Ecobank Group Wins the Award for Innovation in Financial Services from African Banker
Lomé, Togo, – The leading pan-African banking group, Ecobank, is delighted to announce that it has won the Award for Innovation in Financial Services at the 2020 edition of the prestigious African Banker magazine Awards. Ade Ayeyemi, Group Chief Executive Officer said: “Winning the Award for Innovation in Financial Services from the African Banker magazine is such an honour. Five years ago, we commenced a digital transformation journey to transform our banking products and services. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (‘ETI’) is the parent company of the Ecobank Group, the leading independent pan-African banking group. The Ecobank Group employs over 14,800 people and serves about 24 million customers in the consumer, commercial and corporate banking sectors across 33 African countries.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 26, 2020 15:33 UTC
Rejoinder to FPA Article “Smelling Electoral Fraud”
My statement was a conditional statement that if the National Election Commission (NEC) does not ensure that the voter registration roll is scrubbed, there could be irregularities. My sincere hope is that the Government of Liberia will do all that it can to ensure fair and free elections. In 2017 the Supreme Court of the Republic of Liberia mandated that the Government of Liberia, through the NEC, clean the existing voter registration roll. If the prescription from the Supreme Court is not adhered to, fertile ground for fraud could be created. One such start is to ensure that the voter registration roll is cleaned.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 26, 2020 10:18 UTC
Liberians Stage Peaceful Mass Protest against Rampancy of Rape with Impunity; Pres.Weah Fails to Show Up to Receive Petition Statement
There have been hundreds of rape cases across the country and the numbers keep climbing exponentially,” the petitioners lamented. Ensure that all counties have functional safe homes to accommodate survivors of rape and other SGBV cases. There have been hundreds of rape cases across the country and the numbers keep climbing exponentially. There have been more than 900 rape cases recorded since this year only. Koteah said: “The Gender Minister, she is aware of the issues, what are they doing at the Ministry of Gender.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 26, 2020 00:11 UTC
Liberia: ‘No Money Was Pocketed’ – Court Rules in Missing Billions Saga
Monrovia – Criminal Court ‘C’ Judge Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay has acquitted former officials of the Central Bank of Liberia of criminal charges leveled against them by the State. Judge Gbeisay cleared the CBL former officials of criminal charges of Economic Sabotage and Criminal Conspiracy, among others on Tuesday, August 24. In his ruling, Judge Gbeisay said the prosecution did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt the allegations that were contained in the indictment. Judge Gbeisay added that the CBL letter (Press Release) account for the amount prosecution claimed to have been missing. Judge Gbeisay said the actual number of banknotes printed and sent to Liberia was L$15, 506 billion plus.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 26, 2020 00:00 UTC
Liberia: Head of Legislative Information Service wants Senate to Pass Sen. Dillon US$5K Salary Reduction Bill
National Benefits:According to Weh, the bill satisfies a provision as enshrined in Article 36 of the 1986 Constitution. There is an argument that the fixed remuneration as stated herein is annually captured in the National Budget which is law. The 5k bill, however, sets the stage for critical reform from fixed remuneration in the generalized budget law to a specific and appropriate legislation. Weh’ communication: “There is a phrase in Article 5 (c) of the Constitution that says “appropriate legislation”. An exclusively tabled bill is considered appropriate (draft) legislation for fixed remuneration by law.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 25, 2020 23:26 UTC
Liberia: Girl, 14, Gang Raped; Alleged Perpetrators Released by Police without Charges
She would later get allegedly gang raped by eight boys in the home of her guardian. According to her mother, Racheal would often visit her guardian to spend the weekend. But they were later released with the officer in charge of the depot’s Women and Children Protection Section reportedly telling the victim’s mother that “the boys were not guilty”. Susie T. Telleh of Women and Children Protection Section at the Liberian National Police said she is aware that the suspects are all juvenile. Meanwhile, Rachel’s mother said the victim was taken to Hope for Women hospital where she was treatment.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 25, 2020 23:26 UTC
Liberia: Dumoe Seeking Bong County Votes On Charles Taylor’s Slate
Gbarnga, Bong County – It is another election year in Bong and the Charles Taylor rhetoric is popping up yet again. The quest for Bong County Senate seat so far has nine contestants, including the incumbent, Henry Yallah. In a one-minute audio, the purported Charles Taylor said : “I am Charles Ghankay Taylor, speaking to the people of Bong County from prison in London. In fact, in Gbartala, in Bong County, the base of Taylor’s former army, the Anti Terrorists Unit, some former members celebrated hearing their former president’s voice. “When I am elected senator of Bong County, I will ensure that I write the court to free Charles Taylor,” Dumoe said.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 25, 2020 23:18 UTC
Liberia: Rep. Yekeh Kolubah Alleges Attempted Murder on His Life; Writes Plenary, Foreign Missions
REP; KOLUBAH: “In a murder attempt to take away my life, it was so dramatic to see Abu Keita and others to come [in] broad day to take away my life in the presence of citizens in the market. “In a murder attempt to take away my life, it was so dramatic to see Abu Keita and others to come [in] broad day to take away my life in the presence of citizens in the market. “This is not the first attack on my life since my ascendency as Representative of Montserrado County District # 10. As a member of the House of Representative, I have written several communications to the Plenary, Ministry of Justice, foreign missions in Liberia but nothing has been done to this effect,” Rep. Kolubah lamented. “We should not allow Liberia to retrogress to our dark past which is gradually creeping,” he stated.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 25, 2020 23:15 UTC
Liberia: Catholic Bishops Conference Condemns Rising Rape against Women, Children, But Frowns against Death Penalty
Report by Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]CABICOL is the assembly of the Catholic Bishops of Liberia who jointly exercise certain pastoral functions on behalf of the Christian Faithful of Liberia. Excerpt of CABICOL’s statement: “In as much as we strongly condemn this nefarious act, the death penalty cannot serve as a remedy to this problem. It termed the act of rape as a diabolical violence that should have no place in the Liberian society. Rape, the Church stated, is a flagrant violation of the victims and survivors’ inalienable rights that should be protected and defended at all times. Such uncivil and vulgar statement, the Church said, are not compatible with our societal and cultural values and norms.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 25, 2020 23:15 UTC
Liberia: County Sitting Ends Chaotic in Nimba County
Sanniquellie, Nimba County – The election last week of three members to stear the Project Management Committee (PMC) of Nimba County has been rebuffed by a faction of the county legislative caucus, who have threatened not to work with the new leadership. Their elections were done in the absence of eight aggrieved candidates who were vying for the three positions. Representatives Larry Younquoi (Alternative National Congress District 8, District), Samuel Korga (People’s Unification Party District Five) and Prince O.S. “This is a complete disservice to the people of Nimba County to elect people based on affiliation rather than competence,” Rep, Younquoi said. The three lawmakers accused Johnson of influencing the outcome of the election by threatening delegates of retaliations if they voted against his preferred choices.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 25, 2020 23:13 UTC
First Lady Clar Marie Weah in partnership with Merck Foundation Select 32 Liberian Doctors for Advanced Training
First Lady Clar Marie Weah in partnership with Merck Foundation Select 32 Liberian Doctors for Advanced TrainingMONROVIA – Liberian First Lady Clar Marie Weah in partnership with Merck Foundation, is pleased to announce that 32 Liberian Doctors have been selected to undergo intensive training in various specialty education. Three-month Online Diabetes Master-course accredited by Diabetes UK. High scoring graduates of this course will be eligible to enrol in the one-year Online Diabetes Post Graduate Diploma from University of South Wales. Moreover, Dr. Peva Gbagornah was enrolled to one-year Diabetes master’s degree (MSc) after his successful graduation from one-year Diabetes PG Diploma with Merit. a. Dr. Peva F. Gbagornahb. Dr. Heounohu R Hessouc. Dr. Robin Vayed. Dr. Augustine L. Kolliee. Dr. Yarvoh Massah Moore-Wilsonf. Dr. Johnette Gbolue Gbozee-Dunbarg. Dr. Lah, Emmanuel Dh. Dr. Anderson Flomo, Jri. Dr.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 25, 2020 23:11 UTC
LBS Deputy DG for Administration Recommends
Director General for Administration at the Liberia Broadcasting System, Madam Estelle Liberty-KemohMONROVIA – The Director-General for Administration at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) and one of the Organizers of the All for Worship Music Ministry, Madam Estelle Liberty-Kemoh, is recommending that priority be placed on the youthful generation of Liberia. Madam Liberty-Kemoh made the statement at programs marking the official launch of the All for Worship Maiden Worship Time in Gods’ Presence Musical Concert, in collaboration with the St. John’s Gospel Music Ministry International; under the theme: “Praise Time 2020, held at the Monrovia Christian Fellowship Center in Monrovia. “We need not sit silently lest we all become accomplices or part of the problems,” Madam Liberty-Kemoh asserted. Giving the overview, Minister Johnson said the activities comprises of praise dance, worship songs, which will be done by mostly young women and girls as well as the training of young counselors. He also indicated that the musical concert is expected to be an annual event.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 25, 2020 23:05 UTC
Liberia: 10 CSOs Sign MOU to Counter Fragility, Promote Democracy & Good Governance in ECOWAS Countries
CSOs, Prodemocracy Activists pose during the MOU signing ceremonyMonrovia – At least 10 civil society organizations (CSOs), which are partnering in the enhancement of democracy and good governance not only in the Mano River Union (MRU) basin but also the sub-region of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on Saturday, August 22, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), in Monrovia. In the MOU, the group, styled: “CSO Partners for Democracy & Good Governance,” pointed out that its membership has been inspired by their shared desire for strategic collaboration through advocacy to foster national and regional peace and security consolidation, and concomitantly promote democratic governance, adherence to, and respect for the rule of law as well as regional integration and development. The ten-count MOU, read at a news briefing by the founder/ president of the Better Foundation (BFF), Augustine Arkoi, further asserted that based on their common interests and synergies in various thematic areas including human rights, social protection, democracy and good governance, gender equality, women empowerment, youth development and the rights of children among others, they will collaboratively strive in addressing these pertinent issues in Liberia and other MRU/ECOWAS member countries and beyond. Speaking at the signing ceremony, BFF President, Augustine Arkoi, who lauded the member CSOs, said their primary objective is to promote regional and sub-regional peace and security, as well as good governance and democratic pluralism. According to the CSO Partners, the MRU/ECOWAS regions currently face fragility as it relates to peace and security, healthcare, food security, and the consolidation of democracy, and as such, the urgent need for concerted efforts and simultaneous actions by pro-democracy and human rights groups and other stakeholders aimed to address such problems cannot be overemphasized.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 25, 2020 22:52 UTC
Lessons From Mali
After issuing threats of sanctions against Mali unless Ibrahim B. Keita was re-instated, ECOWAS is now negotiating to get the former President a safe exit to seek medical assistance. The problems of Mali did not start with Keita but he exacerbated the difficulties rather than resolve them. While enlisting ECOWAS to appease demonstrators on one hand, he unleashed security forces on the demonstrators on the other. ECOWAS heads of state and citizens can draw many lessons from the issues that led to the fall of Ibrahim B. Keita. An important lesson to draw from Mali for ECOWAS is to pay attention to governance.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 25, 2020 22:41 UTC
Upgrading the Educational System in Liberia: Some suggestions for Policymakers’ Consideration
Yet in Liberia, children’s access to education is limited by numerous factors including constraints on national finances, poor infrastructure, and unskilled teachers. Untrained teachers: Teachers’ effectiveness has been found to be the most important predictor of student learning outcome. To offer every child primary education, 25.8 million school teachers need to be recruited. Inefficiency in implementation of school curriculum and teaching-learning materials: In 2019, Liberia launched the reformed national school curriculum. The overall importance of including vocational training in our education system in Liberia is to enhance employment opportunities for the youth.
Source:Front Page Africa
August 25, 2020 21:55 UTC