Monrovia—Barely hours after the Civil Law Court ordered the eviction of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) from its rented headquarters along Tubman Boulevard, the party’s political leader, former President George M. Weah, has unveiled plans for a new headquarters, rallying supporters amid the legal setback.

By: Yawah Y. Jaivey

A writ of possession issued by the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court, Montserrado County, on August 13, instructed the Sheriff of Montserrado County to immediately remove the CDC from the 4.23-acre property belonging to the Intestate Estate of the late Martha Stubblefield Bernard. The order was based on a ruling handed down by Assigned Circuit Judge His Honour George W. Smith on August 4, which placed the estate’s administrator, Ebrima Varney Dempster, in full possession of the disputed land.

The court has also written to Liberia National Police Inspector General Col. Gregory O.W. Coleman, requesting police deployment to ensure a smooth execution of the eviction.

The eviction marks another legal blow to the former ruling party, which has faced several property disputes in recent years. The roots of the conflict date back to 2016, when the Supreme Court of Liberia ruled that the Bernard Estate rightfully owned the land and should be placed in possession. The CDC has contested that ruling for years.

In August 2024, the estate offered to sell the property to the CDC for $4.2 million, but negotiations stalled over pricing discrepancies and other terms. The court found that no valid contract was reached, ruling that CDC’s response to the offer legally constituted a rejection, and as such, no sale was ever finalized.

On August 1, 2025, the Civil Law Court found the CDC partially liable for occupying the property without a proper agreement. The court reaffirmed its stance with the August 4 eviction order, which was enforced with the writ issued on August 13.

Following the eviction order, former President George Weah took onto social media on Wednesday evening to share a blueprint of a proposed new CDC headquarters and delivered a passionate message to party members.

“We have more danger to deal with than correcting speeches,” Weah wrote. “Let us all agree together to show to the Liberian people that the CDC belongs to them.”

Mr. Weah assured supporters that the party remains “mighty, loyal, and faithful to the people’s struggle,” vowing that CDC would “never be defeated.”

“We are here to stay. Strong we will always be, because nothing will separate us. It’s a national struggle, and we must continue to fight no matter what. Power to the people,” he added.

In a follow-up WhatsApp status, Mr. Weah showcased a blueprint of the party’s proposed new headquarters, captioning it: “We are ready to prove our might. The mighty Coalition for Democratic Change new building design.”

The CDC political leader’s response has been met with mixed reactions on social media. Many CDC supporters praised his leadership and vision.

CDC partisan Charles Todpolu Gweaee said: “Immediately I saw this phrase from the former president, I knew that something was in the making: ‘We are about to build our new home.’”

Another supporter, Roosevelt Tanwone, remarked: “That’s why I proudly call him my visionary leader—a man whose foresight, wisdom, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire and guide us toward a brighter future.”

While the eviction marks a major setback, the CDC’s leadership has pledged to turn the challenge into an opportunity. With the unveiling of plans for a new headquarters, the party appears poised to move forward—despite the ongoing legal and logistical hurdles.

Monrovia – Montserrado County Senator Darius Dillon and a staunch supporter of the “Rescue” government has publicly apologized for using the private jet propaganda against former president George Weah in 2023.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)-websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Dillon and folks from the Unity Party criticized the former president for flying private jets, saying it was a waste of taxpayers’ resources.

Fast forward to 2025, one year into the Joseph Boakai-led government, Boakai and his Vice President Jeremiah Koung, have been seen frequently flying private jets to attend international functions out of the country, a move that apparently forced Dillon to offer his apology to Weah.

Like Weah, Boakai and his vice president have denied their decisions to use taxpayers’ money to fly private jets. In his own defense, Koung explained that on one of the occasions, the private jet he flew was not chartered by him; rather, he was offered a ride by a Ghanaian businessman who was also en route from Monrovia to Accra. 

For the president, two months into his regime, he promised Liberians he would fly commercial unless someone decides to send a private jet for him.

However, a few days later, President Boakai was seen boarding a private jet with tail number CN-SYA bound for Guinea Bissau. 

Since then, President Boakai and his Vice President Koung during most of their international meetings have used private jets. 

Appearing as guest of the OK Conversation Monday, Dillon apologized to former President Weah for not knowing the amount of constraints a president undertakes when flying without a private jet. 

“As Darius Dillon who campaigned against the use of private jets against former President Weah, I want to publicly apologize to him,” Senator Dillon said.

The Montserrado County Senator added: “We did not understand the constraints, the reasons and the justifications for using private jet by the President of Liberia, we condemned former President Weah.”

Still speaking, Dillon said it’s good to admit when one is wrong so that the person can correct the wrong.

“We see the need and I will say now, for the use of private jets by the President of Liberia,” Montserrado County Senator said.

Solving the private jet

The Montserrado County Senator added that Liberia as a country needs to have its own plane for the use of the President and other officials.

Senator Dillon added: “The thing that can solve the private jet issue is for us to procure a Presidential jet for Liberia for the use of the president and for official use.”

“We did not understand, we condemned former President Weah and we used it as one of the counts to remove him,” he explained. 

“The use of private jets is necessary especially now. Within the African region it is only fair for someone to muster the courage and apologize to former President Weah, there is no need to defend,” Senator Dillon noted.

MONROVIA — Liberians have reacted to the death of the Senator of Nimba County, Prince Yormie Johnson, who died in Monrovia at the age of 72.

By Selma Lomax, Gerald C. Koinyeneh and Obediah Johnson

FrontPageAfrica gathered the warlord turned politician had returned from Nimba County Wednesday, after honoring the legacy of the late Gnassingbe Eyadema, former President of Togo, by naming his PYJ university’s auditorium after him during a ceremony on November 25.

However, news broke that Johnson died in the early hours of Thursday at the Hope for Women Hospital on AB Tolbert Road in Paynesville.

President Joseph Boakai expressed profound sorrow upon learning of the sudden passing of Johnson, describing the former Nimba County senator as a figure who played a pivotal role in Liberia’s complex historical evolution and contributed to national discourse through his service in the Senate.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Johnson family and the people of our industrious County of Nimba. Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s passing is a loss to his family, his constituents, and our nation,” President Boakai stated.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Johnson family and the people of our industrious County of Nimba. Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s passing is a loss to his family, his constituents, and our nation,” President Boakai stated.

Vice President Jeremiah Koung, accompanied by senior government officials and prominent figures from Nimba County, arrived at the late Senator’s residence Thursday morning visibly emotional as they mourned the loss of a man regarded as the “political godfather of Nimba County.”

The social media has been inundated with mixed reactions, with some Liberians poking fun at the death of Senator Johnson, who captured and killed former Liberian President Samuel Doe in the latter part of 1990 as one of the continent’s deadliest wars raged against the country’s first native president whose 1980 coupe ended over 130 years of Americo-Liberians’ reign.

‘A Blow to Liberia’

The Liberian Senate has sent a message of condolence to the bereaved family of Johnson. A Senate press release quotes the leadership of the Senate as describing the death of Senator Johnson as not only a blow to the Liberian Senate but the country at large, noting, his death is an irreparable loss.

Prior to his death, served four Legislatures, including the 52nd, 53rd, 54th and now the 55th in various capacities.

He was the longest-serving member of the Senate in post-war Liberia. Elected in 2005, Senator Johnson was elected for the third consecutive nine-year tenure in the 2023 presidential and legislative elections.

During his tenures, Johnson served as Chairman of the Senate Committee, on Security, Intelligence, and Veteran Affairs, and Chairman on Internal Affairs, Governance and Reconciliation and a long serving member of the ECOWAS Parliament based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Liberian Senate in its mournful remembrance of the fallen Senator, has suspended its Thursday, November 28, 2024 Plenary sitting to next Tuesday.

“May his contributions to our Nation be remembered, and may his charitable legacy inspire future generations”, the Senate stated.

‘I’m devastated’ – Edith Gongloe-Weh
Madam Edith Gongloe, former Superintendent of Nimba County, expressed shock over the news of Senator Johnson, saying she was personally devastated by the sad development.

Gongloe-Weh, who is currently in the United States of America, described Johnson as a loving family head and a respected leader. She was also a long-term political foe of Senator Johnson. She ran against him in 2014 Senatorial election and was defeated.

‘Johnson was a visionary leader’ – Former Rep. Mulbah

Former Bong County representative, George Mulbah, said Johnson’s death is painful and shocking. Mulbah expressed deep sadness on receiving the news of the senator’s death and consoled with the immediate family of the deceased, the Liberian Senate and people of Nimba County over the irreparable loss.

Split opinions over PYJ’s death

Johnson was well known for his role in the Liberian civil war. Intially and ally of former President Chairles Taylor, Jonson soon broke away with Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) and formed the Independent Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL).

In 1990, his rebel faction captured, tortured and killed President Samuel Kanyon Doe.

Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission listed Johnson alongside several warlords to face prosecution for his role in the Liberian civil war. Both supporters and victims of the war have expressed their opinion in the wake of his death.

An elite member of the ruling Unity Party, Boakai Jalieba, posted to his Facebook handle, saying the late Johnson meant different things to different people. For the Nimbaians (residents of] Nimba County) who witnessed the brutal slaying of children during Doe’s regime and the horrific massacre at the Lutheran Church, where scores of innocent people were killed, they see him as a man avenging the loss of their loved ones.

For the people of the Americo-Liberian elite, he added, who saw their sons slaughtered at the mansion and their fathers summarily executed, his actions are viewed as an act of revenge.

“On the other hand, those who are aggrieved by PYJ’s actions have a very different perspective of him. Ultimately, people are entitled to celebrate or condemn their hero or villain as they see fit. We should stop questioning why someone mourns or feels sorry for PYJ’s death,” he said.

Beatrice Scott, who claimed to be a victim of the civil war, posted to Facebook, saying, “I know we are not God to judge but those who took innocent lives back then shouldn’t find peace. We all pray for our enemies to die right so why don’t you pray for Senator Johnson not to find peace too.”

Paris, France – Former President George Weah celebrated football as his lifeblood and the source of his happiness after challenging days at work. He shared these heartfelt sentiments while presenting the Ballon d’Or award to Manchester City midfielder Rodri at the gala held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

By Jaheim T. Tumu – jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com

Weah passionately proclaimed, “Football is my life. I still play, and after a tough workday, it’s football that lifts my spirit. I come home and watch my teams—AC Milan, PSG, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur. The game made me who I am, and I am forever connected to it.”

Rodri, a pivotal figure for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team, led City to an extraordinary fourth consecutive Premier League title and played a vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. He triumphed over Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., who was considered a favorite after winning the Champions League and La Liga last season.

On that memorable night, there was no delegation from Real Madrid, despite their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, winning the Men’s Coach of the Year award. Real Madrid was recognized as Team of the Season, while Kylian Mbappe shared the Gerd Müller Trophy with Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.

Vinicius Jr. boldly tweeted, “I’ll do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready.”

Before the award announcement, Weah spoke on the importance of presenting such a prestigious trophy, urging players who reach the Ballon d’Or stage to express their gratitude.

Reflecting on his remarkable journey, the 1995 Ballon d’Or winner recalled growing up in the challenging environment of Monrovia, where he didn’t initially aspire to win the Ballon d’Or. It was only upon reaching the pinnacle of his career that he pursued the award, guided by the wisdom of coaches like Arsene Wenger.

The former AC Milan forward, known for his speed and scoring prowess, faced civil strife in his homeland. Yet, he shared how the Ballon d’Or played a crucial role in fostering peace and stability in Liberia.

“I am a Ballon d’Or winner from a country ravaged by civil war. Sports became my sanctuary, and the Ballon d’Or helped promote peace in my nation. Today, Liberia is reaping the rewards of that peace,” Weah said.

He credited his success to a few inspiring coaches, including Arsene Wenger, Fabio Capello, and Luis Fernandes, and emphasized the dedication he poured into training, ensuring his place in the history of Ballon d’Or winners.

Monrovia — An elite member of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), who predicted the defeat of his political leader George Manneh Weah prior to the conduct of the 2023 general and presidential elections, has ruled out a clear chance for the return of Mr. Weah to the Liberian presidency.

By Obediah Johnson, obediah.johson@frontpageafricaonline.com

Mr. Weah succeeded ex-President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in 2018. However, he was democratically defeated in the 2023 general and presidential elections by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

Speaking when he appeared as guest on the OK Morning Rush on OK FM 99.5 on Wednesday, October 9, former Representative Solomon George disclosed that Mr. Weah and his government went astray when they failed to think about Liberians while steering the affairs of the country.

George, former lawmaker of Montserrado County’s seventh district, observed that former President Weah was surrounded by many people who never had the “heart” for Liberia and its citizens.

He maintained that those were individuals “crooking” the Liberian people.

“It is proven today what I said yesterday that they were crooking the Liberian people. I am sorry to say that, I said that (George Weah) could be defeated (during the elections.). I said this to Chief Cyril Allen that we will not win the next elections because of these two persons.”

Mr. George maintained that though he had a personal relationship with the former Liberian leader, ex-President Weah failed to listen to him during his stay in power.

He disclosed that he felt that multiple private discussions he held with ex-President Weah to help and “make the people feel good about us” following their efforts applied to bring the CDC to power in 2018 could have been listened to and implemented when Weah became President.

“President Weah was a special person to my heart. I was living on Center Street and he (Weah) stopped with me for a while before he went to Cameroun. He’s a special person to me but I regret he never listened to me.”

Outburst was misconstrued 

 “I would like to say without mincing of words, George Weah never listened to me; I became an enemy to his government. Today, they are seeing what I said yesterday that ‘Mr. President, put these people in Ghana, they must go bag and throw them away or else they will bring disgrace to us.’

Mr. George emphasized that despite his outburst against the Weah led-administration being misconstrued, he was speaking out because Liberia is above any individual or political party.

He said President Weah has not openly recognized his shortcomings which contributed to his defeat, but he (George) knows that the ex-President regrets about not taking actions on pieces of advice that were proffered to him every time in his heart or in bed.

He stated that Liberians could have wished for a third term for Mr. Weah if he was a listening President, noting that, “any leader who does not listen is bound to fail.”

“We lost because we didn’t listen to our people. If you watch, CDC has always had the crowd. People love George Weah because; God has given the people’s hearts to George Weah. But when loyalty is not harnessed, respected or honored, the loyal ones can switch or twist.”

According to him, Mr. Weah return to the presidency depends on the manner and form in which he will relate to the Liberian people currently.

He continued: “CDC has been and is the biggest political party in this country, but if Ambassador Weah was to come back (to the presidency), there are certain things he must do and I don’t believe he will do it. I don’t see him coming back if he does not do what he is supposed to do with the people.”

Boakai will succeed

Speaking further, Mr. George claimed that “God took the country from the hands of the old people and put it in the hands of the young people,” adding that, “but the young people misled.”

He maintained that Liberians cherished and loved Mr. Weah at the time, but their loyalty was not harnessed and respected.

As a result of this, Mr. George noted that those who were loyal to the CDC defected elsewhere.

Mr. George observed that current challenges citizens are faced with were inherited by the Boakai led-administration.

“I believe that (President) Boakai will succeed. Watch Boakai, he will succeed; the reason why he will succeed is because he knows only God can make him succeed. His ministers or wise men that are messing him up, he has to do something to them. This government must look at the CDC government as a mirror –put the good and bad things to one side each and throw the bad ones away.”

Experience at Legislature

Mr. George further pointed out that his ascendancy to the national legislature was very disappointing as many of those serving were only concerned about personal gains.

He observed that though a similar trend is ongoing at the first branch of government, it can be reduced to some extent.

“If you are representing the people, you must do what the people say and what they want. Men you think will fight for the people are the men stabbing the people at the back.” 

He graded the former Speaker of the House of Representatives Alex Tyler as one of the best lawmakers in Liberia.

He noted that despite negative reports against Senator Tyler, he (Tyler) was a leader who cared for his people during his days at the House of Representatives.

Mr. George, however, encouraged the current Speaker of the House Fonati Koffa to be mindful of the manner and form in which he is serving his people.

According to him, Speaker Koffa is appearing tough to please everyone in the discharge of his duties.

Mr. George blamed the National Legislature for being responsible for the numerous problems confronting Liberia and its citizens.

He said many of those elected most often “do their own thing,” instead of working in the interest of their people.

He added that on the other hand, citizens disrespect and scold leaders who are working in their interest.

Monrovia — George Weah marked his 58th birthday Tuesday with renewed hope to thousands of supporters, assuring that he would be back in 2029.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)-websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Supporters of the former Liberian president had gathered at the headquarters of his party — the Congress of Democratic Change (CDC) — to celebrate a “man of peace and the best president in the history of Liberia”.

Though absent from the celebrations, Weah told partisans via zoom that his return to the presidency was evitable because the ruling Unity Party “has failed to live up to the expectations of Liberians.”

 “We were given the opportunity to govern Liberia for six years, let’s continue to be inspired to do great things. We have done our best. And, I’m sure that what we have done for Liberians, we will come back,” Weah said.

He added: “Remember, when we came to the scene, people said it would never happen and we told them that it was going to happen and it happened. Let’s improve ourselves and it will continue again.”

The celebration, according to Weah, was a surprise to him. The former President said the birthday came with bad news with the loss of two of his long-time friends. 

He, however, thanked the organizers of the program and praised partisans for turning out in their numbers to celebrate his 58th birthday, especially in his absence. 

“My people continue to make me happy, they strive to make sure that I am protected, so I just want to appreciate the entire institution and the Liberian people for their love. The love for my country and the love for my people, the people are giving me back that love. I’m not surprised, if you tell them to do it 10 times, they will do it,” he said.

Weah added: “I say thank you for the kind of love, it is not easy to see. I think it is a very good thing and I thank God for that. I want them to know that I love them and I will always be there for them.”

The former president also stressed that it is the responsibility of the current government to protect those who have come to celebrate his birth anniversary and not to take the gathering as a means of provocation.

“I hope this will not cause another problem, I hope that those people who came to celebrate my birthday, let the people go home in peace. I hope it will not be seen as a provocation, let it be seen as excitement and love for me. I hope that the police will allow you to go home safely,” former President Weah said.

Monrovia – Anticipation is high as former President George Weah is set to deliver a major address today, following the recent indictment and suspension of several former top officials on corruption allegations.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The indictments

On Tuesday, the government, through the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Ministry of Justice, indicted former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh, former Solicitor General Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, former Comptroller of the Financial Intelligence Unit D. Moses P. Cooper, and former Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency Stanley Ford.

Cllr. Tuan, Karmoh, and Cooper were imprisoned after failing to present a criminal appearance bond, as they could not afford the amount required for economic sabotage. Judge Ben Barcon denied their request for a personal recognizance bond, despite their prominence.

Tweah, another defendant, is reportedly out of the country in neighboring Cote d’Ivoire. Writing on his Facebook page, he described the charges and subsequent arrest of his co-defendants as a “total witch hunt.” Ford has not been accounted for.

What Will Weah Say?

Following his loss to President Joseph Boakai in the November presidential runoff election, former President Weah won the admiration of fellow Liberians and the international community when he graciously conceded. He pledged his cooperation with the incoming President and his team to ensure a smooth transition. And he did.

For the first six months, Weah kept his cool and lived quietly as a private citizen. Then at the beginning of this month the former President re-entered the political scene with pointed criticisms of Boakai.

In a phone-in interview with Freedom FM, the ex-president said Boakai was not the change Liberians need in this new era.

Weah accused the Boakai-led government of dishonesty, claiming that officials are not genuinely interested in positive change but have returned to Liberia due to lack of success abroad.

He said: “You wanted change, but Boakai was not the change. Those who left the country and now claim to return for change are not sincere. They are here because their situations abroad were not prosperous.”

The government disagreed. Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah called on him to act as a statesman to be treated as such.

He has not said much since then.

However, his stalwarts have announced his return to the podium under the sycamore tree. The nation waits with bated breath to hear from the man who led Liberia for six years, as he breaks his silence on the unfolding scandal that has rocked his party and by extension, the country’s political landscape. And as Weah’s perspective is eagerly awaited amid widespread speculation about the content and tone of his speech, FrontPage Africa takes a look at what he might address.

Condemn prosecution of former officials

It is highly expected that Weah will take a firm stance against the government for going after his officials. While he has not spoken publicly since the government drew up the indictment, his lieutenants have already condemned the government’s move.

Jefferson Koijee, CDC Secretary General, speaking shortly following the indictment, and subsequent incarceration, said “Any attempt to politicize the peace and weaponize the Judiciary will be defaced and met with stiff resistance. The Liberian Mohammed Morsi is in the making.”

Despite his outburst, the CDC Secretary General called on all citizens, especially partisans of the CDC to remain calm, adding that the National Executive Committee of the Party is in full control of the situation.

“We are in full control of the fruitless and senseless attempt of the Unity party to undermine the hard-earned credibility of the then CDC-led government. The UP will be defaced and vanquished subsequently,” he said.

Tweah himself termed his prosecution as a witch hunt. Writing on his Facebook page, Tweah described the charges and subsequent arrest of his co-defendants as a “total witch hunt.”

He said over the last six years, he has been a major political target and has faced “falsely devilish accusations, spanning from a so-called 25 million mop-up propaganda through the 16 billion concoction to so many other fabrications intended to besmirch my reputation and derail my political institution.”

He vowed to vindicate himself in court. “Working with my lawyers and others, I stand ready to defeat this witch-hunt and vindicate my reputation through the justice system,” Tweah said. “In the end, I will emerge stronger and my enemies will be put to shame!”

While Weah is highly expected to condemn the government, some partisans are of the contrary view. A party stalwart, speaking on anonymity, said while majority members of the party view the government’s move as a witch hunt, it would be in President Weah and the party’s interest to endorse the prosecution of his former officials. According to the partisan, given his administration’s own struggles with corruption allegations, Weah should use this as an opportunity to distance himself from the actions of the indicted officials and reiterate his commitment to fighting corruption during his tenure.

“All Weah should do “is to stress the importance of due process and the rule of law. He should caution against a rush to judgment and call for a fair trial,” the partisan said.

Take Boakai to task on Tenure

The former President is expected to condemn the Boakai-Koung administration over its insistence on removing officials with tenure positions.

The Boakai administration has faced criticism for its attempts to remove Weah-era officials from tenured positions. Despite a Supreme Court ruling against stripping officials of their tenure, President Boakai suspended several tenured officials for alleged financial impropriety and administrative reasons, including all commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA) and the Chairperson of the Governance Commission (GC). Central Bank Executive Governor Alloysius Tarlue is the latest casualty.

The suspension of Governor Tarlue, according to Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah, followed an audit of the CBL by the General Auditing Commission.

In his call-in program, Weah criticized the current administration for allegedly harassing tenured officials, a practice he claimed to have respected during his term. He noted the irony of Boakai, who served in the administration that created these tenured positions, now violating the law to remove officials.

Weah argued, “It is time for Liberians to hear us. Boakai has issues, and the disrespect to citizens is wrong. Respect the law; we inherited tenure jobs and respected them.”

Defend his record

The former president might defend his administration’s record, highlighting the efforts made to combat COVID-19 and keeping the price of essential commodities including rice and gasoline stable.

Monrovia – The Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, Alloycious Tarlue, has acknowledged the cash balance announced by former President George Weah during his final address to the nation. 

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

Before his departure, former President Weah disclosed to the nation that he left a total cash balance of US$40,375.90 million in the Government’s Consolidated Accounts.

President Weah recounted that back in 2018, he and his government inherited a consolidated cash balance of over US$7 million from former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

The former Liberian leader also told the nation that his government inherited over US$94.9 million in net international reserves, and handed over to the new administration US$222.7 million, which amounts to 136% increase.

Contrary to his disclosure, current Joseph Boakai informed the nation in his first state of the nation address on January 22, that the balance was US$20.5 million, not US$40 million, as stated by former President George Weah.

President Boakai said the net international reserves position reported at the end of December 2023 was US$220 million. 

“The report of US$40 million as the GoL’s consolidated account balance as of January 19, 2024, is not supported by the fact. The balance reported by the CBL as of the same date was US$20.5 million, highly encumbered, NOT US$40 million. To this end, we re-emphasize our earlier commitment to audit and ensure that regular audits will be a culture across all branches of government, not only the Executive”, but he also said.

The contradicting statements from the former and current presidents sparked public debate in the country, something that prompted the House of Representatives to summon CBL Governor, Alloysius Tarlue, to appear before that august body to clarify exactly how much was in the account. 

During his appearance on Thursday, February 1, 2024, Governor Tarlue’s testimony before members of the House seem to have validated former President Weah’s claim of leaving US$40M in the account. 

Following the CBL governor’s presentation, members of the House voted to subject the Transitional Team and the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to an investigation by the Banking and Currency Committee to address information regarding the two datas provided by the former and current presidents.

The motion was proffered by Montserrado County District #16 Representative Dixon Seboe, who chairs the House’s Banking and Currency Committee.

Rep. Seboe stressed the need for the committee to probe the Central Bank of Liberia, including Governor, J. Aloysius Tarlue, and his deputies in order to ascertain which “datas” were submitted to the President to have said that the report of US $40 million as the GoL’s consolidated account balance as of January 19, 2024, was not supported by the fact.

In his motion, the opposition CDC Lawmaker said the testimonies of the Central Bank of Liberia indicates that as of January 19, there was over L$2.4b in the consolidated account as well as more than US$27m.

He argued that considering the approved prevailing exchange rate of US$1 to L$188.36; a total amount in the Consolidated Account on January 19 was about US$40.4m, validating what was said by the former president. 

The Banking and Currency Committee will report to the August Body on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

CDC Demands Apology from Pres. Boakai

Meanwhile, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) Thursday called on President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to apologize to its Political Leader, former President George Manneh Weah, the Liberian people for “deliberately providing misleading accounts” about the financial situation of the country, especially with regards figures of the consolidated account balance at the Central Bank of Liberia.

The party said the CBL Governor’s appearance Thursday at the Legislature, which witnessed his documentary testimony of the consolidated account balance as of January 19, 2024 to exactly the same as President Weah reported in his farewell address about the figure being a little over 40 Million USD, as opposed to what President Boakai reported to be 20.5 Million  USD, coincides with the party’s 48 hours ultimatum to President Boakai as was provided during its recent Press Conference.

With this vindication from the Central Bank of Liberia’s Governor, the Coalition for Democratic Change says it sees President Boakai’s action as not only a deliberate intent aimed at misleading and deceiving the very people, he claimed during his campaigns to govern with honesty from the get-go of his administration, but a mudslinging attempt to impugn the accountability and transparency credentials of the CDC-led government under the stewardship of former President George Manneh Weah.

While the CDC demands an apology from President Boakai, the party in a release added, it is also taken aback by the growing incompetence associated with the Boakai Presidency in the formative days of his administration. 

“The failure of the President to have completed his constitutional duty of delivering an inaugural address which was disgracefully aborted, coupled with his inability to fact-check rudimentary financial issues such as the bank balance of the country’s consolidated account is flabbergasting, worrisome and concerning as to whether President Boakai has the capacity to do the heavy liftings associated with the Liberian presidency,” the party said.