MONROVIA – Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr.  has called on all Liberians, particularly the People of Nimba County to remain united and respect the rule of Law.

Speaking during the opening of the Supreme Court October Term on Monday, October 12, he said, “I want to use this occasion to call on all Liberians, especially my fellow Citizens in Gompa City, Nimba County, to unite irrespective of tribe or ethnic background. Tribalism destroys national unity and peace, and further triggers violence and war. Liberia has traveled down that road before and we know where it led us. We must not go there again. The Gbeisay’s Bench will enforce all legitimate judgments without fear or favor and irrespective of its consequences.’’

Chief Justice  Gbeisay  pointed out that the law is blind and the only tribe recognized before a court of competent jurisdiction is Justice. He expanded on the court’s enforcement of judgments, particularly in Montserrado and Nimba Counties.

He said that as the court works to expand access to justice across the country, enforcing court judgments remains a daunting challenge. The Chief Justice pointed to an incident of the court’s final judgment at the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in 2018, wherein some members of the Mandingo Ethnic Group in Gompa mobilized and violently obstructed the enforcement of judgment against a member of their tribe.

Speaking further, he said the spokesperson of the group, Mark Jabateh, took to the media and openly declared that he could kill the former Chief Justice, Francis Korkpor, if he had laid eyes on him. “The past government took no action; instead, the present government rewarded him with a ministerial position in government.’’

On the recent incident in Gompa City, he said that, in an effort to enforce the final judgment, the former Gompa City Mayor used tribal sentiment, claiming that Mandingo people have no land rights in that city.

Accordingly, the former Mayor of Gompa City mobilized some members of the Mano and Gio Communities against the court and especially against him as Chief Justice.

“Up to and including today, my family remains under threat and subject to constant attacks. Some individuals have vowed to kill me for allegedly giving their land to Mandingo people.’’

Among other things, he added, ‘‘the Judgments of our courts are based on evidence and the applicable laws. This is the oath I took and continue to hold.”

BEEPLAY, Nimba County – In a significant stride to improve access to clean and safe drinking water, the Christian-based non-governmental organization, Living Water International, has officially launched a six-year US$7.1 million water project aimed at serving the residents of Buu-YAO District Number Five in Nimba County.

By D. Franklin Doloquee /Nimba County

According to Pastor Austin Nyaplue, Country Director for Living Water International Liberia, this ambitious initiative will provide safe drinking water to approximately 19,477 people across 58 towns within the district.

The project involves installing 160 modern water systems designed to address the pressing needs of communities long plagued by inadequate and unsafe water sources.

The launched event, part of a broader District-Wide WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program, was a vibrant ceremony that brought together community members, government officials and church leaders from various denominations. The overwhelming attendance highlighted the hope this project is inspiring in a district severely affected by water scarcity.

Pastor Nyaplue shared findings from a preliminary water quality study revealing a stark reality: only 35 percent of Buu-YAO residents currently have access to safe drinking water. The remaining 65 percent relies on contaminated sources, with 95 percent of tested water samples deemed unsafe for consumption by Living Water International’s rigorous standards. This data not only justifies the urgent need for intervention but also highlights the potential health benefits the project aims to deliver.

Since beginning operations in Nimba County in 2019, Living Water International initially focused on the Bain-Garr Administrative District, installing 315 modern water facilities. Building on that success, the organization is now expanding its outreach to Buu-YAO, bringing renewed hope and critical resources to communities that have struggled without reliable water access.

Living Water International’s Mission Statement: “Living Water International exists to demonstrate the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water, and to experience ‘Living Water’—the gospel of Jesus Christ—which alone satisfies the deepest thirst.”

Pastor Nyaplue emphasized the organization’s commitment to ensuring all residents in Buu-YAO District gain access to clean drinking water during the project’s six-month implementation period. He also pledged strong collaboration with local churches to facilitate smooth execution, highlighting global support from Christian institutions that fundraise to bring essential resources to Liberia.

Government Support and Community Engagement

At the launch, Jocelia J. Taplah, Deputy Minister for Rural Development and County Services, urged the people of Buu-YAO to actively participate in and take ownership of the project. She stressed the importance of dispelling skepticisms about NGOs and encouraged communities to embrace the benefits these partnerships bring.

Minister Taplah acknowledged the challenging road conditions in parts of Buu-YAO, which pose logistical difficulties for project delivery.

She assured attendees of the government’s commitment to supporting road rehabilitation to improve access and sustainability of water facilities.

Community Voices and Historical Context

Reverend John Troseh and Daniel S. Zekpeh, County Administrative Officer and former District Commissioner for Buu-YAO, provided a historical overview of the district’s ongoing water crisis. They recounted heartbreaking stories of children suffering and even falling victim to violence while searching for water, underscoring the urgent need for safe, local water sources.

Both leaders hailed the arrival of Living Water International’s Project as a “great relief” that promises to alleviate waterborne diseases and improve overall health outcomes in the community.

Calls for Ownership and Sustainable Impact

Local officials, including Albert Toukolon, Assistant Minister for Community Service at the Ministry of Public Works; Bannah M. Bestman, National Environmental Health WASH Monitoring and Evaluation Manager; and Solomon G. Walker, District Number Five Statutory Superintendent, encouraged residents to regard the water systems as their own. They urged full community participation to ensure sustainable sanitation improvements and effective maintenance of the new facilities.

George W.K. Yarngo, representing the National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Commission (NWASHC), expressed gratitude toward Living Water International for their vital contribution and pledged institutional support for ongoing sanitation initiatives.

Reverend Dr. J. Luther Tarpeh, Living Water International’s Board Chair for Liberia and Global Operations, reminded the public of the project’s importance in supporting government development goals. He emphasized that collective care and stewardship are essential for the success and longevity of this transformative initiative.

The launch of Living Water International’s US$7.1 million water project marks a transformative chapter for Buu-YAO District. With renewed hope and sustained partnerships among NGOs, government agencies, churches and residents, this project is poised to tackle the district’s long-standing water crisis. It promises not only to provide safe drinking water but also to improve health, education, and economic opportunities, ultimately uplifting thousands of lives and fostering a stronger, healthier community.

YEKEPA, Nimba County – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), the country’s largest foreign investor and iron ore producer, will on Thursday, June 5, dedicate a cutting-edge iron ore concentrator in Yekepa, Nimba County. The ceremony will be attended by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and ArcelorMittal’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Lakshmi N. Mittal, in a momentous occasion for Liberia’s mining and industrial future.

The iron ore concentrator—West Africa’s first—is a centerpiece of AML’s ambitious Phase II Expansion Project, a multi-billion-dollar initiative to modernize Liberia’s mining infrastructure and significantly increase the country’s iron ore output.

The event marks a major milestone as AML celebrates 20 years of operations in Liberia, and underscores the company’s long-term commitment to national development and economic growth.

A Leap Forward in Liberia’s Industrial Development

With an investment exceeding $US2 billion, the Phase II project will triple AML’s iron ore production from 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 20 Mtpa by 2025. The new concentrator—now mechanically complete and undergoing wet commissioning—is designed to upgrade lower-grade hematite ore (35–37% Fe) into high-grade magnetite concentrate with over 66% Fe content.

“This is a transformative step not just for ArcelorMittal, but for the entire Liberian economy,” said Winston Daryoue, Communications Manager at AML. “It means more jobs, higher revenue for the government, and a stronger industrial foundation for Liberia.”

President Boakai and Mr. Mittal to Attend

President Boakai is expected to deliver a key statement at the dedication, reaffirming the government’s support for responsible investment and sustainable development. Mr. Mittal’s participation further underscores the importance of the Liberian operation in ArcelorMittal’s global strategy.

Key Components of Phase II

The Phase II expansion spans four strategic domains. One is the Mine and Concentrator located in Nimba. At this component, 15 Mtpa iron ore concentrator is completed, new ore crushing and conveying systems, advanced infrastructure: power substations, tailings facilities, control rooms and strict environmental and safety standards are fully met.

The rail upgrade at the Yekepa–Buchanan Corridor is another key feature. This upgrade include over 440,000 new rail sleepers and 230,000 meters of track alignment completed, acquisition of 16 new locomotives and 700 wagons, over $125 million invested in rail logistics and rolling stock and modern signaling and communication systems installed for safer, more efficient operations

The port expansion in Buchanan, Grand Bassa has seen the extension of berth to handle Panamax vessels, new shiploader with 6,000–8,000 tonnes per hour capacity andenhanced stockyards, stackers, reclaimers, and environmental control systems.

It has also seen the boost of Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact that has generate over 3,000 direct jobs for Liberians created during construction, additional thousands of indirect jobs supported, investments in healthcare, education, and community infrastructure. AML remains Liberia’s largest taxpayer and top contributor to national revenues. In addition full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) has been conducted and approved.

20 Years of Partnership with Liberia

ArcelorMittal began its operations in Liberia in 2005 with the signing of the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). Since then, it has played a pivotal role in the country’s post-war economic recovery and industrialization.

Timeline of Key Milestones:

• 2005 – MDA signed with the Government of Liberia

• 2011 – Commencement of Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) operations

• 2012 – First iron ore exported through Buchanan Port

• 2022 – Reactivation of Phase II expansion

• 2025 – First shipment of high-grade magnetite concentrate expected

Looking Ahead

Once fully operational, the new concentrator and associated infrastructure will position Liberia as a leading exporter of high-grade iron ore in the global market. AML’s investments are also designed to ensure long-term sustainability—both economically and environmentally.

“This project goes beyond mining. It is an integrated industrial corridor from mine to port that transforms communities, modernizes national infrastructure, and elevates Liberia’s role in global supply chains,” AML stated.

NIMBA — Annie Wehyee has made history by becoming the first female clan chief of Sehyi Clan in Nimba County, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated society. Her rise to leadership is a powerful testament to perseverance, resilience, and the importance of women’s involvement in governance.

By: Williett Wonyenneh, contributing writer

Wehyee, who began her leadership journey as a zonal chief, later served as the town chief of Vehyipa community before taking on the role of clan chief in 2018, said her ascent wasn’t easy. “I started as a zonal chief, was promoted to town chief, and in 2018, I became the clan chief,” she said. “But my path to leadership was built through years of community service and volunteer work.”

Facing skepticism about her ability to lead as a woman, Wehyee encountered challenges along the way. However, she remained committed to her vision, relying on faith and determination to gain the trust of her people. “At the beginning, many questioned my ability to lead. But over time, I built trust with the community,” she said. “I learned to remain calm and focused, and now I can have a positive impact.”

Wehyee is a staunch advocate for women’s education and leadership. “My main goal is to ensure that children, especially girls, receive an education,” she shared. “We provide scholarships and opportunities for young women, aiming to secure a brighter future for them.” She also believes women in leadership roles bring balance and positive change. “When women lead, communities thrive,” she emphasized.

According to Wehyee, the lack of women in leadership roles at all levels of government in Nimba County is hindering the region’s growth. “If more women were given leadership roles, we would see greater development,” she said. “We need more women in positions like commissioners and superintendents.”

As the Nimba County by-elections approach, Wehyee’s message to women is clear: “We need to support one another. Women should lift each other up and show we can be powerful agents of change. The more women we have in leadership, the more we can transform our communities.”

Wehyee is also focused on fighting corruption and gender-based violence. “Corruption is a huge problem in our society, and I do not tolerate it,” she asserted. “We’re working hard to educate the community about fairness and transparency.” On gender-based violence, she is equally dedicated to eradicating it. “We’ve established community rules and penalties for those who harm others, especially women,” she added.

As the country heads into elections, Wehyee is calling for women to take action. “This is our time,” she urged. “We need to vote for women, support women, and ensure strong representation in government. Together, we can make our voices heard and bring the change we desire.”

Wehyee’s leadership is part of a broader movement of women breaking barriers across Liberia. As the country continues to face challenges in achieving gender equality in political representation, figures like Wehyee are proving that women can be effective leaders at all levels of society.

Her rise to clan chief in Nimba County is not just a personal achievement; it is a sign of the changing landscape in Liberia, where women are increasingly making their mark in leadership. 

As Wehyee continues to serve her people, her story stands as an inspiration for women everywhere to pursue leadership and make a difference in their communities.

Ganta, Nimba County – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Education, has announced several appointments affecting County Education Officers (CEOs) and District Education Officers (DEOs) across the country.

By Franklin Doloquee, franklin.doloquee@frontpageafricaonline.com

In Nimba County, Mr. Francis G. Leagay, Principal of Sanniquellie Central High School and a recent graduate of Cuttington University with a Master’s degree in Education, has been appointed as the new County Education Officer (CEO). Mr. Leagay replaces Mr. Moses Saye Dologbay, who served as CEO for eight years.

Additionally, several public high school principals have been appointed as DEOs for various districts in Nimba County. Mr. Nyah Vahn, also a Cuttington University graduate with a Master’s degree in Education, has been named the new DEO for Bain-Garr Education District One, replacing Mr. Able L. Leagay.

Similarly, Mr. Saye Kehzie, another public school principal, has been appointed DEO for Bain-Garr Education District Two, succeeding Mr. Timothy Karlee.

Nationwide Appointments

FrontPageAfrica has learned that several other appointments have been made across the country:

• Mr. Hamilton Paye Dorleleay is now DEO for Zoe-Gweh Education District.
• Mr. Williamson Z. Lawhyee has been named DEO for Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Education District.
• Mr. Samuel T-Boy Collins has been appointed DEO for Sanoyea in Bong County.
• Mr. Josiah B. Kollie is the new DEO for Fuamah Education District.

Ministry Plans Vetting of School Principals

The Ministry of Education has announced plans to embark on a nationwide vetting process for public school principals. Speaking in Ganta during a recent USAID Test Program for Colleges and Universities, Deputy Minister for Administration Amos Fully expressed concern over the current state of the education sector.

Minister Fully criticized individuals operating fake schools and employing unqualified teachers, including those trained in unrelated fields such as agriculture, health, and journalism, as well as motorcyclists, among others.

“The Ministry will remove those who are not trained in education but are teaching in our schools. This practice will not be tolerated under this administration,” said Deputy Minister Fully.

He praised President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung’s administration for their commitment to reforming the education sector and pledged to bring significant transformation to improve its quality.

The vetting process aims to eliminate fake institutions and ensure that all teachers meet the required standards for professionalism and qualification.

Ganta, Nimba County– The Growth Accelerator Liberia Programme, an initiative aimed at supporting impactful Liberia Micro Small and Medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and Agricultural cooperatives with technical assistance, coaching and mentorship and co-financing grant, concluded its latest workshop series in Ganta, Nimba County, with a focus on enhancing customer relations as a cornerstone of sustainable business growth.

Accountability Lab Liberia Country Director, Lawrence Yealue, speaking at the start of the workshop highlighted the importance of building robust customer relationships, pointing out that businesses in Liberia often struggle to compete due to insufficient focus on customer service.

“You will do your businesses, and you don’t focus on customer relationships, which is the worst part of our business environment”.

Mr.  Yealue emphasized that many Liberian businesses are losing competitive grounds to international service providers, particularly in industries such as catering, where foreign companies frequently dominate due to superior customer service standards.

His encouraged participants to prioritize meaningful customer engagement as an essential strategy for growth.

Lawrence Yealue’s address was a call to Liberian entrepreneurs to prioritize customer service, emphasizing it as a key factor for staying competitive. “Every time we somehow raise the argument nationally, the biggest argument that comes back is that we don’t have the people dialogue. The question now is, what customer services do you have?”

He noted that Liberian businesses can only compete with international companies if they focus on delivering high-quality, customer-centered services. He urged business owners to reconsider their approach to customer relations, viewing it not as an add-on but as an integral part of their business strategy.

iCampus CEO, Luther D. Jeke, also outlined the importance of the Growth Accelerator Liberia Programme to Liberia MSMEs and it’s impactful across the country in the last four years. He encouraged the cohort IV finalists to keep the passion, dedication and zeal to scale and growth their businesses that will trigger the employment of other youths, women and persons with disabilities within their ventures which will contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable livelihood.

The two-day workshop represented the cohort four of the Growth Accelerator Liberia Programme, a flagship initiative of UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Forestry Development Authority, the European Union Delegation to Liberia, the Swedish Embassy in Monrovia, Accountability Lab Liberia and iCampus Liberia.

The programme is part of an ongoing effort to bolster Liberian businesses by equipping them with critical skills in customer service, supply chain optimization, marketing, and brand-building.

Through technical assistance, mentorship, training, and co-financing, the program seeks to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within Liberia.

The event unfolded over two days, packed with energetic sessions and dynamic exchanges. Participants included a diverse group of MSMEs and Agricultural cooperatives, each aiming to overcome unique business challenges. The workshops were specifically tailored to address the differing needs of the businesses.

The first day of the workshops introduced participants to the fundamental aspects of business growth, such as supply chain management, customer service excellence, and market linkages. Each session provided entrepreneurs with hands-on learning experiences, encouraging them to actively explore strategies for improving their operations.

For MSMEs, topics ranged from production and distribution to creating value in customer interactions. Meanwhile, agricultural cooperatives focused on marketing and branding, as well as exploring new fundraising and investment opportunities. The topics aimed to support each group in building practical skills that directly impact their day-to-day business activities.

Day two of the training emphasized teamwork and collaboration, which  encouraged entrepreneurs to work together to tackle shared challenges. The two day workshop however left lasting impact on all of the participants.

Reflecting on the knowledge acquired from the workshops, Sandra Perkins Lighe CEO of Zagg Natural, shared the value of the “Product Journey” exercise, describing how it has reshaped her approach to business. “We were able to understand fully what product journey is and how we can improve on our different products and services,” she stated, highlighting the importance of aligning customer needs with the product life cycle.

Lighe expressed pride in Liberia’s potential in the agricultural sector, encouraging female entrepreneurs to bring Liberian products to the world stage.

The Growth Accelerator Liberia Programme’s workshops are only one part of its mission to empower entrepreneurs across the country. The programme also provides co-financing opportunities, technical assistance, and training to select businesses. This year, from a pool of semi-finalists who pitched their business proposals before a panel of seasoned experts, 20 businesses emerged as winners.

Participants competed in categories offering grants of $10,000, $20,000, and $40,000 USD, based on business viability, profitability, and socio-economic impact. For example, eight businesses, including Ma. Lude Business Incorporated and West Africa Ranch Company, secured $20,000 grants. Each winning business receives ongoing support in the form of mentorship and business development training, helping them navigate the challenges of scaling in Liberia’s competitive market environment.

The winners represent a diverse range of industries, from agro-ventures like Tusa Farm and Mammie Sondah Agroventures to medical and service-based enterprises such as Den-Vera Medical Laboratory and Clinics and JoJo’s Glam House of Fashion. Each business has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and growth, with plans to create jobs and drive economic development within Liberia.

Ganta, Nimba County – A three-day Multi-Stakeholder Policy Dialogue Workshop on Women’s Economic Empowerment opened in Ganta, Nimba County, under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerating Progress for Liberia’s Future.” The workshop brings together women’s groups, organizations, and government ministries and agencies to promote awareness and drive initiatives for women’s empowerment.

By Franklin Doloquee

At the opening ceremony, Dr. Muriel Ametoglo, UN Women’s Regional Feminist Economist Specialist, emphasized the workshop’s goal of enhancing participants’ capacity to advocate for policies that support women’s economic empowerment. She highlighted the importance of advancing areas such as the care economy, green economy, trade and entrepreneurship, and financing for gender equality.

Dr. Yemi Falayajo, Deputy Country Representative for UN Women in Liberia, delivered the keynote address, urging participants to promote women’s empowerment as a means to contribute to Liberia’s socioeconomic progress. She noted that global and regional challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and climate-related crises, are pushing millions of women into poverty. She stressed that empowering women in Liberia would increase productivity and support sustainable development.

The workshop features sessions on building women’s capacity in economic participation, enhancing access to financial services, and improving opportunities in green jobs, entrepreneurship, and trade. Participants are expected to develop a roadmap to advance women’s economic empowerment in Liberia by 2030.

Charlyn Davis Worzie, representing the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted the need for gender equity to ensure sustainable development. Assistant Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Ophelia J.S. Kennedy, encouraged participants to engage collaboratively, stating that collective effort is essential to overcome the challenges women face in economic spheres.

Korvah Avery Tarue, Financial Sector Economist at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, concluded by stressing that women’s economic empowerment is critical to Liberia’s prosperity. He called for actionable strategies to break down barriers and create an environment where women can thrive economically.

BUUTUO, Nimba County – The United Nations estimates that between 1989 and 2003, 150,000 to 250,000 women, children, and men lost their lives in Liberia as a result of the civil crisis. All parties to the conflict were responsible for grave crimes and human rights atrocities, including rape, torture, sexual slavery, unlawful executions and mobilization of child soldiers.

By: Laymah Kollie, contributing writer

Decades have passed, and most of those responsible for heinous acts of war have yet to face justice. For victims, hope was renewed in April when the Legislature approved a Joint Resolution, advocating for the creation of a War and Economic Crimes Court. President Joseph Boakai took a crucial step towards this cause by signing Executive Order #131 on May 2, 2024, to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court office in Liberia.

But as the creation of the Court gains momentum in Liberia, it is stirring a range of reactions among citizens who were impacted by the 14-year civil crisis.

Here in Buutuo – once a booming border town known for commercial trade between the capital, Monrovia, and other West African countries – people have diverging views on the need for war and economics crimes courts.

Many in this town, which was the first to taste the war, when Charles Taylor’s rebel National Patriotic Front of Liberia crossed into he country and sparked the war, are strongly in support of the court.

“People are not feeling fine to rebuild the country because people who killed other people during the war are in government enjoying,” said 74-year-old Annie Kwaleh, Women Leader of Buu-yao district. “Let us look inside it, let justice be done to all men.”

54-year-old Prince Kpolah is the Town Chief of Buutuo. He also said the establishment of the court is a necessity because the town has been stigmatized due to the fact that it was used an entry point for the rebels.  “Buutuo being historical is not because we brought the war. This war caught us unalert but we are being marginalized because of it. Go to nearby villages, they are developed, but look at us.”

Elder Peter Gweh also says establishing the court is a good idea “I feel it is little bit belated but I welcome it,” Elder Gwen said. “I don’t think it is targeted at Nimbaians because Nimbaians were not the only people who fought or got victimized by the war.”

Peter Kerper, Development Superintendent of Buutuo, says the court will bring relief for war victims.  “

“In Sierra Leone, right after the war, the war crime court came and people were served justice but our own has stay long and people have forgotten, but it’s not still late,” Kerper said.

But some other citizens contend that the establishment of a war crimes tribunal within the nation may reignite the wounds of the conflict and potentially precipitate another upheaval. Some are calling for an alternative approach to tackling the issue through They propose that the focus should be on providing job opportunities and other vocational programs for war victims, to foster growth within their lives and communities.

“The thing already happen, let’s forget about it before it bring(s) different problem,” said 85-year-old Mamie Willie who spoke through an interpreter.  

Johnny Gborwoe, 36, was only a year old when the war broke out in Buutuo. He is the only surviving member of his family as he lost his mother, father and only brother in the crisis. But he prefers the human capacity development of war victims over a war crimes court. 

“I don’t have peace; they killed my family and burned our house,” he said. “But what happened was war. Let them  give war victims jobs to improve their living condition.”

Amanda Sangbe, 43, says establishing a war crimes court decades after the war subsided is a waste of time. 

“Right now when it come(s), not one person will go because those who fought were many,” she said.  “When they go to jail, their people will not feel fine.”

Alfred Nuenen, an elder of the town, says their views about a war crimes court do not matter. He points to Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s failure to consult Nimba’s elders before affixing his signature to the Joint Resolution calling for the establishment of the court.

 “We, the eelders were not consulted. The people just went ahead to sign the resolution, so there is nothing we can do about it now,” he said. “If they were to ask me, I would have preferred reconciliation.”

How the war started

In late December 1989, a small group of Taylor’s rebels attacked Buutuo, killing soldiers and immigration officers. The government of Liberia responded to the attack with a show of force, sending two battalions to Nimba. The army used brutal tactics in its efforts to crush the rebellion, indiscriminately killing unarmed civilians, raping women, burning villages and looting. Most of the victims of the army abuses were of the Mano and Gio ethnic groups, who traditionally inhabit Nimba County.

The rebel insurgents initially targeted soldiers and government officials, but later killed members of the Krahn ethnic group, in retaliation to the actions of then-President Samuel Doe, who was Krahn by tribe. They also killed at least seven people from the Mandingo ethnic group for allegedly informing the government about their activities.

At the climax of the crisis in 2003, the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Ghana put in place the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to investigate the crisis and uncover the truth while providing recommendations  on the need for future prosecutions and amnesty. Priority amongst the the TRC’s recommendations was for Liberia to establish a separate court to prosecute war lords and individuals that committed atrocities during the 14-year unrest in Liberia.

After over 20 years, the country is finally taking a stand to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court to not only prosecute war lords but served victims justice. The court, when established, will also prosecute economic criminals and people who have corrupted and embezzled public funds.

As the country grapples with its tumultuous history, the establishment of a tribunal to address war and economic offenses continues to be a contentious topic, sparking divergent opinions.

Ganta, Nimba County – A fruitful collaboration between Bong County Health Team and the Community Health Education for Social Services (CHESS- Liberia) has resulted in the formation of the Drugs Reception Committee, a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability within the healthcare supply chain.

By Franklin Doloquee/Nimba County 

This is a five-year project funded by USAID intended to empower Civil Society organizations (CSO) to work alongside various health facilities across the country to re- enforce and make the drug supply chain active.

The process will enable both Civil Society Organizations and various County Health Teams fully involved with USAID donated drugs that are intended for health facilities to reach the needed destinations — especially to people in need of medication.

Following several engagements with the Bong County Health Team, both parties agreed to establish a drug reception committee, which is intended to strengthen the health supply chain, transparency and accountability.

The Bong County Health Team and the Community Health Education for Social Services CHESS-Liberia thanked USAID for continued support toward the health sector in the country, pledging their support in working together to achieve such goals at various health facilities in Bong County. 

The drugs supply chain will enable health workers, community dwellers and local authorities, including Civil Society organizations to have knowledge of USAID donated drugs and the quantity of such drugs to various health facilities.

The executive director for Community Health Education for Social Services of CHESS-Liberia, Mr. John Alexander Nya Jr, described the process as a way to build confidence amongst health workers and communities’ dwellers. 

He said the process has been in the country, but has been inactive the five years USAID has been funding the projects. projects will help to boost and strengthen the drug supply chains across the country at various health facilities. 

The CHESS – Liberia Community Engagement and Research officer, Madam Siah Sam and Bong County Chief Pharmacist, Mr. Saye Dokie, announced that the County Health Team have agreed to establish the County Drugs Reception committee based on the Community Health Education for Social Services CHESS-Liberia findings.

The Kids Educational Engagement Project (KEEP) Liberia basic computer literacy program Phase 1, in partnership with C-Squared, kicked off in February of 2024, targeting students from the JW Pearson School in Ganta City Nimba County, and educating them with free Basic Computer Literacy skills.

Project participants had little to no knowledge of computer operations. This is the first-ever digital literacy training at the JW Pearson Elem. Jr & Sr. High school since its establishment.

The computer program at this location is designed by the Kids’ Educational Engagement project and sponsored by C-Squared to educate students with requisite computer knowledge that gives them the platform to advance themselves through digital literacy.  The program is structured to cover key topics, including an introduction to computers, easy computer navigation, creating folders, computer personalization, saving a document, basic internet navigation, simple typing and beginners Microsoft Word.

On June 21, 2024, 39 students who completed the three months of digital literacy program were certificated at a closing ceremony in Ganta, Nimba. The free basic computer literacy training began with 50 participants, and 39 students successfully completed the training.

All participants are elementary students of the JW Pearson School between the ages of 8 and 18. At the graduation ceremony, students were able to demonstrate all that they had learned about the computer and computer operations.

The graduation brought together students, parents, the school administration, and staff of the JW Pearson Elem. Jr. and Sr. High School, C-Squared representatives, KEEP staff, etc. The parents and school administration expressed deep gratitude to KEEP for such an impactful initiative. Some suggested that the computer training be opened to adults and not just the children. KEEP is highly considering conducting training for the community that adults can also benefit from.

KEEP Liberia is proud of its intentional work over the years – working directly with elementary and high school students in providing them with basic computer literacy skills. We have trained over 300 students in Microsoft Word, online research, etc, since we commenced our classes in 2016.

Special thanks to our partner C-Squared, an Internet service and fiber optics company, our partner on this project for the support and contributions, as well as the services being rendered to the people of Nimba.

The second phase of the computer literacy program at the JW Pearson School is ongoing. Kindly sign your children up early, or recommend a child to benefit from the program. The training targets every child between the ages of 8 and 15 students who has no or very little digital literacy skills.

In this age of technology, computer skills are key to excelling in schools and our way of life.