural activities, and economic empowerment.

Jallah said she could now identify numbers, write and spell her name, and manage her business more effectively.

She praised the government for prioritizing rural women in its national development agenda, noting that the skills acquired through the initiative had strengthened their capacity to manage their economic activities.

Gender Coordinator Highlights Progress

Meanwhile, Lofa County Gender Coordinator Winifred Willie highlighted improvements at the ministry’s county office and progress made in supporting women and vulnerable groups.

Willie said the ministry had strengthened staff capacity through national and international training opportunities, provided equipment to improve operational efficiency, and offered financial support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

She also expressed satisfaction with improvements at the Gender Office in Lofa County and the positive changes she had witnessed in the lives of rural women benefiting from the Spotlight Initiative 2.0.

Willie thanked Minister Horace-Kollie for providing travel opportunities for some of her colleagues at the county office, expressing hope that additional staff members would benefit from similar opportunities.

She made the remarks during the minister’s visit to the county on Wednesday.

Minister Urges Women to Take Ownership of Projects

For her part, Minister Horace-Kollie encouraged beneficiaries of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them and use the skills acquired to improve their lives.

She said the government was working to improve the living conditions of citizens, particularly women, and urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the support provided through the ministry.

The minister expressed appreciation for the testimonies shared by the women, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that empowerment initiatives translate into meaningful and lasting improvements in their lives.

She also stressed the need for beneficiaries to take ownership of projects in their communities to ensure their sustainability beyond the period of direct support.

“This is your project. This is your chance to change your life. Take ownership,” Minister Horace-Kollie urged the women.

The minister made the call during her visit to Lofa County as part of her ongoing county assessment tour.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection continues to implement initiatives aimed at supporting women and children, strengthening livelihoods, and promoting the empowerment of vulnerable communities across Liberia.

CESTOS CITY, River Cess County — For years, Felecia Zokpo, a mother of four living with a disability, endured the challenges of raising her children while struggling to secure a livelihood. Beyond the financial difficulties, she said she also faced mockery and discouragement from members of her family and community because of her disability.

By Patience M. Jones

But today, Zokpo says her story is changing.

Through the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), implemented through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, she received business management and financial literacy training, followed by US$1,000 in financial support under the Individual Enterprise (IE) component to establish her business.

The support, she said, has given her an opportunity to earn an income, provide for her four children and meet her personal needs without depending entirely on others.

Her experience reflects the stories of several women in River Cess County who say government-supported empowerment programs are helping them overcome economic challenges, establish businesses and become more financially independent.

“We are seeing what we have never seen before,” is how women in the county described the impact of the Ministry’s interventions during a recent engagement with a delegation led by Deputy Minister for Gender, Atty. Laura Golakeh.

The women welcomed the delegation with excitement, describing the Ministry’s decision to engage directly with rural communities as an example of people-centered leadership.

One woman said the visit demonstrated what it meant for government to move beyond Monrovia and bring its leadership and services directly to the doorsteps of ordinary citizens.

The engagement provided an opportunity for beneficiaries to share their experiences, recognize the progress made through ongoing interventions and draw attention to the importance of sustaining programs that support women and vulnerable groups.

From Economic Dependence to Business Ownership

For Zokpo, the US$1,000 support represents more than financial assistance. It has provided an opportunity to rebuild her confidence and improve her ability to care for her family.

Having previously experienced mockery because of her disability, she praised the Ministry for creating opportunities that recognize the potential of women living with disabilities.

Her testimony underscored the importance of ensuring that women with disabilities are not excluded from economic empowerment initiatives but are given the resources and opportunities to participate meaningfully in their communities.

Another beneficiary, Theresa Bannie, Chairlady of Women With One Voice, also credited the Liberia Women Empowerment Project with helping women in her group develop financial management skills and become more economically dependable.

Bannie said members of her group are now engaged in different income-generating activities while collectively saving money, a practice they learned through the project’s training.

According to her, the initiative has helped women understand how to manage their businesses, save consistently and contribute to their households.

She expressed pride in the progress made by members, noting that the women are increasingly becoming dependable within their families and communities.

For Bannie and her group members, the project has provided more than business support; it has introduced them to financial discipline and collective savings as tools for improving their livelihoods.

County Gender Coordinator Highlights Multiple Interventions

Providing an overview of the Ministry’s interventions, Maima T. Gweh the County Gender Coordinator for River Cess, said several government-supported programs are benefiting women, girls, children and other vulnerable populations across the county.

She identified the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), the Rural Economic Transformation and Social Inclusion (REALISE) Project and the Back to My Classroom initiative as some of the major interventions operating in the county.

Under LWEP, she explained that women are benefiting through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and Individual Enterprises (IEs), which provide opportunities to establish new businesses, expand existing ones and develop savings habits.

She said women with existing businesses receive financial support to strengthen their enterprises, while others participate in savings groups to improve their economic security.

The County Coordinator also highlighted the Back to My Classroom initiative, which targets children who have never attended school, those who dropped out and children living with disabilities.

According to her, the initiative works with the Ministry of Education to identify out-of-school children and enroll them in schools within their communities, while addressing barriers that prevent them from accessing education.

She further identified the Nurturing, Empowering and Protecting (NEP) project as another intervention supporting adolescent girls through protection initiatives and access to menstrual hygiene products.

She said sanitary pads are being made available in schools to help adolescent girls manage their menstrual health without unnecessary interruptions to their education.

Beyond these interventions, she noted that the county office provides counselling, psychosocial support and protection services to women, children living with disabilities and disadvantaged young people.

Gender Ministry Strengthens County-Level Operations

The County Gender Coordinator also praised the Ministry’s efforts to improve the operational capacity of county offices through the provision of equipment and improved reporting systems.

She disclosed that after working with the Ministry since 2015, the recent provision of two laptops, office chairs and three standing fans represented significant logistical support for her office.

She said the equipment would strengthen the county office’s ability to perform its duties and submit reports without unnecessary delays.

She also highlighted recent training under the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS), through which relevant institutions received tablets to improve the collection and reporting of gender-based violence cases.

According to her, the system will support coordinated reporting among the Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Health and Liberia National Police, covering cases such as rape, sexual assault and physical abuse.

She emphasized that effective coordination among line ministries, women leaders, adolescent girls and community structures remains essential to achieving the Ministry’s objectives.

Having lived in River Cess for more than 10 years, she said her close relationship with the community has strengthened her commitment to addressing issues affecting women and children.

Reflecting on the government’s interventions, she expressed appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Gender Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie.

She said women in the county had given the President a traditional name meaning that people were now experiencing things they had never experienced before, particularly in relation to economic support and empowerment opportunities.

Deputy Minister Promises Sustained Support

Speaking on behalf of Gender Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie, Deputy Minister for Gender, Atty. Laura Golakeh, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding economic empowerment and social protection opportunities for women across River Cess and Liberia.

Golakeh said the testimonies shared by beneficiaries demonstrated that the Ministry’s interventions were reaching women and vulnerable populations at the community level.

She noted that hearing directly from women about the changes in their lives showed that efforts were being made to ensure no one was left behind.

The Deputy Minister commended women in River Cess for taking the various empowerment initiatives seriously and making use of the opportunities provided through the projects.

She further disclosed that rural women had been included among the country 2027 budget priorities, assuring beneficiaries of continued efforts to strengthen programs that improve rural women’s livelihoods and economic independence.

Golakeh said the Ministry would continue working to ensure that women across Liberia benefit from its different interventions, particularly those designed to strengthen their economic opportunities, protect their rights and improve their social well-being.

For women in River Cess, the engagement was more than an official visit. It was an opportunity to tell their stories, demonstrate how access to financial support and practical training has affected their lives, and remind government that sustained investment in women and vulnerable communities remains essential.

For Zokpo, the significance of that investment is personal: an opportunity to provide for her children, run her own business and move beyond the limitations that once defined how others saw her.

GREENVILLE, Sinoe County — The administration of the Sinoe County Community College (SCC) says enrollment has grown from just 35 students in late 2022 to more than 300, but the institution continues to face serious space, staffing and funding constraints as it seeks to expand into a full bachelor’s-degree-granting college.

By Franklin Doloquee

Dr. Solomon K. Jarpah Sr., President of the College, made the disclosure during an interview with FrontPageAfrica recently.

He said the rapid increase in enrollment reflects an aggressive recruitment campaign that took college officials into high schools, communities and districts across Sinoe County.

The growth, he said, is encouraging, but it has also exposed the college’s limited infrastructure and the urgent need for sustained investment in classrooms, qualified faculty and academic programs.

Growing Student Population

Dr. Jarpah said that when he assumed leadership of the institution two years ago, student enrollment stood at only 35 students during the latter part of 2022.

He attributed the low figure to limited awareness about the college, dissatisfaction with conditions at the institution and competing economic opportunities for young people.

“Most of them are involved with gold-mining activities,” he said. “When they graduate from high school, they either go to the gold-mining camp or they ride motorbike. So, there is low interest when it comes to students having the desire to pursue higher education.”

To reverse the trend, Dr. Jarpah said he personally visited high schools in Greenville and surrounding districts, sought permission from school administrators and spoke directly with students and parents.

The college also extended its outreach beyond Greenville to communities where high schools are located.

The strategy has yielded results. The college now has more than 300 students, according to Dr. Jarpah, who said the number should be even higher given the number of high schools in Greenville expected to feed the institution.

The college’s outreach drive has previously included visits to schools such as St. Paul Episcopal Parish High School, St. Joseph Catholic High School, Grary Hall Christian High School and Seebeh High School.

During those engagements, the administration promoted free tuition and SCC’s position as Sinoe County’s only higher-learning institution.

For many students in Sinoe County, the college represents one of the few opportunities to pursue post-secondary education without traveling to Monrovia or other parts of Liberia.

Its expansion is, therefore,  seen by local education advocates as important not only for individual students, but also for the county’s long-term human-resource development.

Space Remains a Major Challenge

Despite the enrollment increase, Dr. Jarpah  mentioned that the college is struggling with inadequate classroom space.

The institution currently operates from a building provided by Senator Chea, which contains eight classrooms.

The administration has also constructed a makeshift structure to create additional classroom space.

“We are challenged with space because the students are increasing,” he said.

He also disclosed that Vice President Jeremiah Koung has promised to construct a 10-classroom building for the college.

Dr. Jarpah said brick-molding for the project is ongoing and near completion.

“If it is completed, it will be a great help,” he said. “It will relieve us of the burden of not having space.”

‘‘The need for a permanent campus has also drawn legislative attention. The House of Representatives has been considering a proposal to increase the college’s 2027 budget to US$1.2 million to support construction of its own campus and improve learning conditions. The college has operated from the Sinoe Multilateral High School building since admitting its first students in 2017.’’

A permanent campus, administrators say, would allow the college to expand its classrooms, laboratories, administrative offices, library facilities, and student-support services.

It would also reduce the pressure on facilities currently shared with the high school.

Cordial Relationship With Lawmakers

Dr. Jarpah   described the college’s relationship with the Sinoe County Legislative Caucus as cordial and productive.

“We are moving along. We have discussions, and whenever we have problems, we go to them to see how they can help us, especially by pushing our case when it comes to the budget,” he said.

He said the caucus has been supportive in advocating for increased budgetary allocation, particularly as the college seeks to construct additional facilities and improve the learning environment.

The college was established by an Act of the Legislature in 2015 and began admitting students in 2017.

It has since produced graduates serving in schools, government institutions, financial establishments, and other sectors across Liberia.

Lawmakers’ support, according to the college administration, will be critical as SCC seeks to move from a small community college into an institution capable of offering more advanced academic programs.

Diaspora Engagement

Beyond government support, the SCC administration is also reaching out to Sinoeans living abroad.

Dr. Jarpah said he traveled to the United States in July and August, where he met with the leadership of Sinoe citizens in the U.S. and presented the college’s needs.

“They promised that they will do whatever in their power to see how they can help the college,” he said.

He said diaspora support could be critical in addressing gaps in infrastructure, learning materials, faculty development, scholarships, and technology.

The administration believes that Sinoeans in the diaspora can play an important role in strengthening the institution through financial contributions, professional mentorship, and partnerships with universities abroad.

Push for Bachelor’s-Level Programs

A central priority for the administration is elevating the college from its current associate-degree level to a bachelor’s-degree-granting institution.

 Dr. Jarpah argued that students should not have to leave Sinoe County after earning an Associate of Arts degree in order to complete a bachelor’s program elsewhere.

“Right now, it is on an A.A. level,” he said. “But what good will it do when a student graduates with an A.A. degree and they have to go elsewhere to get their full bachelor’s degree.”

To achieve that goal, he said the college urgently needs more faculty members holding master’s degrees. According to Dr. Jarpah, most of the current teaching staff hold bachelor’s degrees, a situation he said limits the institution’s ability to expand its academic offerings.

“We want to elevate the school to a bachelor’s level, and the only way we can do that is we need more master’s degree holders,” he said.

The college currently offers associate degrees in Business and Public Administration and General Education. Public Health and Nursing programs have been planned, but were not yet fully operational during earlier outreach efforts.

Expanding into bachelor’s-level education would require not only more qualified lecturers, but also stronger curriculum development, improved libraries and laboratories, better internet access, and sustained funding. Education officials have previously noted that Liberia’s higher-education system includes associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels, with associate programs generally lasting two years.

Appeal for Investment

Dr. Jarpah  concluded by appealing to the national government, through the Legislature, to increase the college’s budget so it can build more facilities that enhance learning.

He also encouraged Sinoeans residing in Monrovia and elsewhere to return home and contribute to the development of the college.

“We are looking for master’s degree holders,” he said. “We want to increase and elevate the institution.”

As enrollment continues to climb, Dr. Jarpah said sustained investment in classrooms, qualified faculty and degree programs will determine whether  the Sinoe Community College can become a stronger center of higher education for young people in southeastern Liberia.

For now, the college’s growing student population is a sign of progress. But administrators warn that without adequate space, funding and academic capacity, the institution may struggle to meet the expectations of the very students it has worked so hard to attract.

GRAND BASSA COUNTY, Gbarpue Town, District #3 — For years, Mary Diggs could not write her name or sign official documents. Whenever she needed to endorse a document, she relied on her thumbprint. Today, she says that chapter of her life is changing, thanks to an adult literacy and economic empowerment initiative supported by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

By Patience M. Jones,patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

Diggs is among several rural women in Grand Bassa County benefiting from the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, a project funded by the European Union, implemented by UN Women and supported through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with Help Our People Excel (HOPE) working with women in communities across the county.

For Diggs, the intervention has brought more than training. It has given her the confidence to write her full name, recognize numbers, recite the alphabet from A to Z, count from one to 100, and participate in decisions affecting her community.

Recalling her experience, Diggs expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Gender for providing rural women with opportunities to learn skills they previously lacked.

“Today, because of the Ministry of Gender, I can spell my name and write it clearly. I no longer have to use my thumb to sign documents. We are also now part of decision-making in our communities. I want the government to continue supporting women in Grand Bassa,” she said.

Her story reflects a broader transformation taking place among women participating in the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, particularly in communities where limited access to education and economic opportunities has historically restricted women’s independence.

Another beneficiary, Deemar Jallah, born in 1968, said she spent most of her life without knowing how to read or write.

However, through the adult literacy component of the project, Jallah said she can now read and write her full name, sign documents and better understand her value and role in society.

She credited the Ministry of Gender, particularly Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie and her team, for supporting rural women through the initiative.

Jallah called on the government to sustain its investment in rural women, stressing that the opportunity to acquire basic literacy skills has brought a significant change to her life.

Beyond Literacy: Building Women’s Economic Independence

Beyond teaching women how to read and write, the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 is also equipping them with practical knowledge in business management, decision-making and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) in their communities.

Catherine D. Johnson, a Trainer of Trainers (TOT) under the project, said the training focuses on helping women acquire basic literacy skills, make informed decisions, understand how to respond to GBV cases and identify businesses that can generate sustainable income.

Johnson explained that the project is preparing to introduce additional vocational training opportunities, including tie-dye production and soap making, to strengthen women’s economic independence.

She noted that some beneficiaries are already demonstrating progress through the knowledge and skills acquired from the training.

For women in Gbarpue Town and surrounding communities, the initiative is gradually creating opportunities to become financially independent, participate in community affairs and contribute more meaningfully to local development.

Gender Ministry Takes Empowerment Efforts to Communities

During the Ministry of Gender’s county assessment tour, Deputy Minister for Gender, Atty. Laura Golakeh, representing Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie, commended the women for taking the initiative seriously and demonstrating improvements through the project.

Golakeh explained that the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 is designed to help rural women prevent and respond to gender-based violence while strengthening their capacity to improve their livelihoods.

She emphasized that the Ministry is committed to taking its services beyond Monrovia and making them accessible to women and vulnerable populations in rural communities.

“The Ministry of Gender is here to serve its people. We are not sitting only in Monrovia; we are bringing the Ministry of Gender right to your doorsteps to work with all of you,” she noted.

Golakeh said she would communicate the progress and experiences of the women to Minister Kollie, emphasizing the importance of recognizing community-level achievements and sustaining interventions that directly benefit rural women.

Acting County Coordinator Highlights Progress, Calls for Safe Room Support

Meanwhile, the Acting Gender Coordinator for Grand Bassa County Nyoudyu R. Garsuah  highlighted the broader impact of the Ministry’s interventions, particularly the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 and the Rural Economic Empowerment and Agricultural Support Initiative (REALISE).

He said the Spotlight Initiative is contributing to behavioral change by challenging traditional perceptions that limit women’s opportunities to education, economic participation and leadership.

According to him, REALISE is also helping women improve their livelihoods through financial grants that enable beneficiaries to establish businesses and provide for their households.

He further explained that the Ministry works through several community structures, including Child Welfare Committees, to identify and report cases of child abuse and other violations, allowing the county office to follow up and ensure that cases are addressed through the appropriate channels.

The Acting Coordinator also welcomed the provision of office materials and supplies to strengthen the county office’s operations, particularly the handling of sensitive cases.

However, he raised concerns about the lack of adequate support for the county’s safe room, which provides protection and assistance to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence across Grand Bassa, Rivercess and Sinoe counties.

He warned that without adequate safe room facilities and support, survivors and their families could face pressure to compromise cases, while perpetrators may evade justice.

He therefore called on the Ministry of Gender and the government to prioritize the safe room’s operations, stressing that adequate support would strengthen the protection of survivors and improve the prosecution of GBV-related cases.

The county assessment forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to monitor the implementation of its programs, assess beneficiaries’ progress and identify gaps requiring government intervention.

For women like Diggs and Jallah, however, the impact of the intervention is already visible in something as personal and powerful as being able to write their own names.

What was once impossible has become a new source of confidence, independence and participation in their communities.

GANTA, Nimba County — Lofa County University President Dr. Isaac P. Podah has said  the institution’s rapid growth is expanding access to higher education in rural Liberia but placing increasing pressure on its finances, workforce, transportation and infrastructure.

By Franklin Doloquee

According to Dr. Podah, enrollment has risen from between 500 and 600 students when he assumed leadership about two years ago to approximately 3,000 students across the university’s two campuses.

He said the expansion represents important progress, but warned that the institution needs stronger financial support to sustain its operations and retain qualified lecturers.

Dr. Podah spoke to reporters in Ganta during a two-day workshop for public higher education institutions organized by the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Held under the theme: “Strengthening Higher Education Governance and Quality Assurance Through Leadership Collaboration and Institutional Standardization,” the workshop brought institutional leaders together to discuss governance, educational standards and the development of public universities.

“I think things are going well. I’m extremely impressed about the activities here,” Dr. Podah said, describing the exchange as valuable to efforts to strengthen higher education in underserved areas.

For Lofa County university (LCU,) he explained, the challenge is not simply to increase enrollment, but to ensure that the institution has the personnel, facilities and operational support needed to serve its growing student population.

Enrollment Growth Expands Access

Dr. Podah identified the university’s annex in Fessibu Town, Zorzor District as a major part of its expansion.

The annex was established to bring higher education closer to young people in lower Lofa County, particularly those in Zorzor, Salayea and surrounding communities who face financial and transportation barriers to studying in Voinjama.

By extending its presence beyond its main campus, the university is seeking to reduce the distance prospective students must travel to pursue a degree.

University officials anticipate strong demand from communities served by the annex. However, operating in two locations also brings additional responsibilities. The administration must coordinate academic activities, support staff and maintain services across both campuses while working within its available resources.

Dr. Podah said the distance between Voinjama and Fessibu makes the two-campuses arrangement necessary, even as it creates logistical challenges for the institution.

Funding Fails to Keep Pace

Despite the increase in enrollment, Dr. Podah said financial support has not kept pace with the university’s expanding responsibilities. He identified budget constraints as Lofa County university (LCU’s ) most pressing challenge and said at least L$4 million would help the institution manage its operations.

The funding pressure affects several connected areas, including staff compensation, transportation and infrastructure. As the student population grows, the university faces the task of expanding access without weakening the academic and administrative services on which students depend.

Dr. Podah said the administration continues to engage national authorities over the institution’s needs, including through discussions with the Ministry of Finance and lawmakers during budget hearings.

Transportation Difficulties Hamper Operations

Transportation remains another major concern, particularly for travel between Voinjama and Fessibu and for official engagements in Monrovia.

Dr. Podah said the university has a limited number of vehicles. According to him, the vice president does not have an official vehicle, while the vehicle assigned to the president has deteriorated.

The shortage complicates efforts to coordinate activities across the two campuses. It also affects administrators who must travel to central government offices, including the Civil Service Agency and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to address personnel and financial matters.

“Our human resources, finance and computer staff all have to come [to Monrovia], even me. I have to be all around the place,” he said. “So it’s a serious problem.”

His account highlights the competing demands on the university’s transportation resources: supporting campus operations within Lofa County while also maintaining the administrative engagement required in the capital.

Low Salaries Drive Lecturers Away

Dr. Podah also warned that low salaries are undermining the university’s ability to retain qualified instructors. He said more than three lecturers have already left, including some who moved to Cuttington University and other institutions. Others, he added, have indicated that they may resign unless their compensation improves.

“We lost some to Cuttington University, we lost some to [other universities], and some are still asking that they want to leave,” he said. “They have genuine concerns.”

The departures add to the institution’s staffing pressures at a time when enrollment is rising. Retaining experienced lecturers is therefore central to the administration’s effort to sustain academic services across both campuses.

Dr. Podah said university officials are appealing to affected instructors to remain while the administration pursues additional government support. LCU is seeking what he described as a salary “top-up” to address disparities in compensation within the public higher education sector.

He said the university intends to continue raising the matter with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and lawmakers.

University Clarifies Registration Requirements

Addressing concerns about student payments, Dr. Podah denied that the university had threatened to dismiss students who had not met their financial obligations. Instead, he said students with outstanding obligations would be unable to access their grade sheets or complete registration until those matters were resolved.

He distinguished those administrative restrictions from dismissal, explaining that the university’s position concerned access to academic records and registration services rather than the removal of students from the institution.

Dr. Podah said scholarship providers had responded positively and that the situation was improving. However, he did not provide a figure for the number of students whose obligations had been settled or the number still affected.

Decentralization Remains a Priority

Despite the financial and logistical difficulties, Dr. Podah defended the decision to operate in both Voinjama and Fessibu.

He said the university must respond to the needs of communities across Lofa County, including young people in Zorzor and Salayea who may otherwise struggle to access higher education.

The expansion, he indicated, is intended to make university education more accessible beyond the institution’s main location. Sustaining that access, however, will require resources to support both campuses rather than enrollment growth alone.

Dr. Podah said local leaders, including officials from Lofa County, are supporting the institution. He also downplayed concerns about political representation, arguing that attention should remain on the university’s development rather than the number of officials from any particular area.

“They are supporting the college. They are doing their best,” he said.

Appeal for Sustained Government Support

Dr. Podah said LCU is working through the association of university presidents to present its challenges to national authorities and advocate for greater support.

He expressed cautious optimism about the institution’s direction, but emphasized that continued government assistance will be essential to retain lecturers, improve transportation, strengthen infrastructure and sustain services for its growing student population.

For Lofa County University (LCU), the immediate task is to match its expansion with the resources needed to support it. The increase in enrollment reflects growing demand for higher education in Lofa County; the university’s ability to meet that demand will depend on how effectively its funding, staffing and operational challenges are addressed.

Meanwhile, the President of the Lofa County University urged the Government of Liberia to increase teachers’ salaries at the institution.

He is also seeking an additional US$650,000 to support infrastructure development at the university. Dr. Podah said the salary increase is necessary because several lecturers have upgraded their qualifications, including earning master’s degrees, but continue to receive salaries that do not match their qualifications.

He warned that low pay is causing the university to lose qualified lecturers to other institutions. He further appealed for increased budgetary support to improve campus infrastructure, hire additional lecturers and sustain the university’s growing operations.

SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County — Nimba County University’s Dean of Admissions, Records and Registration, Allen W. Zorh, has accused lawmakers from the county of failing to settle financial obligations for students they sponsor, leaving the institution struggling to meet its operating needs.

By Franklin Doloquee

Zorh said some lawmakers continue to submit lists of students for admission under scholarship arrangements without paying the associated fees.

Although he did not disclose the amount owed, sources at the university told FrontPage Africa that outstanding payments exceeded L$8 million over more than two years.

The sources alleged that some lawmakers continue to publicize their scholarship support despite the unpaid balances. The allegations come as University President Dr. Jesse Noah Mongrue called for increased government funding to address overcrowded classrooms, limited facilities and inadequate infrastructure.

Lawmakers Respond to Allegations

Speaking to FrontPage Africa Correspondent, District Six Representative Dorwon Twain Gleekia confirmed that he sponsors more than 30 students at the university.

His response, however, did not clarify whether his office had outstanding payments.    He told this outlet that he is eating and does not want to comment yet.

Victor Sayon, head of communications in the office of Representative Taa Wongbey of District Number 9, denied that the office owed the university. “We do not owe Nimba University,” Sayon said. He added that any outstanding obligation linked to the arrangement would be the responsibility of the county administration.

District Three Representative Nehker Gaye objected to the correspondent’s inquiry before saying his media office would contact the university directly. Other lawmakers could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts. They include Senator Samuel Kogar, who is currently  in the United States, Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr., District One Representative Samuel Brown, District Two Representative Nya Garsaye Flomo Sr.,

Representative Ernest M. Manseah Sr., District Eight Representative Saye Sylvester Mianah, Chairman of the county legislative caucus and District Seven Representative Musa Bility.

District Number two Representative Nya Garsaye Flomo’s phone was switched off, while calls to several of the other lawmakers and their offices went unanswered.

Superintendent Reports Payments to Lawmakers

Separately, Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono recently disclosed that the county’s nine representatives and two senators had each received US$10,000 during the 2024–2025 Period.

According to Supt. Gono, the payments were intended to support lawmakers’ visits to county administration projects across Nimba’s 19 administrative districts. She said the funding came through the county’s nine-member council, which oversees decisions on the use of county social development funds from ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Operations.

Supt. Gono added that Representatives Musa Bility and Taa Wongbey along with Senator Samuel Kogar had not received a second US$10,000 payment.

Her disclosure did not establish a connection between those payments and the scholarship obligations alleged by university officials.

University President Describes Infrastructure Emergency

Zorh and Mongrue spoke at the close of a two-day public higher education institutions workshop organized by the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Held under the theme: “Strengthening Higher Education Governance and Quality Assurance Through Leadership, Collaboration and Institutional Standardization,” the workshop brought together institutional leaders and development partners to discuss challenges facing public universities and colleges.

Mongrue said enrollment continues to increase each semester, but the university’s infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace.

“We have limited infrastructure, and we feel like we have an emergency,” he said. “Each semester we get more students, so we need more classrooms, dormitories, and faculty spaces.”

He identified additional classrooms, dormitories, faculty lounges and other learning and living spaces as urgent priorities. Without investment, he warned, the shortage of facilities could undermine the quality of education and students’ experience.

NCHE Raises Concerns About Government Bills

Speaking during the workshop, the  National Commission on Higher Education  (NCHE) Executive Director Dr. Cecelia Cassell expressed concern about the bills public universities and colleges submit to the government for students’ enrollment.

She urged institutions to avoid inflating those bills and raised concerns about differences in reported student numbers across public institutions. Participants also discussed growing enrollment, funding constraints and the need for stronger institutional governance and quality assurance.