Liberia: National Traditional Council Recommends Halt to Mining Activities over Disputed Land in Gbarpolu County
Said the Traditional Council: “Considering the mining license issued to both parties by the MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy), we are with the wisdom that all parties maintain their properties as specified in their documents of claim. Said the Traditional Council: “Considering the mining license issued to both parties by the MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy), we are with the wisdom that all parties maintain their properties as specified in their documents of claim. Meanwhile, Mr. Saah, in addition to the 25 acres of land concession area is claiming and addition 400 acres of land. However, the Chiefs said during their investigation, residents of the area testified that there is no deeded land within the mining areas as claimed by Saah. However, they is advised him to seek redress through the court or seek the intervention of the Liberia Land authority (LLA).
Source:Front Page Africa
September 14, 2020 01:16 UTC
Menipakei Dumoe Wants Liberia, Sierra Leone Re-unite
Mr. Dumoe is however calling on the governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone to reunite in order to have former president Charles Taylor released from prison. Mr. Dumoe said he has officially written the embassy of Sierra Leone in Liberia and is also willing to go Sierra Leone to have talks with the people for former President Taylor’s release. He noted that the people of Liberia and Sierra Leone are one family; as he is hopeful that his letter will be addressed. “The people of Sierra Leone are peaceful and we are brothers and sisters, I’m hopeful that my letter will fall on fertile ground. Mr. Dumoe said that the Liberian Government needs to meet with their Sierra Leone counterpart to explore ways to set former president Charles Taylor free.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 14, 2020 01:07 UTC
Liberia: NEC Studying Possibilities Of Also Conduct By-Elections In December Along With Midterm Senatorial Elections
According to the NEC chair, discussions are being held to study the possibilities of conducting whether they can conduct by-elections during the December 8, 2020 elections. Monrovia – The National Elections Commission (NEC) says it is exploring the possibility of combining elections for two vacant seats in the House of Representatives due to the death of two members of the House of Representatives from Sinoe and Montserrado Counties, with the December 8 Senatorial Midterm elections. According to the NEC chair, discussions are being held to study the possibilities of conducting whether they can conduct by-elections during the December 8, 2020 elections. The process will enable first-time voters the opportunity to register to vote in the pending December 8, 2020, special senatorial elections. As she announced the commencement of the process, the NEC chair also told journalists that the process could not start as expected due to bad roads.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 14, 2020 00:56 UTC
CPP Constitutes Independent Review Panel To Investigate Violence In Nimba County
Monrovia – The Independent Review Panel (IRP), recently constituted by the CPP to investigate the violence in Nimba, today met with the leadership of the CPP and representatives from the constituent parties of the CPP. The Panel and CPP agreed that all constituent parties of the CPP will ensure that their members and supporters will refrain from making public comments concerning the violence and the primaries in Nimba County while the Panel continues its investigation. The Panel shall convene and meet at any venue of its choosing, but member parties shall make their headquarters available for the work of the Panel; and the Panel may rotate its meeting from time to time. Members of the Panel are independent Liberians with no affiliation with any of the constituent political parties, but were nominated based on the roles on accomplishments in society. The panel is expected to submit its findings to the leadership of the CPP no later than September 15, 2020.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 14, 2020 00:56 UTC
Liberia: National Identification Registry Requests More Funding in National Budget to Expand Agency’s Services
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The Executive Director of the National Identification Registry (NIR) J. Tiah Nagbe has called for more budgetary support to enable the agency to expand its services across the country. The National Identification Registry was established by an act of the National Legislature and approved in 2011 with the mandate to design, establish, maintain and administer a national biometric identification system. The goals set for FY2020-21, among others are to create a common biometric identification platform for social planning, effective delivery, and national security and to clean up GOL Payroll by the National Identification Registry. He said every resident, whether citizens and foreigners are entitled to the identification card but under different categories. Speaking on behalf of plenary, Rep. Younquoi said there was a need for more budgetary support to the NIR to enhance Liberia’s democracy.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 14, 2020 00:47 UTC
Liberia: Lack Of Awareness For Voter Registration Exercise Worries Elections Observation Network
Monrovia – The Liberia Elections Observation Network (LEON) welcomes the start of the voter registration update which commenced today and is publishing results of its survey into how many people need to update their registration details. From the survey LEON found that 14% of the population are not registered, with the majority of these being under the age of 25 with a slight upweight amongst women. If we look at all the categories of people together there are around 40% of the total voting population who should go to the center for some form of voter registration update. Lastly, observation of the start of the registration update is uncertain due to the late printing of accreditation cards by the NEC. LEON is planning to observe the voter registration update with observers in every electoral district and a core team in Monrovia.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 14, 2020 00:45 UTC
Liberia: Police Inspector General Sudue Wants US$6.3M Budgetary Increment for Enhanced Capacity
Report by Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]According to Inspector General Subdue, the current allotment of US$15,176,844 was inadequate as more than 95 percent covers personnel cost including salary and other benefits. The additional amount being requested, Sudue adds, will be used for trainings and special operations including the pending senatorial elections scheduled for December 2020 and rent for private properties hosting police stations across the country. “In order to proactively deal with this national security issue, we hereby propose an overall increment of US$6,317,831 so as to augment our allotment for special operations, goods and services, and other unforeseen security situations that may erupt during the fiscal period. However, making a specific reference to the Zwedru Violence in his communication to the House of Representatives, Inspector General Sudue said the recent public disturbance in Grand Gedeh County would have been handled swiftly by the LNP if there were enough manpower deployed in the county. But due to the shortage of manpower, the police were constrained to call on the military for assistance.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 14, 2020 00:38 UTC
Liberia: Government, Students, And Parents Laud USAID-Funded Twelfth Grader Cash Stipend Program
Students from various parts of Liberia who sat the Exams, administered from August 17 to September 2, attended the ceremony to recognize and celebrate these successes of the USAID funded 12th grader cash stipend initiative. Monrovia – The Minister of Education, Professor Ansu Sonii, has expressed the profound thanks and appreciation of the Liberian people to the Government and People of the United States for the 12th Grader Cash Stipend program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Parents and teachers’ representatives also attended the ceremony. Students, parents, and teachers who spoke during the ceremony, thanked the U.S. Government for the stipend program, which they said greatly helped students and their families cope with some of the economic constraints caused by COVID-19. USAID/Liberia Mission Director, Sara Walter, said the cash stipend transfer program was part of the broader United Government COVID-19 assistance to Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 14, 2020 00:07 UTC
Calling on the Government of Liberia and its people to take advantage of CCTV cameras system
Calling on the Government of Liberia and its people to take advantage of CCTV cameras systemClosed Circuit Television (CCTV) also known as video surveillance, is the usage of video cameras to transmit signals to a specific place – on a limited set of monitors. If CCTV cameras constantly monitors a retail business, criminals would likely seek an easier target. I recalled, CCTV system was lately used to track contact traces of people of corona virus suspect within Liberia. Banks, and few of governmental and non-governmental agencies use CCTV cameras within Liberia. The GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA AND ITS PEOPLE really need to look in this direction of highly using CCTV cameras system on the streets, at agencies, banks, schools, and homes.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 13, 2020 23:37 UTC
Liberia: Customs Intercepts Illegally Imported Ammunition
MONROVIA – The Customs Department of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has seized and turned over to security authorities four (4) boxes of single barrel rounds smuggled into the country. The single barrel rounds were discovered by Customs Anti-Smuggling officers during physical inspection of trafficked goods at the LRA Headquarters in Paynesville. Assistant Commissioner Kofa, reaffirmed the commitment of the LRA Customs Department in ensuring effective border security and protection under the LRA’s border management strategy. LRA Assistant Commissioner for Compliance and Enforcement, Attorney D. Blamo Kofa handing over the seized ammunition to Madam Bennietta T. Jarbo, Vice-Chairperson of the Liberia Small Arms CommissionThe Vice Chairperson of the Liberia Small Arms Commission, Madam Bennietta T. Jarbo, meanwhile, lauded the Customs Department of LRA for being very vigilant in discovering and seizing ammunitions illegally imported into the country. The Customs Department of the LRA in April this year intercepted and turned over to the National Security Agency single barrel shotgun rounds illegally imported into the country by a land border truck from Sierra Leone.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 22:23 UTC
Liberia: Rep. Ellen Attoh-Wreh Dedicates Bridge Connecting Dartu-ta and Mandingo Quarter Communities in Kakata
Rep. Ellen Attoh-Wreh said that the construction of the footpath bridge was in fulfillment of her campaign promise made to inhabitants of the two communities. Kakata, Margibi County – Margibi County Electoral District 3 Representative Ellen Attoh-Wreh has completed and dedicated a 47-meter long footpath bridge connecting Dartu-ta and Mandingo Quarter Communities in Kakata, Margibi County. Rep. Ellen Attoh-Wreh said that the construction of the footpath bridge was in fulfillment of her campaign promise made to inhabitants of the two communities. So, we saw the need to make this bridge one of our priorities”, Rep. Attoh-Wreh noted. She, however, admonished the residents and leaderships of Dartu-ta and Mandingo Quarter communities to properly maintain the bridge facility by ensuring that the materials placed there are not stolen.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 21:45 UTC
Liberia: First Lady’s Dream for Underprivileged Liberians Turns Reality
City of Hope project reaches 65 percent completion. Fast-forward, the project – being constructed in Marshall, Margibi County by the Clar Hope Foundation – has now reached sixty-five percent completion. During her guided tour, Mrs. Weah was taken to several buildings and sites including the academic buildings, theatre, clinic, dormitories and the sports centers. Upon completion of the multi-million dollar project, Mrs. Weah plans to recruit and fully educate at least 200 girls at the tender ages of 3 to 5 years. Meanwhile, Mrs. Weah has expressed gratitude to the Clar Hope Foundation donors including well-meaning Liberians along with local and international partners who believe in her dream for transforming fellow Liberians.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 21:22 UTC
Liberia: President Declares Rape a National Emergency
Under the National Rape Emergency, the President has announced initial measures to include, the appointment of a Special Prosecutor for rape, the setting up of a National Sex Offender Registry,Monrovia-President George Manneh Weah has issued a proclamation declaring RAPE a ‘National Emergency.’The President issued the proclamation Friday, after Cabinet convened and received the National Anti Rape & SGBV Roadmap. The roadmap on SGBV which evolved deliberations of Inter-Ministerial Task Force was validated by the National Anti-Rape & Sexual & Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Conference held at the Ministerial Complex on September 8 – 9, 2020. Under the National Rape Emergency, the President has announced initial measures to include, the appointment of a Special Prosecutor for rape, the setting up of a National Sex Offender Registry, the establishment of a National Security Task Force on SGBV, the allotment of an initial amount of USD TwoMillion (USD$2,000,000) to fund and beef up the fight against rape and SGBV. Speaking following the issuance of the proclamation, President Weah said: “My administration will spare no effort in ensuring that the epidemic of rape and SGBV is curtailed.”He said additional measures will be announced subsequently including Executive Orders, aimed at protecting the vulnerable and banning harmful traditional practices. The President then urged all Liberians, activist, advocates along with local and international stakeholders to work with the government in defeating the scourge of rape in the country.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 20:03 UTC
Liberia: Rep. Fonati Koffa Requests US$590k Budgetary Allotment to Grand Kru County
Citing the 2008 census conducted by the Liberia Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), Rep. Koffa said the entire population of Grand Kru is 63,000. Citing the 2008 census conducted by the Liberia Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), Rep. Koffa said the entire population of Grand Kru is 63,000. Most of the recent developments in Grand Kru, the lawmaker mentioned, has occurred through presidential initiatives, personal projects sponsored by lawmakers, or projects undertaken by non-governmental organizations. Koffa requested. Finally, the lawmaker is requesting the remaining US$90,000 for the rehabilitation of the Wakpo-Nyankopo road, a 24-kilometer road with in District #2 in Grand Kru County.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 12:09 UTC
Rare Sighting Of Forest Elephants From Guinea Brings Renewed Hope For Elephant Conservation In Liberia
The sighting of the two forest elephants, which had crossed over from the Ziama Man and Biosphere Reserve in Guinea, was a rarity that captivated the imagination of onlookers. In this digital age, it wasn’t long before photos and videos of the elephants were circulating on social media. Mr Goll further stated that Liberia has made significant progress in elephant conservation, joining the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) since 2015. He added “Liberia has also developed a National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP), which will provide guidance and actions for the sustainable management of forest elephants in Liberia.”Hon. However, the excitement this has caused creates a rare opportunity to raise awareness about the importance and plight of the African forest elephant, a threatened species, which is at the risk of extinction across its geographic range.
Source:Front Page Africa
September 11, 2020 12:02 UTC