Liberia: Paynesville Civil Society Groups Give President Weah Ultimatum to Remove Cllr. Nwabudike from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission
Monrovia – Calls by several Liberians for the removal of the Chairman of the Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission since his Liberian citizenship came into question is gaining traction as a group claiming to be a civil society consortium called on President George Weah to dismiss Ndubusi Nwabudike. Speaking on several national issues of “national concern”, Joseph Koikoi, Chairman, and Samuel Sankara Johnson, secretary, said the presence of Nwabudike at the country’s premiere anti-graft institution is illegal. “Let me say this that if President Weah fails to heed to our ultimatum he will feel the wrath of the young people of Paynesville,” said Johnson. Meanwhile, the civil society consortium has also condemned the holding of meeting between LMA President Alice Yeebahn and Finance Minister Tweah because of her indictment by the General Auditing Commission. Madam Yeebahn could not been reached for comment on the matter when contacted because her phone was switched off.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 12, 2020 07:52 UTC
Liberia: Elections Coordinating Committee Concerned about Recent Waves of Political Violence ahead of Dec. 8 Senatorial Elections
This pattern of violence and political intimidation are early warning indicators of the potential for a violent campaign. Violence and political intolerance have no place in our current political dispensation and run the risk of undermining the country’s fragile peace and democracy. Finally, the ECC admonishes all political parties and their supporters to adhere to the laws and regulations governing the conduct of elections in Liberia. The Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) is a civil society platform, comprising seven (6) organizations that observe elections in Liberia. The members include: Actions for Genuine Democratic Alternatives (AGENDA); Center for Democratic Governance (CDG); Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP); Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD); Naymote Partners for Democratic Development (NAYMOTE-PADD); West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP), and the Women’s NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL).
Source:Front Page Africa
August 12, 2020 07:49 UTC
Liberia: ‘Legislature Authorized the Printing of Liberian Bank Notes’ – Former CBL Official
Ex-officials of the Central Bank of Liberia on trial for the alleged unauthorized printing of Liberian dollar banknotesMonrovia – Indicted former board member of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Board of Governors, Kollie S. Tamba says the Legislature authorized the printing of Liberian banknotes to replace legacy banknotes in the economy. Co-defendant Tamba made the testimony on Tuesday at the Criminal Court ‘C’ when he took the witness stand. The members of the Board of Directors understood this document to be full authorization to the CBL to proceed with replacing completely all legacy currencies. “The CBL is authorized to introduce coins in lower denominations into the economy to allow fraction transaction which could help to minimize inflation. Weeks, David Farhat and Elsie Dossen Badio for the illegal printing of the alleged missing L$16 Billion Liberian bank notes intended to replace legacy bank notes.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 12, 2020 07:38 UTC
Liberia: ‘Respiratory Complications’: Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor Flown to Ghana to See Specialist
According to a Press Release from the Office of the Vice President, VP Howard-Taylor was earlier admitted at the Aspen Medical Facility, in Sinkor, Monrovia, on Friday August 7, 2020, due to respiratory complications. Monrovia- Liberia’s Vice President, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, was on Tuesday August 11, 2020, flown out of the country to seek additional medical care at a specialist hospital in Accra, Ghana. According to a Press Release from the Office of the Vice President, VP Howard-Taylor was earlier admitted at the Aspen Medical Facility, in Sinkor, Monrovia, on Friday August 7, 2020, due to respiratory complications. Having favorably responded to treatment and the state of her health stabilized, it was advised that the Vice President seeks further medical attention at a more advanced facility with specialty in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory ailments.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 18:11 UTC
Liberia’s COVID-19 Testing Inaccurate, Says Liberian Scientists Dougbeh Chris Nyan
Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, M.D. Lately the National Public Health Institute of Liberia has been marred with producing conflicting COVID-19 testing results. Professor Tokpa took a COVIV-19 test at the National Public Health Reference Lab and was given an official “negative” results signed by the Dr. Mosoka Fallah, Director of the Public Health Institute of Liberia. These bodies were tested several days postmortem and were given inaccurate test results,” Dr. Nyan added. He has been providing COVID-19 pandemic preparedness advice to the Liberian government and awareness in Africa and laboratory diagnostic training webinar to West African laboratory personnel.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 09:33 UTC
Liberia: Violent Tones Rising in Buildup to Midterm Senatorial Elections in December
“I challenge President Weah to demonstrate his words into deeds by acting against Madam Teah for this unruly at of violence. 10 lawmaker of a persistent wave of verbal attacks against President Weah. Just like Sunday’s attack on Senator Dillon, the attack in Zwedru escalated from the chanting of slogans to a frenzy of stone-throwing. Condemnation from FallahRep. Fallah, used his Facebook post Monday to condemn the attacks on Senator Dillon. The incident came after President Weah had denounce Ms. Urey’ candidacy, declaring that no Urey would ever win elections in Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 06:00 UTC
Liberia: Budget Hearing Starts As Small and Medium Enterprises Become Highest Tax Contributors
The exercise began on Monday with a formal opening ceremony witnessed by the media and was followed by the discussions of the revenue components of the budget behind closed doors with officials of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA). The Chairman of the joint committee, Rep. Thomas Fallah (District #5, Montserrado County), promised that the process will be executed expeditiously within the next two weeks. Domestic Revenue Mobilization by Economic SectorAccording to Dr. Wolokolie, projected revenue from the extractive sector including agriculture, forestry and mining is US$56.9 million with mining constituting US$39.7 million, agriculture US$13.1 million and forestry US$4.1 million. New Tax Policy and Revenue MeasuresAlso, to be submitted along with the FY 20/21 budget document, Wolokolie noted that there is a set of new measures to improve tax policy and administration. Meanwhile, hearing of the revenue portion of the budget continues Tuesday with the appearance of Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Liberia Maritime Authority (ʟᴍᴀ), Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), National Port Authority (NPA) and the National Fisheries & Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA).
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 05:48 UTC
Liberia: New Elections Commission Chair Slashes Predecessor’s US$17.8M Budget for Dec. 8 Midterm Election Down to US$13.5M
After rigorous reviews by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and development partners, the budget was reduced by US$ 5.2m or 23.%. After rigorous reviews by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and development partners, the budget was reduced by US$ 5.2m or 23.%. This implies that development partners will provide US$3.5m for the financing of the elections, the lowest contribution from partners for elections since the end of the war. Experts in political governance and electioneering hailed the budget reduction as consistent with the Government’s fiscal consolidation programs and noted that this is a strong beginning for the new Chair. But analysts say fighting over costs of elections may be over since the new NEC Chair has a more realistic approach to election budgeting.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 05:48 UTC
Rep. Seboe Want ANC Political Leader Retract Statement Made Against Him
Cummings in my view who claim to seek a better Liberia should not be using politics in legal matter. In his Monday press conference, the CDC District 16 lawmaker disagreed with Cummings’ assertion and called on the ANC political leader separate court matters from politics. He needs to be given some legal drills since his obsession for political power has blinded his sense of reasoning. “I call on Mr. Cummings to retract his baseless statement and to honorably apologize to me.”Rep. Seboe is in a legal battle with Ms. Belvina Brooks who accused him of sexually harassing her. The group claimed that circumstances around Ms. Brooks one-night incarceration shows semblance of the abuse of power and use of influence.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 05:37 UTC
Liberia: Absence of VP Jewel Howard Taylor from State Funeral of Fallen Lawmaker Raises Questions amid Report of further treatment planned in Accra, Ghana
Liberia: Absence of VP Jewel Howard Taylor from State Funeral of Fallen Lawmaker Raises Questions amid Report of further treatment planned in Accra, GhanaFrontPageAfrica has since learned that the VP’s absence was actually related to illness and she is due to for further treatment in Ghana’s capitalMonrovia – The noticeable absence of Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor from the state funeral of the fallen District No. FrontPageAfrica has since learned that the VP’s absence was actually related to illness. The illness, according to sources is not Covid-19 related although two tests for the killer virus have come back negative. The source said plans are underway to have the VP flown to neighboring Ghana for further treatment. “We are awaiting the COVID-19 tests results for those who will be accompanying her.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 05:37 UTC
Liberia: Man, 30, Detained for Allegedly Trafficking 15 Persons into Liberia
MONROVIA – A 30-year-old man identified as Abu Kamara has spent his first night behind bars at the Monrovia Central Prison in connection to Qnet International alleged human trafficking case. In that investigation, FrontPageAfrica uncovered that Qnet International has allegedly been bringing children and young adults to Liberia from neighboring countries under the guise of job opportunities, travel opportunities, and scholarships. Following the publication, the Liberia National Police immediately raided the institution (Qnet International) offices in Paynesville City. Network marketing business with Qnet International.”According to Kamara, his work mate who brought the children to Liberia is currently in Guinea. It is unclear whether the company (Qnet International) will also be charged with the same crime (Trafficking).
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 05:26 UTC
Liberia: Dr. Cassell Foundation Identifies with Visually Impaired And Needy Citizens From 12 Towns In Montserrado, Margibi Counties
Mr. Tapple E. Doe presents rice and cash to beneficiaries on behalf of the Dr. Cassell FoundationMONROVIA – A local charity organization operating in Liberia has identified with hundreds of visually impaired and less fortunate citizens in Montserrado and Margibi Counties. The group, named and styled, Dr. Cassell Foundation, donated 100 bags of American Delta parboiled and other imported rice worth a little over US$2800, and L$195,000 to the beneficiaries. “We are here today on behalf of the Dr. Cassell foundation. She used the occasion to urge other humanitarians and philanthropic organizations to emulate the good example of the Dr. Cassell Foundation. “Let me take this to extend our thanks and appreciation to the Dr. Cassell Foundation for this gesture.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 05:26 UTC
EDITORIAL: Guinea, Now Ivory Coast, Setting Bad Precedent with Plans to Extend Their Grip on Power
THE SAD REALITY is that President Ouattara did not have a backup plan following the sudden death of his handpicked successor, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who died of a heart attack. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, MORE THAN eighteen heads of state have tried to remain in power by tweaking their countries’ constitutions. Among them: Namibian President Sam Nujoma, in 1998, Lansana Conte, president of Guinea, in 2001, and Gnassingbe Eyadema, president of Togo, in 2002. IN 2002, the Gabonese parliament voted to remove term limits from its constitution, allowing President Omar Bongo to run for a sixth term. SIMILAR EFFORTS to extend Presidential term limits have been made in Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, and Uganda.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 05:26 UTC
Liberia: NaFAA Reacts to Environmental Justice Foundation’s Assertions on Chinese Trawlers; Says It’s Inciteful
NaFAA says the information and data provided in the report are fabricated, misleading, baseless, biased and a complete fallacy. According to a NaFAA release, the report has the propensity to create alarm on food security and environmental degradation. The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority notes that the Artisanal fishery sub-sector in Liberia is an open fishery. According to NaFAA, Liberia in addition to Togo, Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria, has successful experience in consolidating participatory data collection initiatives in the country. The decision relating to the status of licensing the vessels by NaFAA is still under a microscopic view bearing in mind the sustainable management of Liberia fisheries resources.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 05:15 UTC
Liberia: Cities Alliance Dedicates 20 Water Kiosks in Monrovia
Monrovia – Cities Alliance Liberia Country Program has dedicated 20 multipurpose water kiosks in Greater Monrovia, under the Comic Relief supported Community Upgrading funds (CUF) Project. “Cities Alliance recognizes that there are a lot of challenges such as lack of roads, housing and safe drinking water. These 20 water kiosks are those completed out of 50 being constructed under the CUF project and an additional five funded by WaterAid Liberia. The water kiosks in Weh Town, Paynesville will serve more than four thousand residents while the water kiosks in Blamo Town will serve more than ten thousand residents. The water kiosks are designed to host a space for small scale trade that provides the community with basic commodities.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 11, 2020 05:03 UTC