BOMI COUNTY — Women in Gbojay, Bomi County, say financial support from the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) is helping them build small businesses, pay their children’s school expenses, and ease financial pressures in their homes. But they are calling on the government and its partners to extend the assistance to other women still struggling to make ends meet.

By Patience M. Jones,patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

The women made the appeal Wednesday, during a field visit by representatives of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), the World Bank, Plan International, and other project partners to assess the impact of the initiative on local livelihoods.

For beneficiaries, the support has provided more than access to money. It has created opportunities to save, borrow, invest in small businesses and contribute to household expenses. However, women who have not benefited from the program remain a concern for those already receiving assistance.

Oretha Cooper, secretary of the Walekerma Village Savings Group, said the financial support had helped members develop better money management skills and use loans to strengthen their businesses.

Speaking on behalf of the group’s chairlady, Cooper said the revolving fund had helped women understand the importance of saving, investing, and repaying loans so that other members could also access the money.

“Before, some of us did not know how to manage money or operate businesses. But today, this support has helped us learn how to save, borrow, invest, and repay our loans,” Cooper said.

The group has 25 members and received US$8,000 in revolving funds, disbursed in two instillments of US$4,000 each, according to Cooper and the project coordinator.

Cooper said the money had helped members improve their businesses and meet family responsibilities, including their children’s educational needs.

But she said the benefits should not stop with the current group.

“We want you to help other communities and women who have not received this opportunity. We are benefiting from the support, and we want other women to have the same chance to improve their lives,” she added.

Single Mother Uses Support to Feed Her Family

For Satta Massalay, a beneficiary of the project, the assistance has provided an opportunity to earn an income through gardening and small-scale trading.

Massalay said she divided the money between her farming activities and the purchase of goods for resale, allowing her to generate income to support herself and her children.

“I used the money to work in my garden and buy goods to sell. The profit I make helps me solve problems for myself and my children,” she said.

Another female beneficiary also praised the government and its partners, saying the assistance had helped her establish a small business.

The experiences reflect how livelihood support can help women build income-generating activities and contribute to their families’ daily needs.

According to the LWEP Project Coordinator, village savings groups receive up to US$8,000 in revolving funds, while individual enterprises receive grants of up to US$2,500.

The support is intended to help women establish businesses, expand existing enterprises, and improve their financial independence.

Man Says Women’s Economic Empowerment Can Ease Family Tensions

The impact of the program, beneficiaries say, extends beyond business and household income.

Momo Mah, a male community member, said women’s economic empowerment could help reduce financial pressure within households and improve relationships between couples.

Mah explained that when husbands are expected to meet nearly every household expense, repeated financial demands can sometimes create tension. But when women earn their own income, they can contribute to family needs and ease that pressure.

“When a woman starts doing something small and earning money, it brings fresh air into the home,” Mah said. “As a husband, when I see that my wife is doing something to help the family, I also feel encouraged.”

He urged the government and its partners to provide more women with opportunities to earn income, arguing that stronger financial independence could contribute to more stable households.

His remarks highlighted the connection between women’s economic empowerment and efforts to reduce tensions that may arise from financial hardship.

Women Demand Wider Access to Support

Fatu Sonnie, another beneficiary, said the project had helped women generate income to support their children’s education and meet other household expenses.

However, she raised concerns that some women in the community had not benefited from the program, despite facing similar economic challenges.

Sonnie appealed to the project partners to extend assistance to more women so they could also establish businesses and improve their living conditions.

The appeals from Cooper and Sonnie point to a challenge facing community-based empowerment programs: ensuring that opportunities reach women beyond the initial groups selected to benefit.

Government Urges Beneficiaries to Expand Opportunities

Julius Sele, executive director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), said the initiative forms part of broader government efforts to improve livelihoods through small businesses and community-based agricultural activities.

Sele said the program brings together government institutions, the World Bank, and implementing partners to support women and communities facing economic challenges.

He encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and demonstrate that the assistance could produce lasting results.

“Those of you who have the opportunity now should demonstrate your ability to do better, so that tomorrow other women who are not part of the group can also have access to similar opportunities,” Sele said.

He also urged the savings group to consider extending credit opportunities to women outside its membership.

Sele noted that while the group had 25 members, the wider community had more than 100 women, making it important to explore ways of spreading the benefits.

His appeal placed responsibility on both project partners and current beneficiaries to help ensure that more women can access economic opportunities.

World Bank Praises Women’s Collective Efforts

Robert Chase, the World Bank’s Practice Manager for Social Policy, said he was encouraged by the women’s experiences and their willingness to discuss challenges affecting their lives.

Chase, who was visiting Liberia for the first time in connection with the project, said he had followed the initiative for years and welcomed the opportunity to observe its implementation in the community.

“I was very impressed to see the way the SASA! group is talking about difficult issues and trying to open up conversations to empower women and the community,” Chase said.

He also highlighted the importance of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), which enable women to save together, access loans, develop businesses, and discuss issues affecting their households and communities.

Chase said the experiences and ideas emerging from Bomi County could offer lessons for other communities across West Africa.

Project Reaches Six Counties

The Liberia Women Empowerment Project is a government initiative implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection with financing from the World Bank.

It supports women’s economic empowerment through livelihood activities, improved access to basic services, community participation, and efforts to prevent violence against women and girls.

The project operates in Bomi, Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Montserrado, and River Cess counties.

The Wednesday field visit also included activities under the Rural Economic Transformation Project (REALISE) in Queenie-1 Town, Suehn Mecca District, Bomi County.

According to the Ministry of Gender, REALISE has supported 33 participants in Queenie-1, including 28 members of an agricultural livelihood group and five Community Oversight Committee members.

The farming group has planted 39 acres of rice, with harvesting ongoing, while a community-selected rice mill has been installed and is operational.

The broader field visit was intended to assess implementation progress, hear directly from beneficiaries, and identify areas requiring further action.

For the women in Gbojay, the support has opened doors to small businesses, improved household contributions, and greater financial independence. But their appeal is clear: the opportunities helping some women move forward should also reach those still waiting for a chance.

The experiences shared in Gbojay show how LWEP, under MGCSP’s leadership and with World Bank financing, is helping women grow businesses, meet their children’s school expenses, and contribute more to household needs. Savings groups and community dialogue are also providing spaces for women to strengthen their financial skills and discuss issues affecting their lives.

The challenge ahead is to sustain these gains while addressing the needs of women yet to benefit. For Gbojay’s beneficiaries, progress carries a shared hope: that the opportunities helping them build greater financial independence will also open doors for other women in their community.

GANTA, Nimba County — Former Nimba County Superintendent David Dorr Cooper has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Government to intervene swiftly in a long‑running land dispute in Ganta before tensions escalate.

By Franklin Doloquee

Cooper urged rapid government action and verified compensation for legitimate owners as the best way to resolve the contentious issue and prevent it from becoming a larger problem in the growing city.

 “The government must not pay people who are not legal owners,” he said, adding that any compensation should be based on verified legal ownership.

He warned claimants against mobilizing groups to clear or occupy disputed land and urged all parties to pursue lawful, peaceful channels.

His comments followed a press conference by the Ganta Support Group, which demanded the return of allegedly expropriated land and warned that the dispute  unresolved since Liberia’s civil war  risks renewed conflict if left unaddressed.

On October 14,  the Nimba Concerned Citizens for Justice echoed calls for transparency, protection of land rights, and peaceful coexistence.

In a statement titled: “Peace, Justice, Transparency and the Protection of Land Rights in Ganta,” the group said the dispute raises questions about historical ownership, the safety of lives and property, and the public interest.

They noted that former President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf declared the property an eminent‑domain matter on July 26, 2010, but said the issue remains unresolved.

The group also referred to a recent court ruling that reportedly recognized a land claim by a member of the Mandingo community based on a deed said to date to 1951.

 The citizens called for release of the full court judgment, historical documents and the legal status of the 2010 declaration to promote transparency and clarify ownership.

Some reports said the Ganta Support Group threatened to make the town a conflict zone unless their demands were met; community leaders from the Muslim community, including Sakou Sanoe, denied any intent to provoke unrest. Sanoe, who identified the Muslim community with the Mandingo tribe, said local Muslims are pursuing peaceful development projects in Ganta, including plans to build a modern school.

He urged President Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung to take decisive, peaceful measures to resolve the dispute.

Background

The dispute dates to the civil war era and has involved competing claims of historical ownership. Former President Sirleaf’s 2010 eminent‑domain declaration aimed to settle the matter but, local groups say, has not been fully implemented.

A recent court decision reportedly recognized a Mandingo claimant’s deed from 1951; full records and the judgment have not been publicly released.

What community leaders want

Release the full court judgment, deeds, and documents related to the 2010 eminent‑domain declaration.

Verify ownership claims using existing land records and the courts.

Provide fair compensation only to verified legal owners.

Facilitate a peaceful, lawful resolution and discourage mobilization or occupation of disputed land.

Calls for broader action

Residents and community leaders in Ganta are urging the national government to investigate and resolve the dispute, which they say has disrupted livelihoods and heightened tensions across the city.

 Locals report unclear titles, overlapping transactions, and stalled court actions that leave some occupants fearful of eviction and others unable to develop their properties.

“We need the government to step in and bring clarity,” said a market vendor. “People invest in houses and businesses here, but without clear ownership records we live with constant uncertainty.”

Legal experts say resolving the dispute will require coordinated action: accurate land mapping, verification of customary claims, certification of deeds, and, where necessary, compensation for legitimate claimants.

They recommend stronger administrative oversight to prevent conflicting sales and clearer record‑keeping at the county level.

Development and impact

Despite the unresolved land issues, Ganta has seen increased economic activity and private investment.

 FrontPageAfrica reports the city has attracted more than five banking institutions and a wave of new commercial ventures  retail outlets, hospitality businesses, and small manufacturers concentrated along major thoroughfares and newly developed commercial zones.

Local business leaders say improved infrastructure and Ganta’s position as a regional trading hub are encouraging expansion.

 “We see more customers, more money moving through Ganta, and renewed confidence from investors,” said a bank manager. “But clear land rights are essential for sustained growth.”

Meanwhile, residents report concrete harms: construction projects halted by competing claims, higher financing costs because lenders won’t extend long‑term loans on disputed properties, and market traders fearing sudden displacement.

Next steps

County officials acknowledge the tensions but have not announced a timetable for hearings or a county‑led resolution process. Activists and affected residents plan to petition national authorities and request that the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy and the judiciary dispatch a fact‑finding team to Ganta.

Observers say a durable solution will require a multi‑pronged approach: fast‑tracked legal adjudication for urgent cases, an updated public land registry, community mediation with legal oversight, and a public education campaign on land transactions and record‑keeping.

Residents hope prompt and transparent government action will secure property rights, protect livelihoods and sustain Ganta’s growth.

MONROVIA — Maryland County District #3 Representative Austin B. Taylor has challenged the Ministry of Local Government’s decision to revoke the city status of communities that failed to meet the required criteria, arguing that residents should not be penalized for the government’s failure to provide basic services and infrastructure.

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

Rep. Taylor made the remarks on Tuesday, October 14 during the First Sitting of the Third Quarter of the House of Representatives, where lawmakers discussed the Ministry’s nationwide decision announced in September 2026.

Under the decision, only Pleebo and Harper remain officially recognized as cities in Maryland County, while other communities that previously held city status have lost that recognition.

Speaking during the legislative session, Rep. Taylor questioned why communities should lose their city status because they lack essential services such as running water and banking institutions, which he argued are the government’s responsibility to provide.

“Some of the requirements for having a city are just basic,” Rep. Taylor told his colleagues, identifying running water and banking services as among the facilities expected in cities.

“Who is responsible for getting running water to the people? Is the government. Is it the citizens or the local people there who should be establishing banks?” he asked.

Rep. Taylor argued that the government must take responsibility for ensuring that communities receive essential services rather than penalizing residents for the absence of those facilities.

“We cannot be renegades and refuse the status of these communities and citizens, simply because of these basic things,” he said.

The Maryland County District 3 lawmaker also questioned why communities that have existed for decades, some for nearly a century, were still struggling to meet the requirements now being used to assess their status.

Liberia gained independence in 1847, Rep. Taylor noted, questioning why the government had failed to provide the necessary infrastructure to help long-established communities meet the requirements for city status.

“What has government been waiting for for these cities to catch up with the required status?” he asked.

Beyond the lack of basic services, Rep. Taylor questioned the process through which the Ministry arrived at its decision, arguing that the government must follow the law when determining whether communities should retain or lose their city status.

Referencing the Local Government Act, he maintained that the minister responsible should return to the Legislature to allow lawmakers to deliberate on the matter before any such decision is made.

“He cannot sit unilaterally and make such a decision,” Rep. Taylor said.

The lawmaker joined calls for the minister and his deputies to appear before the Legislature to explain the basis for the decision.

Rep. Taylor warned that if the officials failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, the Legislature should consider taking action against them.

The debate over city status carries particular significance for Maryland County, where two communities in Taylor’s electoral district—Karloken City in Karluway Statutory District and Glofaken City in Barrobo Statutory District—have lost their official city recognition under the Ministry’s decision.

However, efforts to address some of the infrastructure concerns in the two communities were already underway in August 2026.

During his activities in the county that month, Maryland County Superintendent Nathaniel Toe, Jr. disclosed that the government planned to take action against cities that lacked essential infrastructure, including city halls.

The superintendent said he had appealed for the affected cities to be given until December to meet the required standards, warning that the Ministry could act after the deadline if the necessary infrastructure remained inadequate.

On August 13,  two days after taking the oath of office, Superintendent Toe officially broke grounds for the construction of city halls in Karloken and Glofaken through the 2025 County Development Fund.

During an independent assessment tour on September 29 FrontPage Africa observed that construction work had commenced at both sites and was making steady progress.

The construction projects raise questions about whether the completion of the city halls, alongside the provision of other required infrastructure, could help the two communities regain their official city status.

Rep. Taylor’s remarks add to the wider debate over the Ministry’s nationwide decision and the responsibility of the government to provide basic infrastructure in communities seeking to retain or regain official recognition as cities.

As the debate continues at the Legislature, the progress of the city hall projects in Karloken and Glofaken could become central to discussions about the future status of the two communities. However, whether the ongoing construction and provision of other required infrastructure will lead to the restoration of their city status remains unclear.

Rep. Taylor’s call for the Minister of Local Government and his deputies to appear before the Legislature places the future of affected communities on the legislative agenda. The lawmakers are expected to seek clarification on the legal basis for the decision and the process used to revoke the cities’ status, while considering what steps may be taken if the minister fails to provide a satisfactory explanation.

Bopolu City – Firestone Liberia has raised awareness about its annual free surgery program for children in Gbarpolu County.

By Henry B Gboluma Jr

The program is sponsored by Firestone Liberia in partnership with Children Surgery International (CSI), a medical group from America.

The awareness was carried out by  Justice R. Clarke, Public Affairs Superintendent of Firestone Liberia, on Tuesday, October 13, during the Tuesday Edition of The Daily Talk on the radio in Bopolu City.

After the radio program,  Clarke visited public places including the Emirates Hospital and local markets to share flyers about the event.

According to him, Firestone Liberia and CSI will conduct free surgeries for children from 0 to 13 years at the Firestone Medical Center (Duside Hospital) from January 20 to February 5, 2027.

The surgeries will be for children with ear, nose, and throat problems, cleft lip and cleft palate, hernia, hydrocele, and other conditions.

Clarke said registration and screening are from September 1 to December 15, 2026, every Tuesday and Thursday at the Firestone Medical Center from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. People can also register at the Harbel Health Center.

He explained that after registration and screening, if a child is qualified for the program, the parents will be given a ticket. Before the doctors arrive, all successful registrants will be called to come to the hospital for the free surgery.

He added that while at the hospital, Firestone will be responsible for feeding three times daily and lodging for the parents and children. The only thing parents need to do is to transport themselves to the hospital.

For more information, the public can contact the Harbel Health Center on *0778-62-1180 or 0778-62-1183.

For the Firestone Medical Center (Duside Hospital), call 0776-58-2702, 0775-07-2644, 0775-81-0404, or 0778-50-8977.

He said Firestone Liberia and CSI are working to change children’s lives, one child at a time.

About Firestone Liberia

‎‎Firestone Liberia is one of the oldest and largest companies in Liberia.

The company started its rubber plantation in Liberia in 1926 in Harbel, Margibi County. For almost 100 years, Firestone has been producing natural rubber for export.

‎Besides rubber production, Firestone Liberia operates one of the largest private hospitals in the country, the Firestone Medical Center (Duside Hospital) and also runs schools and other social services.

The company also partners with international medical groups like Children Surgery International (CSI) to provide free medical services to Liberians.

Through this partnership, over thousands of Liberian children have received free surgeries over the years, changing their lives one child at a time.

GBARNGA, Bong County — For hundreds of children attending Chief Compound Community Public School in the heart of Gbarnga, the struggle to secure a comfortable place to sit has become an unfortunate part of their daily educational experience. While some pupils manage with broken chairs and damaged benches, others have been forced to sit on bricks or classroom floors, a situation that has recently brought the government institution under public scrutiny.

But amid growing concerns about the deteriorating learning conditions, Bong County Land Administrator Madam Amelia Queen Cassell has offered a measure of relief, donating 40 armchairs to the institution as part of activities commemorating her birthday.

The gesture, which also included the distribution of traditional lappers to elderly women selling vegetables and greens at the Gbarnga Sunday Market, marked a departure from conventional birthday celebrations, as Cassell chose to direct attention toward vulnerable residents and schoolchildren confronting everyday difficulties.

Her intervention comes at a time when Chief Compound Community Public School has been attracting attention over the shortage of classroom furniture, a problem that has continued to undermine efforts by teachers and administrators to provide a conducive learning environment.

Located in Gbarnga, the administrative headquarters of Bong County, the school occupies a position that makes its difficulties particularly troubling. The city is home to county authorities, educational administrators, lawmakers’ local offices and other influential stakeholders whose responsibilities include promoting development and improving public services.

Yet, within this same urban setting, children attending one of the city’s government schools continue to struggle with something as basic as finding a proper chair during classroom instruction.

With an enrollment reportedly exceeding 1,500 pupils, the institution has experienced increasing pressure on its limited furniture, leaving administrators to manage overcrowded classrooms with insufficient desks and chairs.

Recent reports about conditions at the school have drawn attention to pupils sitting on bricks, damaged benches and classroom floors while attempting to follow lessons. Some students reportedly carry chairs from

their homes, while others rely on makeshift seating arrangements that provide little comfort during lengthy instructional periods.

The situation has also raised concerns about educational inequality, particularly for children from low-income households whose parents are unable to purchase chairs for their use.

Reports that some pupils have stayed away from school because of the furniture shortage have added urgency to calls for intervention, with residents questioning how such conditions can persist in the heart of a city where many of the county’s decision-makers are based.

It is against this background that Cassell’s birthday donation has taken on significance beyond the number of chairs presented. Although the 40 armchairs cannot accommodate the school’s entire student population, they represent immediate assistance to children who might otherwise continue attending classes without suitable seating.

Cassell said her decision to support the school was motivated by a desire to make her birthday meaningful through service to others. According to her, the occasion presented an opportunity to reflect on the needs of people within her community and provide assistance where it could make a difference.

She explained that children should be encouraged to pursue their education under conditions that promote concentration, dignity and academic achievement.

The Bong County Land Administrator also emphasized the importance of individuals taking practical steps to address community challenges instead of relying exclusively on government institutions. She expressed hope that her intervention would encourage other prominent citizens, businesspeople and organizations to identify pressing needs within their communities and contribute toward addressing them.

For Chief Compound Community Public School Principal Moses Plator, the donation represents a welcome response to an issue that has remained a serious concern for the institution. Plator expressed appreciation to Cassell for recognizing the plight of the students and making their welfare part of her birthday activities.

He noted that the school’s administration has continued to face difficulties providing adequate seating for its growing population, describing the shortage as a challenge that affects both students and teachers.

The principal said the donation demonstrates that meaningful assistance to public schools does not always require large-scale projects, but can begin with individuals identifying specific problems and responding according to their abilities.

Plator said, “We want to sincerely appreciate Madam Amelia Queen Cassell for this important gesture toward our school. The fact that she decided to remember our students while celebrating her birthday means a great deal to us. We have been experiencing serious challenges with classroom furniture, and anyone who understands the situation at Chief Compound Public School will appreciate the importance of these 40 armchairs. They will provide some relief to our children and help create better conditions for learning. We are grateful that she has recognized education as something deserving of her personal attention and support.”

Plator explained that the institution’s furniture shortage has become increasingly difficult to manage because of the number of children seeking education at the school.

He said the challenge extends beyond the physical discomfort experienced by pupils, noting that inadequate seating can interfere with classroom organization and make it difficult for teachers to maintain an effective instructional environment.

According to him, a child who spends several hours sitting on an uncomfortable surface may struggle to concentrate fully on lessons, while teachers must devote additional attention to managing seating arrangements instead of focusing entirely on instruction.

He stressed that the donation should serve as a reminder to county authorities, educational stakeholders and other concerned citizens that improving public education requires consistent attention to the basic needs of students.

The principal further observed that the school’s location in central Gbarnga should make it easier for concerned individuals and institutions to witness its difficulties firsthand.

He expressed hope that the recent public attention surrounding the furniture shortage, together with Cassell’s intervention, would encourage broader efforts to improve conditions at the institution.

“Our school is situated right here in Gbarnga, the capital of Bong County, where government officials, education authorities and many prominent citizens are carrying out their responsibilities every day. Yet, we are still struggling to provide enough chairs for our children. Madam Cassell has taken an important step, and we appreciate her for that. However, the need remains enormous, and we are appealing to other well-meaning individuals to follow her example. We want a situation where every child who comes to Chief Compound Public School can enter the classroom and find a proper place to sit and learn. Education is everybody’s responsibility, and we believe that with collective support, these challenges can be addressed,” Plator said in a second proposed quotation requiring verification.

Beyond the school compound, Cassell extended her birthday outreach to elderly women at the Gbarnga Sunday Market, where she distributed several pieces of traditional lappers.

The beneficiaries included women who depend on selling greens, vegetables and other locally produced agricultural commodities to generate income for their households.

Cassell acknowledged the difficult circumstances under which many elderly market women operate, noting that some spend long hours at the market despite their advanced ages and limited financial resources.

She said their contributions to family welfare and the local economy deserve greater recognition and support. The women welcomed the assistance and expressed appreciation for being included in the birthday activities.

They described the gesture as a demonstration of concern for ordinary people whose daily struggles often receive limited public attention. Meanwhile, the challenges confronting Chief Compound Community Public School remain far from resolved.

HARPER, Maryland County — A protest at William V. S. Tubman University in Harper, Maryland County, halted academic activities on Monday morning, October 12, 2026 after protesters physically nailed shut classroom doors and administrative offices, prompting County Superintendent Nathaniel S. Toe Jr. to intervene and begin mediation.

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

The protesters are demanding the immediate interim suspension of University President Rev. Dr. Olu Q. Menjay and an independent investigation into allegations of corruption, administrative irregularities, questionable appointments, and financial mismanagement at the institution.

Reporters who visited the campus early Monday observed that the doors of classrooms, college offices, the university’s main administrative building, the administrative annex, the finance office, and the university’s radio station had been nailed shut.

The disruption left students stranded on campus, with some standing in the rain while others returned home amid heavy rainfall. The incident occurred as the university was scheduled to begin its first-semester midterm examinations.

The situation prompted Superintendent Toe to invite the protesters to his office at the Harper Administration Building, where they presented their grievances and submitted a petition addressed to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

Jackson Williams, a staff member of William V. S. Tubman University who spoke on behalf of the protesters, read their grievances to Superintendent Toe before submitting the full document.

The 16-page petition, dated October 12, 2026, was addressed to President Boakai through the Maryland County superintendent.

Signed by 20 individuals identified as concerned citizens and stakeholders of Liberia, the document outlines allegations involving the university’s leadership, financial administration, recruitment practices, and use of public resources.

The petitioners argue that the issues raised require an independent investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability at the state-run institution.

They are requesting the immediate interim suspension of Menjay pending the outcome of the proposed investigation, while emphasizing that the measure should be precautionary rather than a declaration of guilt.

One of the petition’s central concerns is the legal basis of Menjay’s appointment and his continued service as university president. The petitioners cite Section 2 of the William V. S. Tubman University Charter of 2009, arguing that the appointment process must comply with the institution’s governing law and involve the appropriate authorities.

According to the document, the Executive Mansion announced on September 25, 2023, that former President George Manneh Weah had appointed Menjay to lead the university.

However, the petitioners allege that they have not seen a formal resolution of the Board of Trustees or other legally sufficient documentation establishing the full basis of the appointment.

They also question the application of Executive Order No. 123, which the petition says was issued on November 22, 2023, and are calling for a legal determination of whether it authorized Menjay’s continued service beyond January 22, 2024.

The petition requests an examination of the university charter, appointment records, Board proceedings, and other relevant documents. These claims have not been independently verified.

The petition also raises concerns about alleged nepotism and irregular appointments to senior positions at the university. One allegation concerns the reported appointment of Aaron G. Woods, identified in the document as Menjay’s maternal nephew, as Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to the university president.

The petitioners want investigators to determine whether the appointment followed established recruitment procedures and whether the appointee’s qualifications and the circumstances surrounding the appointment were properly documented.

The document also questions the reported appointment of a Vice President for University Advancement, alleging that the process may not have followed the required recruitment and approval procedures.

Other appointments under scrutiny include positions within the university’s financial administration. The petitioners allege that search committees conducted recruitment exercises and submitted recommendations that were not followed in some final appointments.

They are calling for a review of recruitment notices, applications, interview records, committee recommendations, and appointment decisions to determine whether the processes complied with university policies.

A substantial portion of the petition focuses on executive allowances, salary increases, travel expenditures, and the use of university resources. The document alleges that Menjay receives a monthly transportation and communication allowance of US$5,000, in addition to a reported gross monthly salary of less than US$7,000.

It compares the reported allowance with the US$500 monthly transportation and communication allowance attributed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The petitioners are asking investigators to examine the university’s compensation policies, payroll records, budgetary allocations, and authorization procedures.

The petition also questions reported salary increases for selected employees, including an alleged increase in the monthly salary of the Director of Public Relations from approximately US$1,200 to US$2,700.

The petitioners want the relevant authorities to determine whether the adjustments were properly authorized and supported by approved salary structures and personnel records.

The allegations concerning compensation have not been independently established.

The petition further alleges that cumulative Daily Subsistence Allowance payments to the university president exceeded US$250,000 over approximately three years.

According to the document, reported allowance rates have included approximately US$1,000 per day for domestic travel and US$1,500 per day for overseas travel.

The petitioners are requesting a forensic audit of travel expenditures, including authorization forms, payment vouchers, tickets, itineraries, accommodation records, and other supporting documents.

They also question expenditures involving a student information system reportedly costing more than US$80,000 and an internet-service arrangement involving reported annual spending exceeding US$75,000.

The petition calls for investigators to examine procurement procedures, contracts, services delivered, equipment installed, and whether the expenditures represented value for money.

Additionally, the document raises concerns about the construction and management of campus commercial facilities, including a campus store, and alleged preferential treatment in supplier selection.

The petitioners want the appropriate authorities to establish whether the transactions complied with applicable procurement regulations and university policies.

The petition also calls for a review of undergraduate tuition and related charges to determine whether they comply with applicable government policies.

The petitioners argue that the university’s approved fee schedules, student invoices, payment receipts, and other records should be examined to establish whether any charges violated government policy or legal requirements. They request corrective action, including reimbursement to affected students where improper collections are established.

The document further raises concerns about alleged wrongful dismissals, delays in salary and benefit payments, and possible violations of employees’ due-process rights.

The petitioners are asking for a review of employment records, disciplinary procedures, relevant court decisions, and the university’s compliance with applicable legal requirements. The claims remain allegations pending independent verification.

Multiple Government Institutions Asked to Investigate

The petition calls for a coordinated investigation involving several public institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, General Auditing Commission, Internal Audit Agency, Liberia Revenue Authority, Civil Service Agency, Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, Ministry of Education, and National Commission on Higher Education.

The petitioners want these institutions to examine the allegations within their respective legal mandates and recommend appropriate action if wrongdoing is established.

They also call for measures to preserve university records, protect witnesses from intimidation, and prevent possible interference with the investigation.

Following his meeting with the protesters, Superintendent Toe called for mediation and urged that the university be reopened to allow academic and administrative activities to resume.

The superintendent assured the protesters that he would do everything within his authority to address the concerns raised while making efforts to ensure that their petition reaches President Boakai for consideration.

He emphasized the need to restore normal operations at the institution as discussions continue over the grievances presented.

Toe also indicated his willingness to work toward resolving issues that fall within his authority.

Following the meeting with the protesters, Superintendent Toe invited representatives of the university administration to participate in the mediation process.

As of the time of reporting, the superintendent was holding a closed-door meeting with deputies of University President Rev. Dr. Menjay at the Harper Administration Building.

Sources indicated that Menjay was outside Maryland County. His whereabouts and whether he had been formally briefed on the protest were not independently confirmed.

The university administration had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition as of the time of reporting. The protest has left students uncertain about when classes and the scheduled midterm examinations will resume.

While the petitioners seek government intervention into their grievances, the superintendent is urging dialogue and the reopening of the institution. The allegations in the petition have not been independently verified, and no findings of wrongdoing have been established. Responses from the university administration and the relevant authorities will be important in determining the next steps.

DUA TOWN, Kokoyah District — Representative Prince K. Koinah has donated 50 bundles of 32-gauge zinc, six cartons of roofing nails, 15 cartons of wire nails and a chainsaw to more than 100 residents of Dua Town whose homes were destroyed during a violent incident in August.

By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com 

The chainsaw is intended to help the community cut wood for the rebuilding work. The materials are meant to help residents rebuild and repair the damaged houses, restoring shelter and dignity to those affected.

The assistance follows an incident on Aug. 27, 2026, in which Kennedy Nyah, a resident of Kpanquoi Town, and his wife, Ruth Nyah, reportedly drowned in the St. John River at a nearby crossing point. The deaths heightened tensions between aggrieved relatives of the couple from Kpanquoi and residents of Dua Town. The relatives confronted Dua Town residents, and at least 10 houses were destroyed, leaving several people homeless.

Representative Koinah has denounced violence in its entirety. He called on all Kokoyah citizens and residents to avoid acts that undermine peaceful coexistence.

The lawmaker also commended the people of Dua Town for exercising restraint during the unrest. He thanked local authorities and the Liberia National Police for restoring law and order.

The items were presented by Decker D. Paye, chief of staff in the lawmaker’s office. The donation is in addition to an earlier package of 20 bags of 25-kilogram rice and L$30,000 given to the affected community.

Separately, Representative Koinah has made available 10 additional bundles of 32-gauge zinc to the Beawee Public School in Beawee Town.

HARPER, Maryland County — Maryland County District #1 Representative P. Mike Jury has honored 56 academically outstanding students from 10 schools across Harper District, providing each beneficiary a certificate of honor, a backpack, 22 copybooks  and full payment of school fees for the academic year.

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

The recognition ceremony, held on Friday, October 9  at the Catholic Parish Hall in Harper City, brought together educational stakeholders, students, parents and other well-wishers to celebrate the students’ academic achievements.

The beneficiaries, drawn from grades seven to eleven, were selected based on their academic performance, with each maintaining an average of at least 85 percent.

School authorities confirmed that Representative Jury had already begun paying the students’ fees school by school. Parents who had previously paid their children’s school fees are expected to be reimbursed in the coming week.

The initiative is intended to recognize academic excellence while encouraging students to remain committed to their studies, regardless of whether they attend public or private schools.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Representative Jury said the recognition was intended to appreciate their efforts and motivate them to maintain their academic performance.

“In all of the high schools in Harper District, these are students topping from seventh grade to eleventh grade. Their averages are beginning at 85 percent upwards. There are even more of them whose averages are above 90,” he said.

The lawmaker noted that the selection process was based primarily on academic performance, explaining that students from both public and private institutions were included in the program.

He also encouraged students who might wish to transfer from public to private schools to maintain the required academic average, emphasizing that their grades would remain the major consideration for future recognition.

Representative Jury challenged the students to remain disciplined, work harder, and serve as examples to their colleagues who were not included among this year’s beneficiaries.

“You did not arrive at this point by mistake or by chance. You are here because of choices that you made when you had sleepless nights to study,” he told the students.

He attributed their achievements to discipline, determination, and the willingness to prioritize their education over distractions.

The lawmaker further urged the beneficiaries not to become complacent because of their current accomplishments, but to continue working toward higher academic goals.

“Be proud and do not stop here, because you are laying your foundations day by day, step by step for tomorrow, and you will be recognized,” Representative Jury added.

He expressed hope that the recognition would encourage other students to improve their grades and qualify for similar honors in subsequent years.

Representative Jury also disclosed that the initiative is intended to become an annual program, providing continued motivation for students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance.

Meanwhile, one of the female beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the recognition, pledging to sustain her academic performance.

“I am grateful for this opportunity. I will not take it lightly. I will hold it to the best of my ability to maintain my grades,” she said.

The students’ recognition comes with financial support intended to ease the burden of school expenses on their families while encouraging them to remain focused on their education.

The 56 beneficiaries were drawn from 10 schools across Harper District.

East Harper Elementary and Junior High School recorded the highest number, with 13 students, followed by J. Hodo Manston High School with seven and Cape Palmas High School with six.

Other participating institutions were Our Lady of Fatima High School, J.S. Pratt United Methodist High School, John Hillary Tubman High School, Jireth Solid Foundation High School, Yuakpe Foundation High School, Harper Demonstration High School, and Education First Academy.

The initiative is expected to encourage greater academic competition among students in Harper District, as the lawmaker seeks to make the recognition an annual event for students who meet the established academic requirements.

Margibi County—More than 700 grade school and university students sponsored under the China Union Concession Scholarship Program have presented certificates of appreciation to the management of Bangli, a subsidiary of China Union Mining Company, in recognition of its annual US$20,000 education support to communities affected by its mining operations.

By Yawah Y. Jaivey

The scholarship fund is an annual obligation under the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) between the Government of Liberia and China Union. The program, which supports students from affected communities in Margibi county, is being supervised by Margibi County District Four Representative Emmanuel O. Yahr.

At an appreciation program held over the weekend in Kakata, Margibi County, the Chairperson of the District’s 2025/2026 Academic Year Scholarship Committee, Pastor Morris Fahn Sr., disclosed that the committee received US$19,700 through SI Bank after a US$300 deduction in bank service charges.

He said the committee also received an additional US$650 in external support, bringing the total funds available under the District Four Tuition Assistance Program for the 2025/2026 Academic Year to US$20,350.

According to Pastor Fahn, a total of 780 students, comprising 392 males and 388 females, benefited from the scholarship program during the 2025/2026 academic year.

He added that the beneficiaries are also being enrolled for the ongoing 2026/2027 academic year.

Pastor Fahn presenting the certificate of appreciation to China Union’s Management on behalf of the beneficiaries, acknowledged the company’s financial commitment to supporting education in communities affected by its mining operations.

“In recognition of your two years of commitment to the payment of the China Union Scholarship Fund to the affected communities of your operation, your support has made a lasting impact on the lives of our youth and the future of District Four, Margibi County,” he stated.

Pastor Fahn expressed gratitude to Representative Yahr and China Union for providing financial assistance to children whose parents come from communities affected by the company’s mining activities and beyond.

Students Commend China Union, Representative Yahr

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Benjamin Kolleh, a student of the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), praised China Union and Representative Yahr for making the scholarship opportunity available to students.

Kolleh assured the company and the district’s leadership that the beneficiaries would make the most use of the opportunity by remaining committed to their education.

“We, the benefiting students, will make the maximum use of this scholarship opportunity being offered to us. We will study hard so that your cents and dollars will not be wasted. We assure you of that,” he vowed.

Another beneficiary, Abe Sheriff, a student of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Mission High School, also commended China Union for providing financial assistance to support students’ educational pursuits.

“We are grateful to China Union for being able to live up to its obligations under the MDA, especially by making the funds available to affected communities. Our parents appreciate your contributions,” Sheriff said.

He also praised Representative Yahr for ensuring that the scholarship benefits students from communities affected by the company’s operations.

Meanwhile, Socrate Emmanuel L. Massaquoi, a university student and scholarship recipient, described the financial assistance as invaluable, particularly amid Liberia’s difficult economic conditions.

Student Massaquoi said the support had eased some of the financial challenges facing students and expressed gratitude to China Union and the district’s leadership for investing in their education.

Yahr Describes Scholarship Program as a Fulfilled Promise

For his part, Representative Emmanuel O. Yahr described the scholarship program as the fulfillment of a commitment he made to the people of District Four while campaigning for the House of Representatives.

He said he was pleased that children from communities affected by China Union’s operations were benefiting from the annual fund intended to support those communities.

“We are joyful and grateful that children from communities affected by the China Union concession are benefiting from the funds provided for their communities. This is something I promised to do when I was seeking the representative seat here in our district,” Rep. Yahr said.

The lawmaker explained that channeling the annual US$20,000 community fund into scholarships was a deliberate decision intended to extend the benefits to a larger number of people through educational opportunities.

He expressed satisfaction that the initiative was helping students from affected communities pursue their academic ambitions.

Representative Yahr, however, urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and make the best use of the opportunity, warning that similar scholarship opportunities might not always be available.

He also commended the district stakeholders for supporting the decision to use the annual fund to finance scholarships for children from affected communities, describing education as an investment in the future of District Four and Margibi County at large.

China Union Reaffirms Commitment to MDA

Speaking after receiving the certificate of appreciation, Dong Yanbing, Manager of Bangli-China Union, expressed gratitude to the students for recognizing the company’s contribution to their education.

Speaking through an interpreter, Yanbing reaffirmed China Union’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Mineral Development Agreement, including the annual US$20,000 allocation for affected communities in Margibi County and similar commitments to other counties.

He said the company believes that investing in human development is essential to national progress and welcomed the decision by communities in Margibi County to prioritize education.

“We believe that human development is the best way for any nation to move forward. We are equally happy that the people of Margibi County are just doing so,” Yanbing said.

GBARNGA, Bong County — The competition starts before the first lesson. Pupils arriving each morning at Chief Compound Public School look first for somewhere to sit: a chair, a gap on a broken bench, anything. Those who come after the seats are gone have one option. The floor.

By Selma Lomax|  selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

The school, which enrolls more than 1,500 pupils, is not in a remote village beyond the reach of government. It stands in Gbarnga, the administrative and political capital of Bong County, within easy reach of the government offices and education authorities charged with the welfare of the county’s children.

Inside some classrooms, children sit for hours on bare concrete, balancing exercise books on their knees as they try to follow lessons. Others crowd onto broken benches, squeeze onto whatever furniture is still usable, or bring chairs from home.

What they are asking for is modest. Not computers, air conditioners or science laboratories — just chairs and desks that would let them sit properly, write comfortably and concentrate.

“We are in the city, not somewhere that people cannot reach,” one pupil said. “Our school is here in Gbarnga, and the people who are responsible for education are also in this city. We see government offices and other important people around us, so sometimes we ask ourselves why we have to sit on the floor to learn. We are children, and all we are asking for is a chair so that we can sit properly, write our lessons and concentrate. We want to believe that somebody will hear us.”

FrontPageAfrica is not identifying the pupils interviewed for this story because they are minors.

The distance between the school and the offices that could help it can be counted in streets. The distance between the problem and a solution, the pupils suggest, is far greater.

For the children, the shortage is not a policy abstraction. It greets them every morning — and, they say, it may be keeping some of their classmates away altogether.

Friends who stopped coming

Pupils spoke of friends who no longer attend school, and they tied those absences to money: parents who could not afford to buy a chair.

FrontPageAfrica could not verify the claim against attendance records, and its scale is unknown. But it reflects a pressure familiar to many Liberian households. When income is thin, every expense competes with every other. A chair is not food. It is not medicine or transport fare. In the hard choices poor families are forced to make, a chair can lose.

The pupils spoke of their absent classmates less with anger than with a sense of loss, the way people talk about a friend who has moved away. What they want, they said, is for everyone to learn together.

A desk in the doorway

The staff room tells its own story. Its floor is pitted with holes, and a handful of chairs sit clustered in one corner. During a visit by FrontPageAfrica, a female teacher searched for somewhere to set down her lesson notes. She later carried pupils’ exercise books to the classroom doorway — the only place with enough light to read them.

Teachers who improvise this way keep the school running, but the improvisation has a cost. A teacher straining to read a child’s handwriting in a doorway is more likely to rush her feedback, and it is the child who loses.

An admission from the county

Asked by FrontPageAfrica about conditions at the school, County Education Officer David Boakai said he had not been aware of them. His office, he said, would need to look into the situation, particularly the learning environment and the shortage of chairs and other basic facilities.

His candor offers a clear starting point — and a commitment against which progress can be measured. But it also exposes a gap. Chief Compound is not hidden beyond a river crossing. It sits in the county seat and serves well over a thousand children. If its condition had not reached the county’s top education official, then somewhere between the classroom and his office, the system’s ability to notice has broken down.

A proper assessment would not be complicated: count the pupils and the usable seats; separate what can be repaired from what must be replaced; inspect classroom space and the condition of the buildings. Those figures would give parents something to hold on to — and officials something to answer for.

What a chair carry

It is tempting to treat a shortage of chairs as a small matter beside Liberia’s larger struggles. But small things can carry large meanings. A chair holds up a child’s body so that the mind can do its work. It marks out a space that belongs, however briefly, to one pupil. It tells a child that the school expected her and made room.

Take the chair away, and the message reverses. The child becomes someone to be accommodated by improvisation, someone whose comfort is optional. The pupils at Chief Compound have noticed. What they ask in return is neither grand nor unusual: equal treatment, a seat beside their friends, and an end to writing on their knees.

Who will stand up?

The pupils have done what they can. They have described their classrooms, named what they lack, and trusted a visiting reporter to carry their words further than they could.

The responsibility now lies with others. The county has promised to look. Parents could organize. Donors, civic groups and local leaders could each take a share. However, the response takes shape, it will be judged by a simple test: whether, one morning soon, a child in Gbarnga walks into a classroom and finds a seat waiting.

Until then, the children of Chief Compound will keep adapting, as children do. The question is how long the school system intends to rely on their patience.