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The National Rural Women’s Structure of Liberia says it is innocent of any wrongdoing in the alleged mismanagement of the 2023 rural women’s fund. The group is calling on authorities to limit the case to officials of the Ministry of Commerce who controlled the money.

The statement follows an April 2026 indictment by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) that named seven people, including the Structure’s President Kebbeh Mongar and Josephine Greaves, who AREPT listed as the former National Secretary General. 

The Rural Women’s Structure disputes that claim. Officials say Josephine Handful Greaves has never served as National Secretary General. Chapter heads from 11 counties, led by Nimba County’s Annie Kruah and Sinoe County’s Sarah Kawea, said all positions in the Structure are elected for. They said Reeves has only provided technical support on a pro-bono basis as a founding member of women’s organizations in Liberia.

As a result of the indictment, President Joseph Boakai suspended Greaves from her post as Assistant Minister for Research at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. The Rural Women’s Structure is now calling on the President to reinstate her on ground that she is not in any way a party to the Rural Women funds that have been mismanaged according to the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce.

“Josephine is not working with the Rural Women’s Structure as stated in AREPT’s claim. We are calling on the President to reinstate her to her post as Assistant Minister for Research,” the women said.

The Structure also objects to including its President, Kebbeh Mongar, alongside Ministry of Commerce officials in the indictment. 

“We received only what the Ministry of Commerce disbursed to us, and we have the records to prove it,” officials said. “We condemn the inclusion of our National President in the indictment.”

According to documents from the Structure, the 2023 budget earmarked $1.8 million for rural women’s programs. The Structure says it received LRD 59 million, about $300,000 at the government exchange rate, through cheques issued by the Ministry of Commerce between September 18 and 22, 2023. 

The funds were for a project titled _“Building Community Resilience and Increasing Economic Opportunities of Women and Youth in Liberia”_. The project aimed to support rural women in 15 counties with communal farming and village savings activities.

Photos of Cheques Issued to the National Rural Women per chapter by the Ministry of Commerce 

The Structure’s report shows LRD 1 million was allocated to each district, with total amounts per county ranging from LRD 2 million to LRD 9 million. The group noted that Bomi County’s check was returned by Ecobank. It also said Nimba County received LRD 6 million, not LRD 9 million, and that none of the funds received by Nimba were shared with Josephine Reeves.

County chapter heads confirmed receiving the funds and said the money was used for farming, village savings, and small business programs.

“My son, we received what was given to us by the Ministry of Commerce through our national office,” said Sarah Kawea, Sinoe County Chapter Head. “They told us about $1.8 million USD, but later we received cheques of LRD 3 million for Sinoe. We used the money for our farms and village savings.”

Eleven county chapters said they submitted bank statements, copies of cheques, and expenditure reports to investigators.

“The National Rural Women’s Structure is a beneficiary institution, not the spending authority for the full $1.8 million,” said Annie Kruah, Nimba Chapter Head. “If there are questions about the unaccounted balance, those questions should be directed to the institution that held and disbursed the funds.”

The group is urging the Ministry of Justice and AREPT to separate the charges and focus on officials who managed the full allocation.

Copy of the Rurual Women Report on Money received from the Ministry of Commerce in September 20223

“We are pleased to report that a substantial amount of Fifty-Nine Million Liberian Dollars ($59,000,000LD) 

was received from the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Commerce for the purpose of Communion farming and Nine Hundred and thirty four thousand Seven Hundred Liberian Dollars ($934,700LD) for operation” The National Rural Women said in a proposal, a copy in the possession of investigators.

According to the National Rural Women Proposal, the project objectives are also aligned to the Pillar one (1) of the Pro-poor agenda, which focuses on Reducing gender inequality in political, social, and economic life through government and partner supported interventions, and in partnership with women groups and communities.

Utilization Plan

The funds received by the 73 districts will fund one communion farm in each district between 5-10 hectares. The table indicates amount received per district and Operational cost:

No County # of Districts Total Received per dist. Total per county

1 Montserrado County 3 1,000,000.00LD 3,000,000.00LD

2 Grand Bassa County 5 1,000,000.00LD 5,000,000.00LD

3 Rivercess County 2 1,000,000.00LD 2,000,000.00LD

4 Bomi County 3 1,000,000.00LD 3,000,000.00LD

5 Lofa County 5 1,000,000.00LD 5,000,000.00LD

6 Nimba County 9 1,000,000.00LD 9,000,000.00LD

7 Sinoe County 3 1,000,000.00LD 3,000,000.00LD

8 River Gee County 3 1,000,000.00LD 3,000,000.00LD

9 Grand Kru County 2 1,000,000.00LD 2,000,000.00LD

10 Maryland County 3 1,000,000.00LD 3,000,000.00LD

11 Bong County 7 1,000,000.00LD 7,000,000.00LD

12 Grand Gedeh 3 1,000,000.00LD 3,000,000.00LD

13 Grand Cape Mount 3 1,000,000.00LD 3,000,000.00LD

14 Gbarpolu County 3 1,000,000.00LD 3,000,000.00LD

15 Margibi County 5 1,000,000.00LD 5,000,000.00LD

16 **Grand Total** **59** **59,000,000.00LD**

AREPT charged seven people with theft of property, economic sabotage, misuse of public money, misapplication of entrusted property, and criminal conspiracy.

Those named are:

1. Mawine G. Diggs – Former Minister of Commerce & Industry  

2. Jedu J.N. Nuefville – Financial Controller, Ministry of Commerce & Industry  

3. Joseph Howard – Former Senior Policy Advisor, Ministry of Commerce & Industry  

4. Kebbeh Mongar – President, National Rural Women’s Structure of Liberia  

5. Elizabeth Sambula – President, Liberia Marketing Association  

6. Josephine Greaves – Listed as Former Secretary General, National Rural Women’s Structure  

7. Kermue Borbor – Cashier, Ministry of Commerce & Industry  

                  Copy of the Indictment, Writ of Arrest Following AREPT Reports

AREPT Chairman Edwin Klah Martin said investigations found that the defendants diverted the funds with criminal intent, depriving the intended beneficiaries and using the money for personal gain.

Under Section 3 of the Public Financial Management Regulations, liability for public money falls on the person or entity that received and controlled the funds. Section 3(4) states that if money is lost through misconduct or negligence, “the person is accountable for the sum, as if the person had collected and received it.”

From a legal context, if the Rural Women’s Structure can prove it received and accounted for only the funds transferred to it, it may have grounds to seek separation from charges related to the larger allocation.

The National Rural Women’s Structure says it will continue to cooperate with the investigation and push for transparency and accountability in programs for rural women.

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Addressing delegates at the summit, Elumelu emphasized that Africa’s transformation depends heavily on investments in electricity and infrastructure, stressing that the private sector must play a central role in mobilizing the capital required for sustainable development.

“We welcome true partnerships — partnerships of substance and based on equity — where Africans and African solutions catalyze Africa’s future,” Elumelu declared.

According to him, creating the right business environment across the continent would unlock investment opportunities, generate jobs, reduce poverty, and drive long-term prosperity.

“The private sector is what will help us mobilize capital to drive investment in infrastructure and electricity. These are critical requirements for Africa’s economic prosperity and development,” he said.

With more than 65 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 35, Elumelu rejected the traditional aid-driven narrative often associated with the continent, insisting that young Africans need opportunities rather than charity.

“In Africa, we have a young population. There is no room for victim mentality. Our youth do not need handouts; they need jobs, improved access to electricity, and access to the internet,” he stressed.

“What is important is providing the enabling environment and infrastructure that will allow our young people to realize their full potential.”

Elumelu highlighted the impact of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, noting that the organization has provided entrepreneurial training opportunities to more than 2.5 million young Africans and funded over 27,000 entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, making it the continent’s largest entrepreneurship support platform.

He further urged African leaders to embrace credible international partnerships capable of accelerating economic growth and innovation across the continent.

“It is a good place to be as Africans now. We should embrace those who want to help catalyze growth in Africa. Africa is the fastest-growing region globally, and it is not just because of demographics,” he noted.

Calling for a shift in mindset in the 21st century, Elumelu said Africa must prioritize economic empowerment, job creation, and poverty reduction through strategic investments and inclusive development policies.

His participation at the summit aligns with the broader vision of Heirs Holdings to promote long-term African development through investments in critical sectors including power, healthcare, financial services, hospitality, and technology.

The 2026 Africa Forward Summit concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between governments, development institutions, and private sector actors as leaders explored pathways to accelerate inclusive growth and strengthen Africa’s position within the global economy.

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According to a release issued by the Central Bank, the decision was unanimously approved by NGFS members on April 10, 2026, in line with Article 7 of the organization’s Charter governing plenary membership.

The NGFS was established during the One Planet Summit held in Paris in December 2017 by a coalition of central banks and financial supervisors seeking to strengthen the role of financial institutions in addressing climate-related risks while supporting environmentally sustainable economic growth.

Since its establishment, the network has expanded into a major global platform with more than 171 members and observers worldwide. The organization promotes the exchange of best practices, supports research on climate and financial risks, and encourages the integration of climate and environmental considerations into financial regulation and policymaking.

Liberia’s admission into the network is expected to deepen the country’s collaboration with international financial institutions and development partners while strengthening the CBL’s institutional capacity to address climate-related risks within the financial sector.

The release noted that membership in the NGFS will enhance the Central Bank’s ability to integrate environmental and climate-risk considerations into critical functions, including financial stability oversight, banking supervision, monetary policy implementation, and institutional planning.

The development also aligns with the CBL’s broader reform efforts aimed at modernizing Liberia’s financial system and strengthening resilience against emerging global economic and environmental challenges.

As part of those reforms, the Bank has already conducted a national assessment of climate-related issues affecting the financial sector and developed an implementation roadmap. Joining global platforms such as the NGFS was identified as a key recommendation under that strategy.

The release further stated that the Executive Governor and members of the Board of Governors of the Central Bank welcomed Liberia’s admission into the network and expressed appreciation to the NGFS leadership and membership for accepting the country as a plenary member.

They reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to advancing sound climate policies, promoting sustainable finance, and strengthening cooperation and knowledge-sharing within the global financial community.

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Cyrus was elected alongside 10 others to the LFA Executive Committee on May 15 after a heated contest at LFA headquarters. LFA president Mustapha I. Raji was elected unopposed for a third and final term.

During the debate, he outlined key challenges and opportunities facing sports development in Liberia. As co-chair of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, Cyrus said Liberia has strong potential for growth in sports, but it will require hard work, passion, and commitment from leadership, club owners, and fans.

“This is not where we want Liberian football to be,” Cyrus said. “Many of our sister countries are moving ahead while we lag behind due to funding.”

He said serving on the LFA-EC will give him firsthand insight into the association’s challenges, allowing him to make a stronger case in the Senate for more budgetary support.

“Considering my role as a senator and co-chair of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, this is a perfect opportunity to understand the problems and elevate them to the national government through the Legislature,” he said.

Cyrus, who is also CEO of Wologizi FC, cited lack of funding as the main barrier to developing all sports in Liberia, including football, kickball, basketball, and others.

He vowed to advocate for an increased LFA budget during legislative appropriations, working with colleagues including Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and other committee members.

“Sitting on the Youth and Sports Committee puts me at the table where budget decisions are made. That will allow me to make a strong case for sports at the Legislature,” he said.

“I’m vying for this position to help the leadership of the Liberia Football Association,” Cyrus added.

The newly elected LFA-EC member also pledged to use innovative methods to mobilize support, including engaging companies operating in Liberia such as Bea Mountain, China Union, and ArcelorMittal to contribute through corporate social responsibility.

Cyrus promised to dedicate his entire LFA stipend to sports development, with a focus on women’s football, over the next four years. He said the national team will be a priority.

“Under our leadership, the Lone Star will shine through our advocacy for funding,” he said.

He added that club owners are already sacrificing personal funds to keep sports alive in Liberia and should have a voice on national sports issues.

Cyrus previously served as chairman of the Lofa County Sports Steering Committee, leading the county to six trophies across football, kickball, and basketball. As chair, he was a major supplier of boots, jerseys, and footballs to Lofa teams for the National County Sports Meet.

He is also CEO of Wologizi FC, which won the Second Division League in the 2024/2025 season and was promoted to the Liberian First Division League.

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The post Vol.16 No. 75 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026 appeared first on Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia, premier resource for latest news.

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The Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), River Gee County detachment, has arrested two suspected drug traffickers and seized narcotics valued at more than L$144,000 in one of the county’s most significant anti-drug operations this year.

The operation comes as the Joseph N. Boakai administration intensifies its nationwide campaign to combat substance abuse and dismantle illicit drug networks across Liberia.

The three-day intelligence-led operation, conducted between May 8 and May 10, 2026, was led by River Gee County Commander, Special Agent Bill M. Cooper Jr. 

According to the LDEA, the coordinated raids targeted known drug distribution points in Fish Town and Tienpo Nyonken following weeks of intelligence gathering and community information.

Commander Cooper said the operation reflects policy directives from Monrovia aimed at strengthening county-level enforcement and restoring public confidence in the state’s ability to protect communities from the social and health impacts of drug trafficking.

In Fish Town, officers arrested 34-year-old Emmanuel Blawon after discovering 20 scripts of Tramadol in his possession. Tramadol, an opioid painkiller increasingly abused by young people in Liberia, has raised national concern due to its addictive nature and links to violent behavior. The LDEA estimated the street value of the seized drugs at approximately L$140,000.

In a separate operation in Tienpo Nyonken, officers arrested 20-year-old Fred S. Barwee, who was found with a cache including kush, 15 wraps of marijuana, and one pill of Tramadol. Authorities valued the seized substances at L$4,200.

Combined, the total estimated street value of the narcotics seized during the weekend operations stands at L$144,200.

Both suspects are currently detained at the Fish Town City Magisterial Court and are expected to be prosecuted under Liberia’s drug control laws. If convicted, they face significant prison sentences and fines.

Speaking following the arrests, Commander Cooper linked the success of the operation to renewed political will under the Boakai administration.

“Since this administration took office, the directive has been clear: no space for drug dealers in Liberia,” Cooper said. “We are seeing better coordination between headquarters and the counties, improved logistics, and stronger community engagement. That is why we are getting results.”

The Boakai administration has made the fight against narcotics a central pillar of its national security and public health agenda. Earlier this year, the government announced increased budgetary support for the LDEA, strengthened rehabilitation partnerships with the Ministry of Health, and launched public awareness campaigns targeting schools and youth groups.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Cllr. Oswald Tweh has repeatedly described drug trafficking as a threat to national stability, warning that the spread of Tramadol and synthetic substances like kush is undermining education, public safety, and economic productivity.

Commander Cooper stressed that law enforcement alone cannot solve the drug crisis and called for stronger community involvement.

“The fight against drugs is a fight for our children’s future,” he said. “We need parents, teachers, religious leaders, and traditional authorities to work with us. When communities speak up, traffickers lose their cover.”

The LDEA confirmed that intelligence-led operations will continue across River Gee and neighboring counties, adding that surveillance at border entry points is also being strengthened to curb cross-border trafficking of illicit substances.

The arrests highlight a broader national challenge, as health officials and civil society groups continue to warn that the increasing availability of cheap and potent drugs is fueling addiction among young people in Liberia.

In 2025, the Ministry of Health reported a 22 percent increase in drug-related admissions at psychiatric and rehabilitation centers in Montserrado, Margibi, and Nimba Counties.

Analysts say the Boakai administration’s approach—combining enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation—represents a shift from previous strategies that relied mainly on punitive measures.

For now, the LDEA in River Gee maintains that its message is clear: the illegal drug trade is no longer safe in the county.

“We will pursue, we will arrest, and we will prosecute,” Commander Cooper stated. “Our communities deserve to be safe, and our youth deserve a future free from drugs.”

The case has been forwarded to the Fish Town City Magisterial Court for further legal proceedings.

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Liberia has signed a new maritime security agreement with the United States aimed at strengthening cooperation in combating illegal activities at sea and enhancing the protection of the country’s territorial waters.

The ShipRider Agreement, signed at the Bushrod Island Coast Guard Base, establishes a framework for joint maritime operations between the Liberian Coast Guard and U.S. maritime security partners to address growing threats across Liberia’s waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Acting Commander of the Liberian Coast Guard, Lieutenant Commander Georgian Kansuah, described the deal as a major step toward improving Liberia’s maritime security architecture and operational effectiveness.

He noted that the agreement will enhance coordinated patrols, intelligence sharing, and joint enforcement operations targeting illegal fishing, drug trafficking, piracy, and human smuggling.

According to him, the partnership will also support ongoing efforts by the Ministry of National Defense to modernize the Coast Guard and strengthen its capacity to respond to maritime threats.

Representing the United States Government, Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny commended Liberia’s commitment to improving maritime governance and security. He said the ShipRider framework has proven effective globally in supporting partner nations to combat transnational crime at sea.

He emphasized that the agreement will deepen operational cooperation between both countries and provide additional training and technical support for Liberian security personnel, particularly members of the Armed Forces of Liberia assigned to maritime duties.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, Sara Besolow Nyanti, described the agreement as a strategic milestone for Liberia, noting that discussions leading to its signing began in 2024.

She said the deal is expected to help protect Liberia’s marine resources from illegal exploitation, support coastal communities dependent on fishing, and contribute to the development of the country’s blue economy.

Minister Nyanti also highlighted Liberia’s unique position as home to the world’s largest ship registry, stressing that the agreement reinforces the country’s responsibility to uphold international maritime safety and security standards.

The ceremony concluded with a tour of Coast Guard facilities, signaling continued efforts to strengthen Liberia’s maritime infrastructure and deepen bilateral defense cooperation with the United States.

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On paper, the initiative is a welcome effort to narrow the gap between classroom learning and the demands of the labour market by giving young people practical experience before they enter full-time employment.

But beyond the official launch and the hopeful speeches lies a harsh national reality: too many young Liberians remain without meaningful work, steady income, or a clear path to economic independence.

For years, unemployment and underemployment have continued to weigh heavily on families and communities, especially among young people who complete school with ambition but find few doors open to them.

Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has described the cadet initiative as a major step toward empowering young Liberians through practical training and expanded employment opportunities.

According to the government, the program reflects its commitment to human capital development under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.

That message will resonate with many citizens, because any serious attempt to ease the transition from the classroom to the workplace deserves public support.

Officials at the Ministry of Youth and Sports also deserve recognition for advancing a program that could help build confidence, discipline, and employable skills among the country’s graduates.

Other youth-centered promises, including support for entrepreneurship and job creation, may further strengthen this effort.

However, these plans must move beyond public announcements and become measurable interventions with transparent results.

For a youthful population hungry for opportunity, words alone are no longer enough. What young Liberians need now is proof that these initiatives will lead to real jobs, better livelihoods, and lasting dignity.

We therefore welcome the cadet program, but with caution. If it becomes another short-term showcase without follow-through, it will only deepen public frustration and erode confidence in government promises.

A growing number of unemployed and unskilled young people is not merely a social concern; it is also a matter of national stability. Without sustained investment, private-sector growth, and an environment that attracts investors, Liberia risks leaving too many of its citizens behind.

True peace is not defined only by the absence of conflict. It is sustained by justice, inclusion, and fair access to opportunities, especially the opportunity to work and build a future.

If Liberia is to strengthen its democracy and secure lasting stability, it must make job creation more than a slogan. The government must match its promises with action, expand opportunity beyond the capital, and ensure that the country’s young people are not left waiting on hope alone.

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Two children have died after a devastating house fire swept through a family residence in the Chief Compound Community in Gbarnga, Bong County, in an incident residents believe was caused by an electrical surge linked to damaged transformer lines.

The victims, identified only as Clarence and Dennis, were reportedly asleep when the fire broke out late Saturday night. While several other occupants of the house managed to escape, the two boys were unable to get out before flames engulfed the building.

Community members described scenes of panic and grief as residents rushed to the burning home in an attempt to rescue those trapped inside. Witnesses said the fire spread rapidly through parts of the building, leaving little time for rescue efforts.

Sources within the community said the children were relatives of Bong County Administrator Sam Baryougah Elliott Sr., who has been left devastated by the tragedy.

Residents told reporters that the incident followed hours of electrical instability in nearby Pot Boiling Community, where damaged transformer lines reportedly caused repeated power interruptions earlier in the day.

According to eyewitnesses, disconnected high-tension cables allegedly created an abnormal flow of electricity through the transmission system, resulting in a powerful surge that reached the Elliott residence.

Family members said concerns had already been raised earlier Saturday about electrical problems at the house. A technician was reportedly called to inspect issues connected to the electricity meter and carried out repair work before leaving later in the evening.

However, only a few hours after the repairs, the house caught fire.

Another eyewitness account stated that the incident occurred near Pot Boiling Junction at about 11:25 p.m., when transformer lines allegedly detached and fell to the ground, producing sparks and flames.

The fire reportedly destroyed a five-bedroom house and a nearby shop, leaving significant property damage in addition to the tragic loss of life.

Residents said technicians from Jungle Energy Power (JEP), the company supplying electricity to parts of Bong and Nimba counties, had earlier worked on the electrical system after problems were reported.

The tragedy has sparked anger and concern across the community, with many residents calling for a full investigation into the cause of the fire and the condition of electrical infrastructure in the area.

Several residents are demanding that both the Liberia National Police and the Liberia National Fire Service launch an immediate inquiry into the incident.

Meanwhile, the General Manager of Jungle Energy Power, Aleyou Keita, is reportedly travelling from Monrovia to Gbarnga following reports linking the incident to one of the company’s transformers.

Speaking briefly before his departure, Mr. Keita expressed deep sadness over the deaths of the two children and said the company’s technical team would begin an investigation upon arrival at the scene.

He said JEP management was deeply concerned about the incident, particularly because lives had been lost, and stressed the importance of listening to community members and understanding exactly what happened.

The incident has also renewed concerns about emergency response capabilities in Bong County.

The Commander of the Liberia National Fire Service Bong County Detachment, Col. Joseph Paye recently disclosed that the county currently has no functional fire station.

“We don’t have a single fire station in the entire county,” Col. Paye said. “This makes it very hard for us to respond swiftly whenever there’s a fire outbreak.”

According to him, the county fire service is currently operating from the Traffic Court office in Gbarnga due to the absence of a dedicated fire station.

Col. Paye is now appealing to the government, local authorities and residents to prioritize the construction of a modern fire station to improve emergency response during fire outbreaks.

He warned that recurring fire incidents during the dry season continue to place lives and properties at risk across Bong County.

As investigations continue, grieving residents in Chief Compound Community are demanding accountability and urgent action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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