Liberia: Second Case of Coronavirus Announced
Monrovia – The government announces that a second Liberian has been tested positive for the Coronavirus disease. The new case, Johnny Phillips, is a domestic worker in the home of Nathaniel Blama, the suspended head of the Environmental Protection Agency who earlier tested positive for the disease. Health workers have determined that Phillips was the primary contact of Mr. Blama when he returned to his residence. They are continuing to trace and test several primary and secondary persons who he might have come in contact with. The government urges all to continue to observe the health protocols that have been put in place by the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 17, 2020 10:09 UTC
Liberia’s First Case of Coronavirus Leaves More Dangling Questions amid Claims and Counterclaims
However, as he started feeling feverish at home, he called in health authorities to conduct further testing on him which later confirmed he is a carrier of the Coronavirus. The health authorities disclosed that they had announced that travelers returning from any country with 200 cases will be subjected to 14 days of precautionary observation. “If that was the case, why wasn’t the other EPA official who also came with Dr. Blama quarantined? So, I decided to call the people (health authorities) to take me for testing. The reporter was heard pleading to him to stay in the car, and that he will do everything to get health authorities to attend to him.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 17, 2020 06:33 UTC
Liberia: Ghost Names, No Show At Work, Financial Improprieties Affecting Health Care Delivery At Phebe Hospital
Though this situation continues to be spoken about in many quarters; the earlier suspicions of mismanagement could not be verified. Patrick Jackson, senior accountant of Phebe Hospital, along with three others were suspended by the hospital for alleged payroll paddingThe report indicates massive corruption, including payroll padding, breach of financial and other rules in the running of the affairs of the hospital. As per GOL procedures, the MFDP processes the payrolls and draws checks net of Income Taxes and payroll comprising of a Regular Incentive payroll, Liberian Dollars Payroll submitted to MFDP resulting in said discrepancies. Phebe Hospital is a private hospital, which has continued to receive funding from the government. From awarding construction contracts to other contracts, the new regime is threading the path of President Sirleaf, according to many.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 17, 2020 06:22 UTC
Liberia: Ruling Party Establishing Firm Base in Unity Party's Stronghold
Voinjama, Lofa County – During the 2017 general and presidential elections, Lofa County was the only county that overwhelmingly voted the former ruling Unity Party and its standard-bearer, Vice President Joseph N. Boakai. Prominent amongst those making headways in Lofa County are Monrovia City Corporation Mayor, Jefferson T. Koijee and Montserrado County lawmaker Thomas Fallah. Prominent amongst those making headways in Lofa County are Monrovia City Corporation Mayor, Jefferson T. Koijee and Montserrado County lawmaker Thomas Fallah. Some citizens say Fallah is doing what UP’s political leader, Boakai did not do during the 12 years reign of the Unity Party. The CDC Lofa headache could be solved with such early move by officials of the CDC hailing from Lofa County.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 17, 2020 06:15 UTC
Touch Of Gold: Enterprising Business Facilitation Firm Looking to Bridge the Gap in Liberia
We know and understand their needs. Last year, Liberia exported 65 percent of its total export of rubber, which is Liberia’s main export, followed by diamonds, gold and iron (17 percent). For Hampton, Golden Touch Corporation will provide a range of services for domestic and international companies wanting to trade but don’t know how. The aim, according to Hampton is to offer services to business communities – both locally and internationally- that would promote business growth and enhanced economic development. “More explicitly, our skills set have helped businesses strategically infiltrate the Liberian market and sort out business’ needs in no time.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 17, 2020 06:11 UTC
Liberia: Former Finance Minister Urges Upholding CBL’s Independence, Integrity
Former Finance Minister Augustine Kphe Ngafuan is urging the upholding of the independence and integrity of the Central Bank of LiberiaMonrovia – Former Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has called for the upholding of the independence and integrity of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) as one way to tackle the challenges or mitigate the impact on the country’s economy. Mr. Ngafuan has served as Director of the Bureau of Budget, before it was merged with the Ministry of Finance. He has again served as a Minister of Finance. He has even held a senior managerial post at the Central Bank of Liberia. He added: “Governors of the Central Bank of Liberia are like judges of the Supreme Court.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 17, 2020 05:48 UTC
Liberia: Rep. Koffa Will Deliver 2nd Annual Message Through Radio Ahteenah amid Coronavirus Fear
Grand Kru – The office of Hon. Rep. Koffa arrived in Grand Kru on Sunday, March 15 for an official constituency visit in all the 38 communities in his district, inspect projects and deliver his 2nd annual message. The Annual Report as planned will be delivered on next Monday via Radio Ahteenah in Barclayville Grand Kru county, and copies will be distributed amongst the six(6) statutory district in District #-2 by a courier. Hon.Cllr.Koffa will meet with the county Authority on Thursday, March 19, 2020 to discuss issues about the county. The office wishes to commend the President of Liberia and the national health authority for swift and decisive action.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 17, 2020 01:52 UTC
Ex-NOCAL Boss Neyor Warns against ‘Amateur Practice’ Ahead of Liberia’s Oil Blocks Bids
The ex-NOCAL President and CEO further warned against the use of “amateur practice” for the sale or exploration of oil blocks in Liberia. Even if the coronavirus is contained to some level, low oil price will linger for some time with volatility. Oil Price Vs Exploration InvestmentAccording to Neyor, the outbreak is immensely contributing to a lower demand for oil. That means a rise in oil price leads to higher investment in exploration and vice versa,” he added. He stated that though oil companies didn’t like the idea because of the high cost associated, these companies were compelled to do so.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 17, 2020 01:52 UTC
Liberia: ‘Shut Down the Airports, Former Senator Ballout Tells Gov’t
Some blamed Dr. Blamah for allegedly refusing to adhere to established protocols set up at the Robert International Airport by health authorities. Dr. Blamah was later suspended on Monday by President George Weah. Speaking to journalists, Mr. Ballout said the screening exercise alone cannot help; he advised government to take stringent measures by deploying military personnel at every border point of entry. The former Maryland County Senator said that he understands the difficult economic condition the decision could bring but citizens’ lives matter in the fight against the virus. “This is a country with a fragile health sector, poor economy; the people have too much to worry about than the risk of virus that we don’t have means to handle,” Mr. Ballout said.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 17, 2020 01:52 UTC
Liberia: Finance, Defense Ministries Confirm President Weah’s Reimbursement of AFL Pension Funds
Defense Minister Daniel D. Ziankahn ( in suit) walking out of court after testifyingMonrovia – Deputy Finance Minister for Fiscal Affairs Samora P.Z. Wolokollie has confirmed that the Weah-led administration has paid US$460,000 into the Armed Forces of Liberia’s (AFL) Pension Account as reimbursement funds toward the US$1.3 million used from the AFL Pension Account. At the same time, the Minister of National Defense Daniel D. Ziankahn acknowledged the payment of the amount into the AFL pension account by the government through the Ministry of Finance. And Minister Wolokollie confirmed that the amount was paid into the AFL’s account based on consultation and advice from the National Security Council of Liberia. “There is no judicial record in the Republic of Liberia where a sitting President has decided to appear in court to testify in Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 17, 2020 01:41 UTC
Liberia: Creative Plan Key to Keeping Kids Academically Engaged During Coronavirus Pandemic
To stop Ebola, Liberians had to stop the way we had always lived and interacted with each other. And so, with the news of the Coronavirus pandemic currently sweeping the world and attacking the way others have always lived, loved and cared, Liberia remembers. A good measure, no doubt, except that there was no plan to mitigate the indefinite closure of schools. We need to creatively plan to keep our children academically engaged should our situation and circumstance come to it. The Coronavirus Pandemic is not unlike the Ebola Virus Epidemic – for both, as we would say in Liberia, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!”
Source:Front Page Africa
March 16, 2020 18:00 UTC
Liberia: Official Who Tested positive for coronavirus Suspended by President Weah
EPA Executive Director Nathaniel Blama was suspended for allegedly refusing to adhere to health protocols at the Roberts International Airport and at his homeMonrovia – President George Manneh Weah has suspended for time indefinite, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Nathaniel Blama, for repeatedly violating prescribed health protocols and endangering public health. It can be recalled that the EPA boss refused to adhere to the established health protocols set up at the Roberts International Airport to prevent the transmission of the Coronavirus disease. The President strongly warns all officials of the government in particular and members of the general public to strictly abide by the directives of health officials as the country strives to contain coronavirus. The President reiterated his call to all citizens and residents to comply with the directives of the health authorities in order for Liberia to contain the scourge. He said, “together we fought Ebola, and together we will fight the coronavirus”.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 16, 2020 17:11 UTC
Liberia: ‘They Misinformed the Public,’ EPA Boss Breaks Silence on His Confirmed Coronavirus Case
According to Dr. Blamah, enough damage has been caused to him by “misinformation” given to the public that he refused quarantineMONROVIA – The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finally commented on his confirmed COVID-19 Case, saying that the public was misinformed that he breached health protocols at the Roberts International Airport. Take a listen to the Dr. Blamah saying the public was misinformed that he resisted quarantineIn an audio recording obtained by FrontPageAfrica, Dr. Blamah is heard saying:I want to urge you guys to calm; I’m not doing anything out of protocol. Why are you guys panicking, talk to Dr. Kateh, talk to Dr. Fallah, that’s what we agreed. Then you guys have done enough damage by misinforming the public that I refused quarantine. The EPA had earlier reported on its Facebook page that Dr. Blamah voluntarily turned himself for additional testing after the regular screening at the airport upon his arrival on Friday.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 16, 2020 15:56 UTC
Pres. Weah Full Speech on Confirmed Covid-19 in Liberia
However, in spite of these arrangements, I regret to inform you that Liberia has recorded a confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus. I want to assure the Liberian people that the situation is under professional management by the health authorities, who have adequately prepared themselves well in advance for this eventuality. It is very important that we all follow the guidelines set out by the health authorities, and adapt our behavior accordingly. Minimize your travel within Liberia, and to and from abroad, to that which is absolutely necessary. This refers specifically to cross-border traders and travelers coming to Liberia from infected countries, and applies particularly to all Government officials.
Source:Front Page Africa
March 16, 2020 12:00 UTC
Gas Shortage Resurfaces in Liberia Amid Badnews of Covid-19 Outbreak
One area that the visibility of the shortage can be seen is at the Rehab Total station, just a stone’s throw from President George Weah’s official residence. Like four weeks ago when there was another national shortage, customers have been cramped together again for hours at various petrol stations around the city. The previous shortage seriously hampered normal activities, including that of businesses. One area that the visibility of the shortage can be seen is at the Rehab Total station, just a stone’s throw from President George Weah’s official residence. The first shortage only affected gasoline but the source stated that the present one will also touch diesel; adding: “This is going to last for probably three months.”
Source:Front Page Africa
March 16, 2020 12:00 UTC