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iPlus Africa TV, Monrovia (2025)

09/02/2024

Breaking News!

The Plenary of the Liberian Senate has finally voted to confirm the following Presidential nominees...

Those confirmed:

Cole Bangalu - Minister of Youth and Sports
Sara Beyslow Nyanti - Minister of Foreign Affairs
Louise Kpoto - Minister of Health...

Gbeme Horace Kollie - Minister of Gender

Roland Lafayette Giddings--Minister of Public Works

All 23 senators present in session voted in favour of the nominees.

09/02/2024

GBARNGA — Several health workers in B**g County, particularly nurses, are calling on President Joseph Boakai to appoint Martha Morris as Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Health.

Madam Morris is the current president of the National Health Workers Association, B**g Chapter, and County Chairperson of the ruling Unity Party.
It has heavily been rumored that Madam Morris was heading for the Deputy Minister for Administration post at the Ministry of Health.
But there remains a dark cloud over the prospects of her nomination to the post by President Boakai, as it is being rumored that an internal scrutiny by some elites of the Unity Party in B**g County.
Some hold the view that Madam Morris is “inexperienced” to serve in such a position.
The latest development is said to be creating panic amongst nurses in the county, with concerns that the internal rivalry against her appointment is tied to “personal issue” rather than professionalism.
She played an integral role in B**g County in the election of President Boakai, mobilizing several health workers under the banner “You harmonized my salary, I will harmonize your vote”, in response to President George Weah’s salary reduction of civil servants under the harmonization scheme.
Madam Morris also stood up to the Coalition for Democratic Change lawmaker, Marvin Cole, in his attempt to threaten nurses whom he believed were campaigning for the Unity Party in the county.
The concerned B**g County nurses are meanwhile seeking the intervention of Senator Prince Moye, who is a highly respected and influential figure in the Unity Party.
She has advocated for better wages, working environment, and many other issues for the improvement of healthcare workers. She led a protest under Ellen’s government for the construction of the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) that helped to save the lives of several healthcare workers. Under the Weah government, she again stood up for the betterment of her colleagues.
During the campaign, she was a target and almost got killed on the allege orders of the CDC lawmaker Josiah Marvin Cole. It’s a shock to most health workers across the country to see that President Boakai will want to delay the appointment of such an individual who stood up and rallied healthcare workers that for him elected.
Having Martha as a DMA, according to some healthcare workers will elevate their lights at the national level, and being one person who knows their concerns, they trust she can deliver and improve their well-being.

09/02/2024

MONROVIA — The National Union of Community Forestry Development Committees (NUCFDCs) and the National Union of Community Forest Management Body (NUCFMB), two large organizations that represent the communities in Liberia’s forests, along with the Independent Forest Monitoring Mechanism (IFMCM), have raised concerns about who the President will entrust with the FDA, the country’s forestry industry.

Andrew Y. Y. Zelemen, and Bonathan G. Walaka, head of the Secretariat/National Facilitator of the NUCFDCs and the NUCFMB, at a press conference over last weekend, want the next Managing Director should be appointed in strict adherence to the Act Creating the FDA. Section 7 of the Act stipulates that “The Managing Director shall be professionally qualified in Forestry”. Professionally qualified means possessing specialized training in specific area in a profession. There is no provision in the FDA Act that labels the post of Managing Director as a mere administrator; rather, the law calls for “high level subject matter competence”.
“At this present state of Liberia’s forestry industry, it needs someone with the necessary skills, contact, and connections both locally and internationally to turn the forestry sector around, for sustainable forest management that goes beyond mere logging,” Zelemen, who read the statement, said. “The sector is at a critical juncture, as numerous initiatives have failed to meet expectations over the past six to ten years.” The communities’ representatives noted, “We are worried about who will be the next MD because the Liberian forest sector needs someone ready and prepared to pursue the path that will address these major forest infractions, restore the lost image of the sector, and bring in more revenue.”

They want the next MD to be someone with a strong background in sustainable forest management that goes beyond mare logging. “This person should also bring a variety of experiences and expertise to the table, primarily promoting the green economy and the green revolution, which are focused on mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change,” Zelemen said.
The communities believe that when the right person is appointed, he or she will help Liberia attract more international funding to support national development initiatives and community livelihoods, thereby maintaining its green status.
“These are only possible if we have a seasoned MD who possesses all the skills required to establish the relationships and contacts with key figures in national and international organizations and the international community.”
Another issue they raised is that the next MD should be someone who has never been involved in logging activities in the country because that person will be conflicted as all of the past activities in the sector have been marred by illegality, fraud, and corruption. “We, the communities, feel that any name for appointment at the FDA must not be a person associated with the logging industry baggage. The community doesn’t think the FDA can effectively promote the goal of reviving Liberia’s forestry industry with people who worked as managers of logging companies or leaders in the private sector and didn’t comply with the minimum requirements of the forestry laws. Over the years in forestry, all that is known about the loggers is that they completely disobeyed the law,” the communities’ representatives said.
On a related note, some members of the general public are worried about one Rudolph Merab who is believed to be a pal of the President frequenting the President Boakai’s residence desperately lobbying for the job when there are many other Liberians who are adequately qualified, competent and internationally acclaimed to do the job.
Merab holds a B.Sc. degree in Physics from the University of Liberia, and once served as Director of Container Department at the National Port Authority; but was sacked for wrong doing. He has been CEO of a logging company called Liberia Wood Management Corporation (LWMC) for up to 35 years; and has been President of the Liberia Timber Association since 1991. In his capacity as President of the Liberia Timber Association, he was one of the masterminds of the corrupt and notorious PUP Saga. Unfortunately, Merab's bid to head the FDA is being supported by the FDA’s former Managing Director Mike Doryen and other illegally operating Logging Companies believing they can be easily covered and protected by a fellow illegal logger whose logging company was debarred for massive irregularities.

09/02/2024

Monrovia – Madam Edwina Crump Zackpah, Chairperson of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) Board of Directors, has announced the LTA’s commitment to implementing President Joseph Boakai’s initiative to provide digital skills training for 10,000 young people within six months of his administration.

Addressing the House on Tuesday, Madam Zackpah emphasized that equipping 10,000 young Liberians with digital skills will drive ICT usage and contribute to the nation’s digital advancement. She stated that the program aims to foster digital literacy, prepare the youth for digital success, and bolster economic growth.
“We are not just teaching technology; we are empowering our youth for job creation and economic prosperity. This initiative is both inclusive and ambitious, targeting 10,000 students from all 15 counties of Liberia, ensuring gender balance,” she explained in a video presentation played during her appearance.
The training will encompass essential skills including basic computer proficiency, mobile technology, e-commerce, and e-learning tools. Madam Zackpah emphasized the significance of providing youths with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital age, marking a pivotal step towards national digital transformation.
Over a three-month period, the digital skills training will be conducted nationwide, with the LTA planning to evaluate the program’s effectiveness to refine strategies and inform future decisions.
Speaking to reporters earlier before her presentation, Zackpah emphasized that Liberia’s digital skills project is a vital component of a broader vision for digital inclusivity and progress. She expressed gratitude for President Boakai’s endorsement of the initiative and assured full commitment from the LTA to its successful implementation.
To ensure success, Zackpah disclosed that the LTA will collaborate with partners such as 231 Data and Tamma Corporation, among others, to drive Liberia’s digital transformation forward.
During his first state of the nation address, President Boakai pledged to launch a digital transformation program benefiting 10,000 young people nationwide within the first half of 2024.
Following Zackpah’s presentation, lawmakers tasked the committee on post and telecommunications to liaise with the LTA to gather detailed plans and strategies for program implementation, with a report due within three weeks.

09/02/2024

Zorzor, Lofa County – On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in the afternoon, the United Nations Food Program Assistant Deputy Representative, Leonard Kamugisha, and Partner Plan International turned over a Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) one-stop-shop center screening facility to the administration of Curran Lutheran Hospital in Zorzor, Lofa County.

The facility consists of two screening rooms, a storeroom with bathrooms, and a waiting area equipped with a television.
Speaking during the turnover ceremony at Curran Lutheran Hospital in Zorzor, Tarnue Kabbar, Head of Programs at Plan International, mentioned that the construction of the building posed challenges. Mr. Kabbar emphasized his organization’s commitment to combating violence in all its forms in the country, particularly in areas with high violations of the rights of girl children.
“The head of programs at Plan International further revealed that they are glad to fighting violence in the country, equality and inclusion.”
He stated that the facility is one of twenty-seven facilities they have worked on with UNFPA over the past years to document SGBV cases in the County.
In a special remark made by the UNFPA Deputy Representative, Mr. Leonard Kamugisha urged the hospital administration, headed by Dr. Amani Seraphin, to provide family planning services. He acknowledged the hospital’s comprehensive package of services, which include maternal health and services for survivors of violence, expressing hope that family planning services would also be included.
Furthermore, he outlined UNFPA’s goals: eliminating maternal deaths, promoting the use of family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence.
Mr. Kamugisha emphasized that the new building would provide survivors with confidential screening and response, instead of being conducted in a small room where multiple patients are screened simultaneously.
“We should be cautioned to be mindful how we handle SGBV cases are treated both at the hospital and the community in order to avoid stigma,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Amani Seraphin, the Medical Director of Curran Hospital, expressed gratitude to UNFPA and Plan International for their initiative. Dr. Seraphin emphasized that the new building would greatly assist them, as SGBV survivors were previously screened in a small room within the hospital, often in the presence of others, causing embarrassment.
Dr. Seraphin outlined the challenges of handling SGBV cases when they exceed the hospital’s capacity, noting that some cases come with complications such as fistula.
He appealed to UNFPA, Plan International, and other partners to support the SGBV section to ease some of the burdens they face, expressing readiness to collaborate with them moving forward.

09/02/2024

Monrovia – Vice President Jeremiah Koung has reportedly misled President Joseph Boakai into making a rather controversial appointment, that is likely to bring international embarrassment to the Boakai-led government, particularly in regard to the government of the United States.
FrontPageAfrica has been reliably informed that the Vice President prevailed on the President late Wednesday to appoint Mr. Daniel Johnson, an accountant and former staffer at the International Republican Institute(IRI), who was once pursued by a United States District Court on charges of wire fraud and Theft of Property, as the new Secretary General of the Roberts Flight Information Region.

In August 2008, Johnson was handcuffed amid accusations that he embezzled funds from the IRC. He was pursued by a US District Court but an attempt to have him extradited did not materialize.
Johnson was special Assistant to former Minister of Transport Angela Cassell Bush. When former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf appointed Bush as the Deputy to Roberts Flight, Cassell took along her Special Assistant Daniel Johnson. When President George Weah took over in 2018, Bush was driven out of the office as was the case with most appointees. Johnson remained at the Roberts flight and was the special assistant to Lasana Sannor, the embattled current Secretary General of the Roberts Flight Information Region.
In August 2008, Johnson was handcuffed amid accusations that he embezzled funds from the IRC. He was pursued by a US District Court but an attempt to have him extradited did not materialize.
Multiple sources closed to the presidency confirmed to iPlus Africa TV that Johnson’s appointment was deliberately removed from the appointment list released late Wednesday out of fear that it would raise a red flag with the United States embassy in Monrovia. As a result, Johnson’s name did not appear on the list, but was given to him quietly by Koung.
VP Koung’s insistence came against the backdrop of multiple warnings by several inner circle officials that it would pose embarrassment to the Boakai government.

iPlus Africa TV has learned that the letter was reportedly pushed on the insistence of Vice President Jeremiah Koung, whose wife has a long friendship with Johnson’s wife.
It is the relationship iPlus Africa TV has learned was used by the Vice President to push the appointment through without the knowledge of the President. Two members of the President’s inner circle confirmed to iPlus Africa TV Thursday that the President was pressured by Koung to make the appointment against the advice of better-judgement officials making the case against it.
This is the second time in as many weeks that Prince Johnson’s Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction, using Vice President Koung, has tried to push through a controversial nominee to a job with international implications and significance.
The President’s recent appointment of Cooper Kruah, has hit a wall with his confirmation hearing apparently in limbo amid reports that the nomination has been quietly withdrawn.

The Robert Flight Information Region that was established in 1978 through a ratified agreement by Mano River Union Countries was revised in 2022 giving tenure positions to its appointed Secretary Generals. Article 3(4) provides for a tenure of 4years for the Secretary General for administration and a position being occupied by Liberia for which Lasana B. Sannor was reappointed by former President Weah.
However, Sannor’s appointment raised a red flag from the new government with some Unity Party officials arguing that under the agreement with the Mano River Union, the position is not one the President can make but one which has to be done by the council of ministers of Transport by the three Mano River countries, preceded by a letter from the Minister of Transport in Liberia.
It is an argument from Unity Party stalwarts, iPlus Africa TV has gathered, that led to Sannor losing his claim on the position because President Weah did not have the authority to appoint him.
The letter to Mr. Johnson from the President obtained by iPlus Africa TV bearing what is supposed to be the President’s signature reads:
Dear Mr. Johnson:
I am pleased to appoint you as Deputy Secretary General for Administrative Affairs, Roberts Flight Information Region.
Your appointment is based on your qualification, experience, and commitment. We trust that you will continue to demonstrate diligence, commitment, and loyalty in service to your country.
Please accept my personal congratulations.
iPlus Africa TV has also gathered that the new minister of Transport, Sirleaf Tyler, who appeared for his confirmation before the Senate Committee on Transport, is also not in the know of the appointment.
Early this week, Sannor came under attack by outsiders calling for his ouster from the position. Sannor has been in the position since 2018 when he was first appointed by President Weah.

Sannor told iPlus Africa TV after the incident that he was attacked by men believed to be supporters of the Unity Party. “They demanded I leave my office or be made to leave as it is their job and time. They made all sorts of threats on my life and that of my family. I am calling on the ruling establishment/ government to please intervene as I am not taking this for granted.”
In recent days, iPlus Africa TV has learned that a number of Unity Party supporters have been pushing for the position and aiming to have Sannor replaced, despite what Sannor believed to be a tenured position.

iPlus Africa TV was later informed that although Sannor had a letter from the President, his argument to stay on the job did not hold.
The controversy over appointments is causing serious embarrassment for the president amid leaks and sudden withdrawals of nominees on social media. It is unclear why Vice President Koung chose to push through an appointment of someone wanted for theft of property and fraud by the United States government, to such an important position, flying the flag of Liberia in the West African subregion.

09/02/2024

Chief Justice Sie-A- Nyene G. Youh has threatened to arrest and send to the Monrovia Center Prison anyone caught standing on the grounds of the Temple of Justice without proper reason.

Chief Justice Yuoh, in her very angry mood, told people who had gone to seek justice to leave the court grounds or risk arrest by the Liberia National Police.

The statement made by the Priest of the High Court caused an immediate distraction to all individuals who had gone to conduct business with the court.

Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh is the first chief justice in the history of the judiciary and the Republic of Liberia to deprive individuals of standing at the grounds of the temple of justice in Monrovia to seek redress to their situation.

Her statement created serious panic among the judicial reporters and other Liberians who normally stand outside to cover stories for their various institutions.

08/02/2024

JUST IN!
The CDC Laments Fire Disaster at Sen. Joseph’s Home, Calls for Independent Investigation to Establish Cause.

COALITION FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE
National Headquarters
OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SECRETARIAT

Bernard’s Compound, Opposite Lone Star Head Office, Congo Town
Monrovia, Liberia
Cell: +231 (0) 779229900/ +231 (0) 881462270 | Email: [email protected].

The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC ) is saddened by a terrible fire disaster that gutted the home of Montserrado County Senator Saah H. Joseph, burning it down to ashes.
This tragedy, which occurred in the early hours of February 9th, inflicted serious bodily injuries on the Senator who narrowly escaped death with the help of community dwellers. The leadership of the Congress for Democratic Change lauds the gallantry of the good people of the London Community who put themselves at great risk to sn**ch the Senator from the consuming fire. The unity and courage of these community dwellers, which led to a successful rescue effort, pulling Senator Joseph out of his bedroom window to the safety of a nearby hospital, is heroic and historic.

While we call for an impartial investigation to establish the cause of this suspicious fire tragedy, the disaster comes in the immediate aftermath of a pattern of documented witch-hunt against members of the opposition CDC.
For instance, Mr. Pepci Yeke, a staunch member of the Congress for Democratic Change, was baselessly labeled a “threat, armed and dangerous,” by the head of the President's Security guard, hence putting him and his family at substantial risk.

Coinciding with this unacceptable political machination, Montserrado County’s District-8 former Representative, Hon. Acarous M. Gray was violently and brutally attacked by members and protégés of the ruling Unity Party and its Standard-bearer, H.E. Joseph N. Boakai. Hon. Gray was similarly helped to safety by good community dwellers in the Sinkor vicinity who had come to his aid when subjected to a senseless and brutal attack by ‘Stick-wielding thugs’ of the Unity Party. While we strongly condemn these unprovoked rhetorics and violent actions perpetrated against members of the Congress for Democratic Change, the CDC believes said actions may be part of a bigger plan to stifle free speech and suppress fundamental rights to the detriment of democracy good governance. As we call on our partisans to continue to remain peaceful, we urge the international community to pay close attention to the seed of impunity being planted and watered by the unscrupulous actions of the Boakai-led regime.

The CDC considers these actions as counterproductive to peace and stability, calling on President Boakai to take steps to curtail the spread of violence and intimidation against free citizens and members of the Coalition for Democratic Change.

Jefferson T. Koijee
NATIONAL SECRETARY GENERAL

08/02/2024

President Boakai Declares His Assets; Promises Reforms Across Government

February 8, 2024

Executive Mansion, Monrovia: The President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has declared his assets in keeping with the Code of Conduct for public officials, which mandates all public officials to declare their assets upon taking office.

The declaration which took place today, Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) was also in fulfillment of his previous promise to do so which included the president’s personal hand over of the appropriate documents containing his assets to the Assets Declaration and Verification Officer, Patricia Banaba.

Speaking to reporters after the declaration, President Boakai emphasized the importance of leaders leading by examples for others to follow, stressing the need for Liberians to trust their leaders by what they do.

“We told the Liberian people that transparency and accountability was going to be the block the government would build on; we have to be clear with ourselves so that the future can be our judge by what we do today.” President Boakai said.

He further indicated that declaring his assets is a fulfillment of commitment he made and stated that his government will implement what they have promised the Liberian people. “My government is going to implement the will of the Liberian people.” He emphasized.

Furthermore, President Boakai reiterated his call for appointed officials as well as outgoing officials to adhere to the tenants of good governance and accountability at all levels by declaring their assets.

07/02/2024

Official Response from the former LACE BOSS

“Mr. Gaye, If you're incapable of understanding the task at hand, seek guidance from your former colleagues rather than flaunting your ignorance.

To date, I have not received a formal request for the EPS weapon legally assigned to me, yet you rashly label me as armed and dangerous. Your sheer incompetence in adhering to procedures has not only led you to behave like a maniac but also to publicly demonstrate your inability to handle even the simplest of tasks. If you lack the capacity, rest assured I do not; submit an official request and follow the proper procedure for EPS weapon turnover to ensure meticulous documentation.

Your failure to fulfill your duties not only reflects poorly on yourself but also on the integrity of the Boakai government. What justification do you have for baselessly branding me as armed and dangerous?
It seems you have arrived at your new assignment with a personal vendetta against Pepsi Yeke.
I consider this as a threat to my life and am asking you to retrieve your statement within 24 hours and follow the proper procedure”.

07/02/2024

Defence Minister Designate Prince C Johnson III calls for increment in salaries of military personnel; tell armed forces day symposium, doing so will motivate the soldiers

Defence Minister designate General Prince C. Johnson has vowed to rally the support of the senate for the increment of salaries of personnel of the army.

He boosted that the current AFL has the most educated men and women as such their arrears should commensurate with their level of education qualification.

The former chief of staff made the call Tuesday when he remarked at the end of a day-long symposium organized by the Armed Forces of Liberia under the theme “The Armed Forces of Liberia Commitment to Sustainable Democracy in Contemporary Time”.

07/02/2024

Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Youh proposes the construction of a new Supreme Court, judicial complexes across Liberia; as she releases five years strategic plan

Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh has launched a five-year Strategic Plan to rebrand the Judiciary.

Speaking during the official launch of the project, Chief Justice Yuoh named inadequate budgetary allocation, poor infrastructure, and limited human capacity as major challenges facing the judiciary.

According to Justice Yuoh, upon assuming the leadership of the judiciary in 2022, she crafted a vision intended to address systematic weaknesses in the judiciary.

She named the construction of a new Supreme Court building, er****on of judicial complexes around the country, and twenty magisterial courts including the renovation of three sexual offences courts in three counties.

07/02/2024

Breaking News!!
One of Weah’s top men declared Wanted by Elite Presidential Guard(EPS)!!!!!!!

The Government of Liberia through the Executive Protection service (EPS) has declared Mr. Yeke Quiwo, AKA Pepsi Yeke as wanted.

Mr. Yeke Quiwo aka Pepsi Yeke is the former Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) under the leadership of former President George Weah.

According to EPS Director Sam Gaye, Yeke Quiwo has been declared wanted , for illegal possession of EPS weapon with the following specifications:
Serial #: 97344, making 73.

The weapon type is Norinco 22 Pistol.

The press release from the Executive Protection service (EPS) is therefore urging any law enforcement officer that comes in contact with Pepsi Yeke to have him immediately detained and then contact the Executive Protection Service (EPS).

The release further states that Mr. Yeke is considered armed and dangerous.

29/01/2024

iPlus Africa TV
January 29, 2024

Annual Message
By
His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
President of the Republic of Liberia
The Capitol Building, Monrovia
January 29 2024

The Rescue Mission: Rebuilding Public Trust

MR. VICE PRESIDENT,
MR. SPEAKER,
MADAM PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE,
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE,
MADAM CHIEF JUSTICE AND JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT,
THE DOYEN AND MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS,
HEADS AND OFFICIALS OF POLITICAL PARTIES,
REPRESENTATIVES OF OUR INTERNATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS,
PRELATES AND IMAMS,
OUR TRADITIONAL LEADERS,
MEMBERS OF THE FOURTH ESTATE,
MY FELLOW LIBERIANS, DISTINGUISHED LADIES, AND GENTLEMEN

We are thankful to the Lord Almighty, the Preserver of our State for His abundant blessings upon us. As the world confronts various crises – wars, pandemics, climate change, and migration – we pray for a better, more peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive global order.
Exactly one week ago, Vice President Jeremiah Koung and I took the oath of office as an array of world leaders, friends, and citizens of Liberia at home and in the Diaspora looked on. That solemn occasion marked yet another historical moment in our democracy as we carried out a transfer of power.

In obedience of my constitutional duty, it is an honor to come before this august Body, the people’s representatives, to report on the national situation as we met it and present our agenda for development in the coming year.

We must acknowledge the harsh realities that face us, as we report that the state of our nation is not what we desire. It is important to note the problems that confront us: Poverty, drug epidemic, corruption, poor infrastructure, and an underperforming economy. The current challenges present us with a unique opportunity to embark on a new journey of hope. This is our commitment to rescue the nation!

Our Vision
Our vision, as revealed in ARREST (meaning, Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, Tourism) shall guide the preparation of the new Medium-term National Development Plan for the welfare of our people. We must harness opportunities in agriculture, roads, and other infrastructure development; improve the rule of law, rethink the education sector, improve sanitation, and unlock the potential of tourism.

We believe that creating economic linkages between these development facets and reinforcing them will help reverse years of economic downturns.

The State of the Economy

The state of the economy is a cause for concern, with many of our citizens facing perennial unemployment and economic instability. We must not just recognize the pain and frustration that permeate our society, but also work together to introduce and pass legislations that will prioritize economic reforms that foster sustainable economic growth and job creation.

Distinguished Legislators, economic growth slowed between 2022 and 2023, from 4.8 percent to 4.6 percent. The rate of growth averaged about 1.5 percent, compared with 3.1 percent between 2012 and 2017 due in part to an underperforming economy and the existing geo-political global environment. During the past six years, the economy faced challenges in terms of growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

Inflation during the period 2023 rose to 10.1 percent at the end of December, from 7.6 percent in 2022. Revenue collection as reported for 2023 stood at US$710.23 million while expenditure totaled US$796.32 million; hence, a large budget deficit of over US$80 million.

We intend to change this state of the economy by thinking “outside the box”; a paradigm shift away from reliance on primary commodity export to focusing on value addition with the private sector as the engine to drive the economy. Under my Administration, the empowerment of Liberian entrepreneurship through more support will help bring back THE MADE IN LIBERIA quest for inclusive and sustainable growth and jobs. In our quest to expand the economy, we will leverage Information Communication Technology (ICT) in creating jobs, especially for our youth. To achieve this, my Administration will train up to 10,000 young people in various digital skills in the first half of 2024. The Liberian middle-class goal must be a reality in the next 6 years.

The net international reserves position reported at the end of December 2023 was US$220 million. The report of US $40 million as the GoL’s consolidated account balance as at January 19, 2024 is not supported by the fact. The balance reported by the CBL as of the same date was US$20.5 million, highly encumbered, NOT US$40 million. To this end, we re-emphasize our earlier commitment to audit and ensure that regular audits will be a culture across all branches of government, not only the Executive.
The stock of public debt at End-December 2023 stood at US$2.21 billion, an increase of 8.67 percent compared to end-December 2022 stock of US$2.08 billion. This represents a sharp increase of US$1.33 billion compared to the end of December 2017 stock of US$878.17 million (representing 601.8 percent rise). Our debt burden has clearly grown astronomically. Certainly, the rescue mission was a necessity for Liberia’s transformation.

As I am speaking, Liberia is under sanction for lack of payment of dues to the African Union and the African Development Bank. Also, a default in payment of about US$650,000 to the European Investment Bank is preventing a disbursement of over US$13 million for the Sanniquellie-Loguato road.

We will reintroduce the Fiscal Rules and Travel Ordinance in addition to other measures to help address waste and abuse and ensure the return of prudent fiscal management. We will ensure that the executive leads by example.

Agriculture

Liberia is endowed with abundant natural resources. With over 40% of West Africa's rainforest, our country is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna that should help provide economic and agricultural growth opportunities. Liberia is also a leader in the discussion on climate change mitigation, further emphasizing the importance of international partnerships for sustainable agricultural production and development.

However, it is important to recognize that our available arable land is underutilized. My Government is committed to harnessing the right resources and strengthening collaboration with international partners and local farmers to improve production.

Legislative Agenda

Our legislative agenda is aimed at working with you in doing the business of the people for which proposed legislation will be submitted in the coming months. We will focus on shaping the outcomes we desire from our development agenda. The following constitute our agenda:

The Presidential Transition Act

A Presidential Transition Act was drafted in 2017 to provide the appropriate legal framework for the seamless transition from one democratically elected president to the other. The draft bill has since been lingering with little or no action to move it to legislation. Given the difficulty in establishing the appropriate framework to guide the recent presidential transition, my Government will immediately review the draft bill for submission to the legislature for passage. When passed, the Presidential Transition Act will provide the legal basis for smooth transfer of political power.

Bill for the Establishment of the Ministry of Local Government.
This bill is aimed at advancing modalities to operationalize the Local Government Act passed in 2018 to fast-track the transitioning of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the new Ministry of Local Government. The Ministry of Local Government will have the authority to drive the Government’s decentralization program.

Operationalizing the Revenue Sharing Law

The Revenue Sharing Law needs to be synchronized with existing laws including the Project Financial Management Act (PFMA), and the current Revenue Code. The Revenue Sharing Law (passed in 2022) and these two other instruments were designed for different systems of Government.

While the new Revenue Sharing Act is designed to facilitate fiscal decentralization in a decentralized system of governance, the other two cater to a centralized system where the sub-national bodies do not have any authority to use a portion of locally generated revenue. This has left County Service Centers that should be functioning and raising revenue, often stranded to raise operational costs. We will work with the relevant institutions of Government to align the new Law with the existing Law; popularize the Law and ensure adherence and enforcement across the Country.

Passage of the National Tourism Bill

One of the major recommendations that came out of the mandate and functional review of the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism was the need to divest culture and tourism from the Ministry of Information. A National Tourism bill has since been sent to the Legislature with a first public hearing. Improving tourism is one of the pillars of the ARREST agenda. We will work with the Legislature on the status of this bill pending necessary actions to complete this process. Once passed, Liberia will have a National Tourism Authority mandated to draw up regulations and the appropriate governing framework for the tourism sector.

Establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman

Passage of the Code of Conduct for public officials has not had the full effect of the Law. A major hurdle is a lack of ‘implementation infrastructure’. To this end, there is a need to establish the Office of the Ombudsman. When established, this office will supervise the enforcement of all provisions of the Code of Conduct and will also impose sanctions for infractions. We must begin looking at appointing an individual with the requisite moral standing to head and run the office.

Amendment to the New Financial Institution Act

As part of the CBL’s financial sector reform in 2023, the Bank submitted to the Office of the President a new Banking Law to replace the existing New Financial Institution Act of 1999. This Act was submitted to the National Legislature for enactment but is still pending passage. In the coming days, my Administration will work with the leadership of the Legislature to ensure the New Banking Act is passed into Law.

Amended and Restated Payments System Act

An Amended and Restated Payments System Act is currently being reviewed by my Administration. The Act, when passed into Law, will help strengthen the means of mobile payment across platforms and enhance a drive towards a cashless society.

Liberia Insurance Regulatory Commission Act

The Central Bank of Liberia is working on a draft Liberia Insurance Regulatory Commission Act which is currently being shared with stakeholders for their input following which, it will be submitted for passage into law. We are also working on a draft Bill for a National Health Insurance Scheme for Liberia. The Scheme is intended to reduce out-of-pocket costs for citizens and enhance access to affordable and quality healthcare.

2015 Paris Agreement

The threat of climate change to our environment and way of life is becoming obvious by the day, which is why we must join the rest of the world to address the causes of this phenomenon. I call on the legislature to work with us to begin looking at the Paris Agreement including the carbon market to ensure our national interest is protected.

A list of protocols, conventions, and other instruments will be forwarded to you for consideration and appropriate action.

Road Infrastructure Development

Expanding and improving the road network in our country remains a top priority for my Administration. While there has been some progress in the road and transport sector during the reviewed period, there remain considerable challenges in road development.

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Honorable Legislators, Ladies and Gentlemen: The total paved roads in our national road network amount to only 1,131.1km, representing 8.7% percent of the 13,000 km road network we need. This fact underscores considerable challenges in road infrastructure and the urgent need to fund road development in the country.

With assistance from friendly partners, the country made notable progress in paving some primary roads, including the corridors: the Gbarnga to Salayea, the Ganta to Saclepea, the Ganta to Yekepa, and the Sanniquellie to Loguato. In addition, as of now, 37.7 percent of work on the ELWA to RIA Road Project has been accomplished.

To access all county capitals, my Government will work to alleviate the problems faced by commuters using our primary roads, especially during the rainy season. This situation also causes major impediments to the economic development of our people, as these primary routes are major economic corridors to all parts of our country. The restoration of the County Road Maintenance Stations will be a key deliverable.

This is why we have commissioned a “NO CAR STUCK IN THE MUD” 100-DAY DELIVERABLE to make all major primary corridors pliable.
Our flagship road delivery program will include the Freeport to St. Paul Bridge Road. Having received funding through the Government of Japan, we will begin construction of a 4-lane road from the Gabriel Tucker Bridge to the Freeport of Monrovia. Additionally, the Government of Japan is expected to provide funds to expand the Gabriel Tucker Bridge to 4-lanes. The Government has also secured additional support from Japan for the conduct of feasibility studies for the expansion of the Freeport to St. Paul Bridge corridor. My Government will allocate funds to complete the 6.5 km Freeport to St. Paul Bridge Road.

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Pro-Tempore, and Honorable Legislators:

My Government will ensure that funding from the National Road Fund is utilized to maintain and rehabilitate roads for the good of the public. Through the contribution of Liberians who pay their fuel levies from every gallon of gasoline or fuel oil they purchase; we will continue to expand our maintenance program in maintaining our existing network and the construction of new community roads.
Honorable Legislators, I would like you to join me in extending sincere gratitude to our development partners, which include the European Union, the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UK Aid, the German Government, KFW, and GIZ. I would also like to thank our Arab partners, including the Saudi Fund, the Kuwaiti Fund, and BADEA as well as the Japanese Government and JICA, the Swedish Government, the Chinese Government and its China Aid program, the Norwegian Government, the Indian Government, the African Development Bank (AfDb), and ECOWAS for their many contributions to our infrastructure development.

FOREIGN POLICY

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Madam President Pro-Tempore, and Members of the Legislature:
As a founding member of most continental and multilateral institutions, we will continue to honor our obligations. Liberia continues to foster cordial relationships with other countries in the community of nations and maintains its current membership with multilateral organizations like the United Nations, ECOWAS, Mano River Union, and the African Union.
We will continue to pursue a policy of good neighborliness as we remain in peaceful coexistence with our immediate neighbors.
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Pro-Temp, Honorable Legislators:

As a nation with a proud history of regional leadership, our standing among the comity of nations is undermined when we fail to meet our obligations as a sovereign state. Therefore, it is imperative to reclaim our standing in the comity of nations. My Government will work with the legislature to ensure arrears are settled.

The Civil Service

There are an estimated 70,000 employees, including appointed officials, in the Government of Liberia. These command a total wage of over US$300 million annually. This growth in the size of the government has not been proportional to the growth in revenue and the efficiency and effectiveness of the government. This means that wage continues to consume a sizeable portion of the total budget, strangulating service delivery and all initiatives and obligations of the government. So, the government faces a situation of stunted growth and non-investment in the lives of the people.
To make the government more effective and efficient, we must focus on public service deliveries. The people, not the government, must come first.

Health

Health and sanitation remain a major priority of our government.
In the health sector, my Government will prioritize the following:
• the availability of needed medical supplies and logistics in all public health institutions throughout the length and breadth of the nation
• regular, efficient, and robust monitoring and evaluation of health services in the country to accelerate the reduction of Maternal and Newborn Mortality
• establishment of regional diagnostic centers
• regulation of Health Care and pharmaceutical institutions in the country to meet international standards.

Our recent experience with Ebola and COVID-19 requires our full support in treating national public health with utmost importance in Liberia as it relates to emergency preparedness and response. This requires a more coordinated way of building a more resilient health infrastructure to address current health challenges and future health shocks.

Honorable Legislators:

The drug epidemic, especially the use of “KUSH”, in our country is an existential threat eating away at the future of our children and the country. We must stand up and face this national security risk together. Given the need for immediate action to make good my pledge to the thousands of families burdened by this crisis, I am hereby declaring Drugs and Substance abuse as a Public Health Emergency. In this direction, I am establishing a multisectoral steering committee comprising the following agencies:
• Ministry of Health – Chair
• Ministry of Justice – Co-Chair
• Ministry of Youth and Sports- Member
• Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection - Member
• Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) – Member
• Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) – Member

In this fight, me and my Vice President, we will be the first to take a drug test and I urge all others to follow.

Education

Education remains a beacon of hope, but our educational system has seen a downward spiral over the years, leaving countless Liberian children without the tools they need to build a better tomorrow. It is a problem we must confront head-on. Education is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that a significant portion of our population is struggling with a lack of access to quality education. And there is no other way that we can genuinely seek to successfully fight poverty without the provision of quality education for our people.
Starting now, my Administration is making a steadfast commitment to revitalize our educational system. We will invest in education infrastructure and provide adequate resources. In this, we crave your support.

Good Governance:

Honorable Legislators, our commitment to good governance is unwavering. Transparency, accountability, and the rule of law will guide our actions. We will fight corruption and build institutions that serve the people's interests. A government that is accountable to its citizens is a government that can truly serve the needs of its people.

Mr. Vice President and President of the Senate, Mr. Speaker, and members of the Legislature, our justice system which is meant to protect the innocent and punish the guilty, has been marred by inefficiency, corruption, and lack of public trust. I am counting on this honorable Body to pass effective legislation and support financial appropriations that will help us win the fight against corruption. Anyone caught in the act of corruption will face the full weight of the law, with swift and non-discriminatory enforcement.

Democratic Elections

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Madam President Pro-Tempore, and Honorable Legislators:

We have had a successive peaceful transfer of power, establishing our credentials as an emerging democracy following a civil war. But while we proudly celebrate this achievement, we are not oblivious to the bottlenecks that regularly attend our elections and mar the electoral process.

One of the vexing problems we noted during our past elections is voter registration and the associated logistical problems, which tend to frustrate and anger voters and political parties. My Government will strengthen the National Identification Registry (NIR) to build the needed capacity to be able to capture the comprehensive biometric data needed to feed all agencies including the National Elections Commission. In addition, my Government will begin to review and implement electoral reform laws.

The Diaspora

Mr. President of the Senate, Mr. Speaker, and members of the legislature, our Liberian brothers and sisters in the Diaspora are an integral part of our nation – they are an extension of our national pride. They share in our nation’s happiness and sadness. They are readily responsive to the needs of family members and friends in times of difficulty. Liberians in the Diaspora have a stake in the future of Liberia and my Administration will be intentional about ensuring that their stake in Liberia is fully harnessed. I have therefore proposed an annual Diaspora Conference on National
Development.

I commend the actions of the 54th Legislature and the past administration for their actions to remove the unfair burden of citizenship against Liberians who have chosen to explore opportunities in other parts of the world. I am glad that the slogan, “once a Liberian, always a Liberian” now has true meaning. We will establish clear and predictable policies and links where Diaspora Liberians can play more meaningful roles in Liberia’s future.

Necrology

The nation lost some of its prominent citizens during the year in review. Special condolences go to the families of the victims of the tanker explosion in Totota, B**g County. Among those who have joined our ancestors are: Former Asst. Minister, Mr. Victor Daniel Krakue – 90 years; Ambassador Hannah Abeodu Bowen-Jones – 89 years; Commissioner James Joway McGill, Sr – 86 years; Deputy Minister, Cllr. Edward Kpingbah Goba – 78 years old, Senator Daniel Naathen of Gbarpulo County, and former Deputy Speaker Hans Barchue of Grand Bassa County.
We also, mourn all those who lost their lives during the just-ended Legislative and Presidential elections.
A fuller list will be published.

Conclusion

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Pro Tempore, and Honorable Members of the Legislature:
The state of our nation is in distress, but the hope of our people is alive. We have all it takes to overcome the burden we have imposed on ourselves through greed and corruption. When we work together, there is nothing we cannot overcome as a people. This is why, I ask you the representatives of our people to join me to do the business of the Liberian people by not doing business as usual.

The time for a mindset shift is now. We must be selfless in our service to bring about the change the Liberian People are yearning for. Again, I challenge you to join me to Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia.

Thank you. May God bless the works of our hands and save our state.

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