Liberia, Sierra Leone Sign Gola Transboundary Forest MOU
Monrovia – The Governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will commit the two countries to protecting the Gola Transboundary Forest Landscape. The forest landscape, also known as the Gola Transboundary Peace Park, is home to the Gola Rainforest National Park in Sierra Leone and the Gola Forest National Park in Liberia. The forest landscape, also known as the Gola Transboundary Peace Park, is home to the Gola Rainforest National Park in Sierra Leone and the Gola Forest National Park in Liberia. In 2011, the Presidents of Sierra Leone and Liberia signed an MOU on cooperation in the management, research, protection and conservation of the Greater Gola Transboundary Peace Park. Through signing the amendments, Sierra Leone and Liberia will refocus their efforts on preserving their shared resource.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 19, 2020 02:48 UTC
AfDB Joins TEF Programme Catalysing Entrepreneurship Across Africa
— Disburses first tranche of US$5M partnership commitmentTony O. Elumelu has congratulated the African Development Bank (AfDB), and AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, on their commitment to African entrepreneurship, with the disbursement of US$2.5 million seed capital to the AfDB-sponsored beneficiaries of the 2019 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme. The AfDB commitment follows the recent US$8.5 million disbursement from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to 2,648 entrepreneurs in the Sahel region and Africa more broadly, and further accelerates the economic empowerment generated by the Tony Elumelu Foundation. Since its inception, at least 35 young Liberian entrepreneurs have benefited so far from this illustrious program. With its commitment to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises and develop young entrepreneurs, AfDB joined the growing list of global development institutions benefiting from the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s unique model of identifying, training, mentoring and funding entrepreneurs and start-ups across Africa. The Foundation is currently accepting applications to the 2020 cohort of its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme on TEFConnect.com, Africa’s digital hub for entrepreneurs.
Source:Daily Observer
February 19, 2020 02:31 UTC
Poor in the Midst of Plenty: The Natural Resource Dilemma in West Africa
But we want these multinational companies to be accountable while tapping out our natural resources…,” said the Board Chairman of the Sierra Leone Network on the Right to Food (SiLNoRF), Raymond Senesie. Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire) to include five other countries across West Africa, (comprising of Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Niger). Going forward from the Monrovia conference, the MRU CSO Platform organized its first “People’s Forum” in Makeni, Sierra Leone from 18 to 21st March 2019. GiZ’s Sierra Leone representative, Mr. Patrick Macua, also contributed to the Forum. Koidu Limited (KL) is a kimberlite diamond mining enterprise located in Koidu, Sierra Leone.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 19, 2020 02:26 UTC
Solicitor General Cephus Links LACC to Traveling Ban Saga
Cephus on Tuesday shifted the blamed on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). Cephus, during the traveling ban proceedings on Tuesday, February 18, at the Monrovia City Court at the Temple of Justice. There was no information from Bandiyo regarding the whereabouts of the Solicitor General and the Montserrado County Attorney, Cllr. Magistrate Jallah also refused to rule into the matter, though, the defense team asked him to do so. “This court does not have nay jurisdiction over the matter that is still under investigation by the LACC, if any,” Cllr.
Source:Daily Observer
February 19, 2020 02:26 UTC
Gov’t to Finance Independent Autopsy on Zenu Miller’s Body
Again, our sympathies to bereaved family, especially his wife, children and the OK FM family,” Mr. Kelgbeh said. Mr. Kelgbeh said Miller’s family has been given the chance to identify their own pathologist to conduct the autopsy and the government will pay the cost involved in conducting the independent autopsy. He, however, urged the public to stop the negative insinuations about the fallen Liberian journalist as the late Zenu Miller deserves to given a befitting burial. Mr. Kelgbeh said the late Zenu was a quiet and dutiful person, noting that the result of the autopsy will be made public when conducted. The late Liberian journalist Zenu worked for Truth FM, Head of Corporate Communications of Lonestar Cell/MTN, Radio Five and later transitioned to OK FM where he worked up to the time of his death.
Source:Daily Observer
February 19, 2020 02:26 UTC
Fire Destroys Six Bedroom House
Speaking with the Daily Observer, Ma Damawa Johnson, the house owner, said that the fire was caused by electrical shock. However, she added, she had previously warned tenants about using LEC current wrongfully, but her warning was ignored. Mr. Kollie claimed that about 95% of community dwellers are involved in power theft. According to her, she has received insults from many people every time she raises alarm over power theft, adding that on many occasions she had been threatened by some individuals. Meanwhile, those affected by the fire include Ma Damawah Johnson, the house owner, as well as Marie Makola, Joseph Paker, Princess Markol, Watta Johnson, Roland Mark and Tetee John.
Source:Daily Observer
February 19, 2020 02:26 UTC
House Probes Increment in Rice Price by US$0.50
The House of Representatives has constituted a seven-man Specialized Committee to investigate the increment in the price of rice, by US$0.50, on the Liberian market, which was allegedly imposed by rice importers despite President Weah’s removal of tariff on the commodity. Plenary’s decision was triggered by a communication from Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah. Kanie Wesso; Montserrado County District #1 Representative Lawrence Morris; Maryland County District #1 Representative P. Mark Jurry; Rivercess County District #2 Representative Byron Zahnwea, and River Gee County District #2 Representative Francis Young. Meanwhile, in Representative Kolubah’s communication, he revealed that rice importers in the country have increased the price rice by US$0.50 despite drop in tariff on the importation of rice in Liberia. According to the Montserrado County District #10 lawmaker, the increment of rice price is causing Liberians to find it difficult to get the commodity.
Source:Daily Observer
February 19, 2020 02:26 UTC
President Weah Wants National Census Postponed to 2021
The Committee is required to review the President’s letter and report to Plenary in one week. The House’s decision to forward the President’s communication to the to the Joint Committee, with the Committee on Good Governance becoming the lead, followed a motion from Lofa County Representative District #2 Francis Nyumalin. President Weah attributed the delay in the conduct of the National Census on December 8, 2019, to financial constraints facing the government. “Again, similar circumstances have prevented the conduct of the national census at that time. “The Executive Branch takes seriously into consideration the conduct of the National Census as well as provide government the needed information on the distribution of the national resources of the country the President communication noted”.
Source:Daily Observer
February 19, 2020 02:26 UTC
WAFU Women’s Tourney: Liberia Intensify Preperation
Following the draw of the 2020 West Africa Football Union (WAFU Zone A) Women’s Tournament, Coach Robert Lartey’s focus is now shifted to the senior women’s national team as they prepare for the upcoming tournament in Sierra Leone. Elsewhere in Group A, hosts Sierra Leone were pitted against Cape Verde, Senegal and Guinea. As the kickoff date of the tournament draws close, coach Lartey and his players have intensified preparation at various venues. Lartey, who led the U20 women’s national team to the first round of the Africa 2020 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup after a 7-5 aggregate win against Guinea, over the weekend, released the listing of his final squad comprising 20 players. According to the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Lartey’s selection was done in consultation with his technical staff after a provisional squad of 24 players was earlier called-up to begin preparations.
Source:Daily Observer
February 19, 2020 02:15 UTC
Liberia: Senate Rejects Tarpeh Davis As Deputy Defense Minister for Operations
According to the Committee on Defense and Intelligence, Mr. Davis does not have what it takes to move the army forwardMONROVIA – The Senate Committee on Defense and Intelligence has recommended that Mr. Tarplah Davis Deputy Defense Minister for Operations be rejected because he does not have what it takes to move the army forward. His rejection comes in succession to a thread of rejections in recent by the Senate. Appearing before the Senate’s Defense and Intelligence Committee last Wednesday, Mr. Davis lied under oath as he sought to distance himself from the Facebook Live post. In the live video session, Mr. Davis promised to defend the government of President Weah, his family and others with plans intended to thwart or go against the Liberian Constitution. According to them, Mr. Davis’ comments struck fear.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 18, 2020 13:52 UTC
Liberia: Diaspora Women for Change Launches SGBV Awareness Kit
MONROVIA – Diaspora Women for Change, Inc., DWC, in collaboration with Alliance for Liberian Women International launched a gender-based violence awareness skit on February 14, 2020 on Hot FM, 107.9. The skit brings awareness of the negative effects of violence against women and children and promotes a healthy relationship that consists of positive communication, mutual respect, and non-threatening/violence behavior. On December 7, 2019, Diaspora Women of Change, Inc., and Alliance for Liberian Women International, Inc., under the leadership of Dr. Francien Chenoweth Richardson and Ysindi Martin Kpei, respectively, hosted the “All Liberian Women Conference” in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference met the organizations’ goal of increasing knowledge of gender-based violence in Liberia and in immigrant communities in the Diaspora. Diaspora Women for Change, Inc. is a US based non- profit organization established to bring awareness to violence against women and children and to provide psychosocial interventions in Liberia and in immigrant communities in the Diaspora.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 18, 2020 10:41 UTC
Liberia: ALJA Calls for an Independent Probe in Journalist Miller’s Death
President of the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas, Joe MasonMinneapolis, MN – The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) is calling for an independent probe into the sudden demise of Liberian broadcast journalist Zenu Miller. Journalists Miller was an eminent broadcaster in Liberia and a talk show host at OK FM, a privately owned broadcast radio station based in Monrovia, Liberia. The Liberian based diaspora organization described as unfortunate the insensitivity of the Liberian government in addressing the late Journalist’s allegation, which was levied against the EPS’ officers weeks before his sudden demise. The Association maintained had the management demonstrated leadership in dealing with the allegation levied against the EPS officers and director, it strongly believes the fallen Journalist would have gotten justice before his death. ALJA is a conglomeration of current and retired Liberian journalists residing in the Americas.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 18, 2020 10:41 UTC
Rising above the Challenges: The Resiliency of The China That I know
History recalls that China was one of the very first nations to come to the rescue of the affected countries. The latest outbreak of the Coronavirus disease in the Chinese city of Wuhan, Hubei province has gotten the world on a red alert. History speaks of the PRC’s strong spirit of resilience amid adversities whether it is the outbreak of disease, economic crisis, famine, or even war. For example, the Great Chinese Famine of 1959-1961 caused more than 30 million Chinese to starve to death. And the China that we know, will rise above this global challenge sooner than we can imagine.
Source:Front Page Africa
February 18, 2020 10:40 UTC
Silence and Impunity in Liberia
I normally would prefer to avoid commenting on issues involving corruption and government’s brazen use of state power to incarcerate and intimidate dissenters. Also under President Sirleaf’s watch, the cultures of silence and impunity persisted, for Liberia to attain its rightful place in the community of nations, the principles of democracy, which demands that government tolerates opposing views, must be embraced. Dr. Martin Luther King said it best, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”. So, in Liberia, the media and the human rights community must continue to work exceedingly hard to confront the cultures of silence and impunity and advance the cause of justice and equal rights. Tee Wonokay / Executive Director Foundation for Human Rights Defense / [email protected]
Source:Front Page Africa
February 18, 2020 10:07 UTC
LIBERIA: Senator Johnson impressed with SDPL Exit strategy
Bomi County Senator and chairman on Concession at the upper house, Senate, Sando Johnson said he is impressed with the professional manner in which Sime Darby Liberia plantation carried out its exit plan. Speaking to journalists recently at his office, he said, the strategy applied by SDPL showed its level of responsibility in dealing with business globally. SDPL was not making profit on its Liberia investment and decided to pull out. Senator Johnson said, “It is a good thing and the transitional period is working. I think SDPL was operating and not getting profit.
Source:GNN Liberia
February 18, 2020 07:52 UTC