Before his ascendency, Rep. Kollie is on record for providing tuition aid for hundreds across the district, empowering women, building schools and town halls among others. Since his election and subsequent induction into the 55th Legislature, Rep. Kollie has made several noteworthy strides aimed at living up to his promise. At the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI), Rep. Kollie is also fronting for improved welfare, particularly for unskilled workers who have over the years complained about bad labour practice by former and current heads of the institution. Rep. Kollie was also instrumental in addressing the concerns of citizens of Fuamah District in Bong County, regarding the non-compliance operations of China Union in Bong Mines. In a communication dated Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Rep. Kollie petitions the house to summon Dr. Sumo to provide total understanding behind his (Dr. Sumo) alleged diversion.

Lagos- Nigeria- At a time of renewed geopolitical interest in Africa, and an increasing questioning of traditional development finance models, Harvard Business School today released a case study examining the role and impact of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), and its unique approach to catalysing entrepreneurship in Africa. By Selma Lomax, [email protected]The Foundation, Africa’s leading funder of young entrepreneurs, has pioneered an innovative approach to seeding, capacitating and networking young entrepreneurs across Africa. The case study recognises challenges the Foundation faces, and its responses, as it developed its mission, since founding in 2010. Tony Elumelu, who spoke at Harvard said, “TEF is creating economic hope and opportunity for African entrepreneurs. As the world grapples with complex challenges around demographics, climate and sustainability, the Tony Elumelu Foundation model offers a fascinating model of how strategic philanthropy can be a driving force for positive change.

MONROVIA – As the government of President Joseph Boakai takes form to start working, the Liberia Chamber of Mines (LCM) has sounded the alarm regarding the lack of focus on the mining sector in Liberia. The LCM believes that significant focus on the mining sector will continue to contribute to the Liberian economy. To achieve the desired goal, Mr. Kamara vowed the LCM’s willingness and readiness to support and collaborate with the government in achieving its developmental objectives and goals. In remarks, the Director of Liberian Geological Survey at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Mr. Jefferson Chea, lauded LCM for its contributions to the mining sector. Amid all these, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce has helped in the development drive with the creation of employees.

By Henry Karmo [email protected]Members of the delegation were; Mr. Hakan Gurdal: CEO Africa, East Mediterranean, Russia, Kazakhstan (AMWA), Mr. William Gaignard, Managing Director `Cemenco, Director of the Board, Mr. Francesco Brambilla: Director of Business AMWA, and Mr. Frank Huber, Managing Director for West Africa. Others are; Mrs. Mambinta John, CFO Cemenco, Mrs. Vivian Joe Samoi, Commercial Manager of `Cemenco, and Mr. James Davis, Shareholder, Director of the Board. During the Visit, Mr. Gurdal extended his warmest greetings and profound gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the pivotal significance of Cemenco’s thoughts on economic development, a cornerstone for the prosperity of all Liberians. Looking ahead to the Company’s vision in six years, the Company aim to contribute to Liberia’s infrastructure growth through the introduction of ready-mixed concrete for road projects, employing mobile concrete plants. Large-scale long-term projects, such as utilizing local materials like Granite Dust, will further enhance sustainability, education, and technology.

2020 Study Trumpeted IssueLike President Weah and LEITI, the Boakai administration appears to be following similar tone, interpreting the laws to suit its quest to have Weah-era tenured officials. The study avers: “In this form of administration, presidents (heads of state) view the administration of policies as a “personal affair,” give public officials authority on a need basis, and “treat officials arbitrarily,” while public officials treat citizens in a similar manner. Bushuben Keita ruffled feathers when he disclosed that the President’s cabinet has granted the President the authority to replace all tenured officials except those safeguarded by the Constitution. He highlighted that tenured positions created by statute were deemed in violation of Article 56a, which outlines the tenure of government officials appointed by the President. More importantly, some stakeholders are quietly hoping that the governments of the day allow officials, tenured or not, to campaign during election season without feeling pressured or obligated to show solidarity with the ruling party government.

MONROVIA — The office of Bong County Senator, Prince Moye, has dismissed claims that the senator is pressuring President Joe Boakai to appoint individuals loyal to him (Sen. Moye) to key government ministries. The Executive Mansion released a list of nominations where Mr. Domah was appointed Deputy Minister for administration while Madam Morris was appointed Deputy Minister for operations. “For the record, Bill McGill Jones, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Minister of Finance is the only Deputy Minister from Bong who was nominated and confirmed. “For the record, especially for those who do not know Senator Moye, Sr.,- he was a business tycoon in Bong before coming to public service. He noted that Sen. Moye has got absolutely no knowledge regarding what is unfolding at the Ministry of Health between Domah and Morris as stated in many quarters.

A partial government shutdown is days away in the US but congressional leaders offered some hope that a deal could be reached before the March 1 deadline. Friday represents the first of two deadlines Congress faces to keep parts of the government open. The second is March 8, by which time they must reach a deal to fund eight other federal agencies. “We believe we can get to an agreement on these issues and prevent a government shutdown and that’s our first responsibility,” Mr Johnson said. More than 800,000 federal employees were furloughed during the 2013 shutdown, as explained by the Office of Management and Budget.

Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai has commissioned the first batch of cabinet ministers and heads of agencies recently confirmed by the Liberian Senate, as enshrined in Article 54 of the 1986 constitution. He tasked the newly confirmed Ministers and heads of agencies to deliver on campaign promises or step down. More so, every Minister or Head of Agency, will sign a performance contract to meet up expected deliverables. President Boakai defeated former President George Weah in the last elections in October 2023. President Boakai was the Vice President to Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for 12 years, when, many say, he acquired experience in public administration.

Following his reported denial to access the VIP Lounge at the Roberts International Airport by the Former Liberian President, George Manneh Weah upon his return from abroad allegedly by some highest ups, some members of the former ruling party, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) have publicly expressed displeasure over the situation. This unexpected turn of events has caused quite a stir among the public and raised eyebrows as to why he would be denied entry to a structure that he built during his tenure as President. Many are left wondering if there are underlying political motives at play or if there are other reasons behind this denial. Regardless, this incident has sparked widespread speculation and discussion, with some questioning the motives of those in power. As the situation unfolds, the public eagerly awaits an explanation for this puzzling occurrence.

By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]The petitioners include Edwina Crump Zackpah (Chairperson), Israel Akinsanya, James Gharwen, Zatowon Titus, and Osborne Diggs. They maintain that the President’s authority to appoint commissioners is subject to these statutory provisions and cannot override the tenure guaranteed by law. In the instant cause, the Petitioners have done nothing in violation of the law to warrant their replacement or removal. They argued that allowing their removal without cause would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the stability and integrity of Liberia’s democratic institutions. The Court has also ordered the Executive to stay further actions relating to the nominations to those positions until the conference is held.

MONROVIA – The Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), an entity established through an act of legislature to fight against financial crimes appears to have itself entangled in the very crimes it should be preventing. Financial statements and analysis also showed that the aggregate amount received in 2023, was US$1,079 million, and FIA Director General Ford withdrew and disbursed 95% percent of such amount in the name of the Comptroller. Mr. Ford refused to respond to an FPA inquiry despite continued reminder via text messages over a five-day period. The transaction’s timelineOn July 1, 2023, Mr. Ford was appointed as co-chair of the finance committee of the then ruling CDC, which contravene the FIA Act of 2021. The FIA seeks to protect Liberia’s financial system from abuse of financial and economic crime for the enhancement of national, regional, and global peace and economic stability.

*By Paul Ejime |Pro-democracy activists and scholars are concerned about the global decline of freedom, erosion of the rule of law, and the growing threats to Western-style liberal democracy, and rightly so. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is among those who believe that Western-style liberal democracy has failed in Africa and does not suit the continent’s culture and traditions. Whether it is liberal democracy that has failed, or the operators/practitioners (political actors) that have failed the people and the system is open to debate. Diamond explained that electoral democracy or the conduct of regular elections cannot equate to liberal democracy, which should be measurable not by government or individual performance, but by the aggregation of collective satisfaction of the aspiration of the majority. *Ejime, is an Author, Global Affairs Analyst, and Consultant on Peace & Security and Governance CommunicationsVisited 28 times, 28 visit(s) today

-Students demand removal of the College’s President MassaquoiThe Bong County Technical College (BCTC) has been at the center of protests as students demand the removal of President Dr. Roland Massaquoi. The protesters have been calling on the Bong County Legislative Caucus for prompt action. The BCTC students are also calling for budgetary increments to operate the institution to a full degree-granting institution towards the completion of the college and upgrade the academic programs at the college. The Bong County Legislative Caucus has acknowledged the students' concerns and has promised to address their petition promptly. The Bong County Senator further assured the students that their petition would be addressed within a week.

Section 2.1.3 of the GAC Act establishes the duties of the Auditor General, stating that the Auditor General shall be responsible for auditing the public accounts and public funds of Liberia. The section also grants the Auditor General the authority to determine the scope, timing, and type of audits to be conducted, emphasizing the independence of the Auditor General in performing operational duties. The contention arises from whether the Central Bank’s operations fall within the purview of “public accounts” or “public funds” as defined by the Act. The debate underscores the need for clarity in interpreting the mandate of the GAC and delineating the boundaries of its audit authority vis-à-vis the operations of entities like the Central Bank. Acting Under AuthorityAlso Section 5.5 of the GAC Act outlines stringent criteria for accepting external requests for audit.

By Euan Ward and Hwaida Saad Reporting from Beirut, Lebanon |Israeli airstrikes inside Lebanon on targets associated with the Hezbollah militia hit deeper than any in recent years on Monday, targeting an area close to the Syrian border. The Israeli military said that its fighter jets had struck Hezbollah air defenses in the Bekaa Valley, about 60 miles from the Israeli border. It said that the strikes were in response to a surface-to-air missile attack that downed an Israeli drone over southern Lebanon. At least two Hezbollah fighters were killed in the Israeli airstrikes and at least six other people were wounded, according to Bachir Khodor, mayor of the nearby city of Baalbek. The fighting has displaced more than 150,000 people on both sides of the Lebanese-Israeli border and left hundreds dead.