MONROVIA – The Unity Party Youth Congress has threatened legal action against Mamesie Kabah after she accused Amos Tweh of allegedly attempting to bribe jurors with US$275,000 in the controversial US$6.2 million case involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. and other former CDC officials.

The allegation, which surfaced Thursday, May 14, has intensified the already bitter political tension surrounding the controversial case and triggered a blistering response from the Unity Party Youth Congress, which is now threatening legal action against Kaba unless she retracts her statement and apologizes publicly.

Speaking publicly on the matter during the CDC press conference on Thursday, May 14, Kaba, who serves as Assistant Secretary General for Press and Propaganda of the CDC Youth League, alleged that Amos Tweh attempted to influence jurors with US$275,000 during proceedings linked to the case against Samuel Tweah and other former officials of the CDC administration.

“The Managing Director of the LPRC and Secretary General of the ruling Unity Party, Amos Tweh, attempted to bribe jurors with US$275,000 in the alleged US$6.2 million case against Samuel Tweah and others, but it was rejected face down,” Kaba claimed.

Her remarks immediately sparked outrage within the Unity Party Youth Congress, which dismissed the allegation as false, malicious, and politically motivated. In a strongly worded statement issued by the Secretariat of the UP Youth Congress, officials accused Kaba of engaging in character assassination without evidence.

The statement, signed by Evans Boima Tuku, demanded an immediate retraction and apology from Kaba, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action for criminal libel and defamation.

“Let me be unequivocally clear from the outset: Mamesie Kaba is a serial peddler of political prostitute narratives,” the statement declared, while also describing her allegations as “laughable,” “unsubstantiated,” and “a desperate fabrication.”

The UP Youth Congress vigorously defended Amos Tweh, portraying him as a respected public servant with a clean professional record and accusing the CDC of orchestrating a coordinated smear campaign aimed at damaging his reputation and undermining the Unity Party.

“Comrade Amos B. Tweh does not need to bribe anyone,” the statement asserted. “His name, his record, and his decades of honorable service speak for themselves. He is a builder. He is a reformer.”

The ruling party’s youth wing also challenged Kaba to produce evidence supporting her accusations, including juror testimonies, police reports, indictments, or any documentary proof linking Amos Tweh to an attempted bribery scheme.

“Where is your proof? Where are the juror affidavits? Where is the police report? You have nothing but hot air and the desperate bidding of political masters,” the statement continued.

The UP Youth Congress further argued that the timing of the allegation reflects growing desperation within the CDC as legal scrutiny surrounding former officials of the Weah administration continues. According to the statement, opposition figures are attempting to divert public attention from the substance of ongoing legal proceedings by attacking personalities connected to the current government.

In one of the statement’s sharpest attacks, the ruling party’s youth wing accused Kaba of seeking political relevance after what it described as an unsuccessful tenure in government. The statement also branded the CDC Youth League’s allegations as part of a broader misinformation campaign intended to weaken public trust in the judiciary and legal process.

But supporters of the CDC insist the allegations surrounding the alleged juror bribery attempt deserve serious public scrutiny, especially given the political sensitivity of the case involving former senior government officials.

The escalating exchange now adds another layer of controversy to the politically charged prosecution involving Samuel Tweah and several former CDC officials, a case that continues to divide public opinion across Liberia.

The confrontation also highlights the deepening hostility between the CDC and the Unity Party, with both sides increasingly resorting to aggressive public rhetoric as political tensions continue to rise nationwide.

While the CDC camp portrays the alleged bribery claims as evidence of political interference and manipulation within the judicial process, the Unity Party insists the accusations are reckless, defamatory, and unsupported by facts.

The post Up Youth Congress Threatens Lawsuit After Mamesie Kaba Accuses Amos Tweh Of Juror Bribery appeared first on Liberia News Network.

NAIROBI, KENYA – The Government of Liberia has taken a major step toward strengthening the country’s energy and industrial sectors after signing a US$26 million agreement with Kenyan-based Thames Electrical Limited to establish Liberia’s first electrical manufacturing plant.

The agreement, signed Tuesday, May 12, on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, was executed through the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and is expected to significantly reduce Liberia’s dependence on imported electrical materials and equipment.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the proposed manufacturing facility will produce transformers, conductors, switchgears, smart meters, and several other electrical products locally for use across Liberia and potentially the wider West African region.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Joseph Nyuma Boakai described the project as a major milestone in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure and promote industrial growth.

“This represents the beginning of the end of Liberia’s dependence on imported electrical materials,” President Boakai said. “By producing these materials locally, we will drastically reduce procurement and delivery timelines while creating opportunities for industrial growth and job creation.”

President Boakai emphasized that improving energy infrastructure remains critical to Liberia’s economic transformation, regional integration, and the improvement of living conditions for ordinary citizens. According to him, the project also positions Liberia to benefit from growing opportunities within the regional energy market.

The Liberian leader further stated that the agreement aligns with his administration’s broader agenda to promote industrialization, attract foreign investment, encourage technology transfer, and expand employment opportunities for Liberians.

“Liberia is open to business, and my Administration remains committed to creating an environment where credible investors can partner with us in advancing industrial development, infrastructure expansion, technology transfer, and job creation,” Boakai added.

The President also stressed the importance of increasing manufacturing activities across Africa, noting that the continent must move beyond excessive dependence on imported finished goods and instead focus on local production and value addition.

He highlighted Liberia’s strategic geographical location and existing regional energy connections with neighboring countries, including Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, stating that the project could position Liberia as a regional hub for electrical equipment supply in West Africa.

The agreement follows ongoing diplomatic and economic engagements between Liberia and Kenya, including recent discussions between President Boakai and Kenyan President William S. Ruto, during which electrical manufacturing was identified as a key area for bilateral cooperation.

The Chief Executive Officer of Thames Electrical Limited welcomed the partnership and thanked the Liberian government for the confidence placed in the company. He described the agreement as an important milestone and pledged the company’s commitment to delivering quality services and maintaining strong collaboration with Liberian partners.

The company’s CEO also emphasized the importance of stronger intra-African partnerships, expressing hope that the investment would encourage more Kenyan businesses to explore opportunities in Liberia.

“We will do our best to make Kenya proud in Liberia and ensure that Liberia feels that our countries are not just on the same continent, but are like family,” the CEO stated.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Sheriff welcomed the investment and noted that local manufacturing of electrical materials would significantly reduce procurement delays and improve the efficiency of power infrastructure development across the country.

The post Gol Signs Us$26 Million Deal To Build First Electrical Manufacturing Plant appeared first on Liberia News Network.

The achievement has been attributed to the division’s strategic approach to compliance enforcement, enhanced taxpayer engagement, expanded field monitoring, and strengthened oversight mechanisms aimed at increasing voluntary tax compliance and broadening the national tax base.

The Government and Non-Profit Division (GNFPD), which oversees tax administration and compliance activities involving government institutions and non-profit entities across Liberia, has remained proactive in driving compliance initiatives and strengthening oversight within the sector.

According to official department performance records, the GNFPD exceeded its projected revenue target of US$120.584 million by generating more than US$141.729 million during 2025, representing an overperformance of approximately 18 percent. The achievement represents one of the department’s strongest revenue performances in recent years.

Speaking during the presentation of a certificate of recognition to the GNFPD team, Domestic Tax Commissioner Margaret P. Krote praised the division for its professionalism, innovation, and operational efficiency.

“We are proud of the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the division in expanding the tax net and improving compliance measures,” Commissioner Krote stated.

She noted that the accomplishment further reinforces the Authority’s ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization, improve taxpayer compliance, and support Liberia’s broader national development agenda. She stressed that the division’s success demonstrates the importance of teamwork, proactive enforcement, and results-driven strategies in strengthening domestic revenue collection.

Commissioner Krote further encouraged other divisions within the Domestic Tax Department to embrace practical, results-driven approaches aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening compliance enforcement, and expanding revenue collection across all sectors.

Receiving the award on behalf of the division, GNFPD Assistant Commissioner Eddie Howe described the recognition as a reflection of the resilience and collective efforts of the division’s staff.

AC Howe expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Domestic Tax Department, headed by Commissioner Krote, for its continued support and guidance in advancing the division’s mandate. Mr. Howe also acknowledged the contribution of LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah toward the division’s achievements.

“Let me thank you for this award. It is both encouraging and reenergizing, inspiring us to continue doing more, a commitment to which we remain fully dedicated,” he indicated.

Meanwhile, Commissioner General Jallah congratulated the division for its exceptional performance and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to strengthening domestic revenue mobilization, improving taxpayer compliance, and supporting the achievement of national revenue targets.

Increased domestic revenue collection remains essential to funding key public services, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and national security, as Liberia continues efforts to strengthen its fiscal position and support sustainable national development.

Since beginning operations in July 2020, the Government and Non-Profit Division has played a strategic role within the Domestic Tax Department through compliance initiatives, stakeholder engagement, enforcement activities, taxpayer awareness campaigns, and collaboration with internal and external partners to improve revenue collection.

As Liberia continues efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and reduce dependence on foreign assistance, the GNFPD’s performance is being viewed as a strong example of the growing role of efficient tax administration in supporting national development and economic stability.

The post Lra Domestic Tax Commissioner Honors Gnfpd For Outstanding Revenue Performance appeared first on Liberia News Network.

Speaking on the ongoing debate surrounding the TIA deal, Senator Snow said the Liberian Constitution protects the sanctity of contracts and warned that disregarding contractual agreements could create a dangerous precedent for the country.

According to the senator, the government must adhere to due process and avoid what he described as bending the law to satisfy political interests.

“Government should file a court action or litigation instead of canceling the TIA contract to enter another contract,” Senator Snow stated. “I don’t believe it is in the best interest of the country.”

The Bomi County lawmaker further disclosed that while the House of Representatives voted to de-ratify the agreement, the Senate did not support.

The post Senator Snow Supports Tia Contract, Calls For Renegotiation appeared first on Liberia News Network.

RIVER GEE COUNTY, LIBERIA — Sarbo Chiefdom in River Gee County and the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC), acting on behalf of SIPH/SIFCA, have signed a 15-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Sarbo Nature Reserve.

The agreement, which runs from 2026 to 2041, will be reviewed every five years.

The signing ceremony was held on April 13, 2026, in Sarbo Woffiken Town and brought together representatives from Sarbo Chiefdom, the Ministry of Agriculture, civil society organizations (CSOs), the superintendents of River Gee and Maryland counties, members of the media, and the general public.

The agreement marks a significant shift from commercial rubber expansion to long-term forest conservation, in line with international zero-deforestation commitments and Liberia’s environmental sustainability goals.

Under the agreement, approximately 2,123.94 hectares of forest land, including high-carbon stock and degraded forest areas, will be formally protected.

The Sarbo Nature Reserve is expected to conserve biodiversity and critical ecosystems, restore degraded forest landscapes, promote sustainable forest management, prevent illegal logging, farming, hunting, and encroachment, and support climate change mitigation efforts.

According to the agreement, the project will be supervised by the newly established Sarbo Nature Reserve Committee (SNRC), which will ensure transparency, accountability, and joint decision-making.

The SNRC will comprise five representatives from the Sarbo communities, five representatives from CRC/SIPH, one representative from the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), and the River Gee County Agriculture Coordinator.

The committee will hold three meetings annually to monitor compliance with conservation regulations and oversee implementation activities. It is also expected to transition into an independent legal entity within three years.

As part of the agreement, a specialized security unit known as the Community-Based Forest Guards (CBFG) will be established to protect the reserve.

The guards will patrol forest areas to prevent illegal hunting, farming, and encroachment; maintain buffer zones between agricultural and protected lands; monitor and control access points; restrict unauthorized entry; and support biodiversity conservation initiatives.

The MoU also introduces strict environmental safeguards, including a ban on farming, hunting, and land clearing within the reserve, as well as the prohibition of bush burning and agrochemical use. Additional measures include the installation of warning signs and monitoring systems, along with community awareness and environmental education programs.

To reduce dependence on forest resources, the agreement includes several livelihood and social support initiatives for affected communities.

The MoU provides an annual compensation of US$5 per hectare to support the production of rice, cassava, bananas, pineapples, and vegetables. It also includes market access support for agricultural products, as well as assistance for livestock, poultry, fish farming, beekeeping, cattle, and piggery projects.

Additionally, the agreement allocates an annual budget of US$30,000 for community development initiatives. Of this amount, US$5,000 will support volunteer teachers in Maaken, Woffiken, Geeken, Saykliken, and Sweaken.

The remaining US$25,000 will fund livelihood and development projects, with allocations distributed as follows: the host community will receive US$12,000, Sweaken US$3,500, Geeken US$3,500, Maaken US$3,000, and Saykliken US$3,000.

The MoU also provides for the construction and equipping of a health post in Sarbo Woffiken, which will later be turned over to the community and the Ministry of Health for management.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, FDA Region Five Coordinator Evans Momodu Kiatamba called on both parties to uphold their responsibilities to ensure a successful partnership.

“The FDA owns the forest, while the community serves as custodians. Having this agreement with a renowned plantation company, we expect both the community and CRC to fulfill their responsibilities. Our offices remain open,” Kiatamba said.

CRC/SIPH/SIFCA Executive Director John Lootvoet also pledged the company’s commitment to fully implementing the terms of the agreement.

For his part, River Gee County Superintendent Mike Tarpeh Swengbe praised the people of Sarbo Chiefdom for choosing conservation over destructive exploitation of forest resources.

He urged other communities across River Gee County to emulate Sarbo Chiefdom’s example by embracing sustainable environmental practices.

The agreement was officially signed by representatives of the five Sarbo communities, including youth leaders, women representatives, chiefs, and elders, alongside CRC Managing Director, Mr. “Marc Genot signed behalf of the CRC.

The partnership traces its roots to earlier arrangements made in 2012 following a national concession granted to CRC in 2011.

At the time, Sarbo Chiefdom allocated land for rubber cultivation, with plans to develop nearly 4,000 hectares. However, only 2,481 hectares were later confirmed suitable for cultivation.

A 2016 environmental assessment subsequently identified significant portions of high-carbon-stock (HCS) forest within the concession area, prompting both parties to reconsider the future use of the land.

With growing international restrictions on deforestation and increasing global demand for sustainable land management, the parties eventually agreed to convert the unplanted concession land into a protected forest reserve.

The post Sarbo Chiefdom, Crc Sign 15-year Forest Conservation Agreement In River Gee appeared first on Liberia News Network.

The findings of the Legislature’s Joint Conference Committee should alarm every Liberian who cares about governance, transparency, and the country’s international credibility. The committee did not merely disagree with the suspension of the TIA agreement; it effectively exposed what appears to be a reckless and legally dangerous maneuver orchestrated under the supervision of the LTA. Rather than following lawful procedures to amend or terminate the agreement, the Authority allegedly entertained negotiations with another entity while the existing concession remained fully binding under Liberian law.

That revelation alone raises disturbing questions about competence, motive, and accountability within the LTA leadership structure.

The Legislature’s report could not have been clearer. The committee concluded that the government had not undertaken any lawful process to terminate the agreement before exploring discussions with another company. In essence, lawmakers are warning that Liberia’s telecommunications regulator may have acted outside constitutional and statutory boundaries. That is not a minor administrative oversight; it is a serious institutional failure with potentially devastating consequences for the country.

Even more troubling is the emergence of NUMTEL JVC Liberia, a company lawmakers themselves admitted was virtually unknown. According to the committee’s findings, there was no evidence of proper due diligence, no established public record of credibility, and apparently only one identifiable signatory attached to its documents. Yet this mysterious entity somehow appeared positioned to replace a concessionaire whose agreement had already been ratified, published, and operationalized for years.

How could a responsible regulatory institution entertain such a transition without transparency?

Why would the LTA leadership move toward replacing an existing legally protected agreement with a company that lawmakers themselves could barely verify?

Those questions now hang heavily over Chairman Clarence Massaquoi and the entire LTA Board.

The implications extend far beyond telecommunications monitoring. Liberia is a fragile economy heavily dependent on foreign investment and international partnerships. Investors do not simply examine mineral deposits or market opportunities before entering a country; they study whether contracts are respected and whether governments operate within predictable legal frameworks. When a government institution appears willing to undermine a ratified concession agreement without exhausting lawful remedies, it sends a chilling signal to the international business community.

The Legislature rightly warned that such actions could destroy investor confidence and expose Liberia to costly international arbitration. Those concerns are not theoretical. Across Africa, governments have paid millions of dollars in damages after unlawfully interfering with concession agreements. Liberia, already burdened by economic hardship, debt pressure, and revenue shortfalls, cannot afford another avoidable legal disaster created by institutional recklessness.

What makes this episode even more disturbing is the contradiction between the Legislature’s findings and the apparent direction pursued by the Executive branch through the LTA. Lawmakers are now openly cautioning against replacing TIA while the original agreement remains valid, yet the Authority reportedly moved forward with actions that suggested the opposite. Such institutional confusion projects instability and weakens confidence in governance.

The committee’s warning about constitutional violations should not be dismissed as political rhetoric. Article 25 of the Constitution protects contractual obligations, while Article 20 reinforces due process and legal protections. By allegedly attempting to bypass these safeguards, the LTA risks creating the impression that contracts in Liberia can be discarded whenever politically convenient. That perception is deadly for any nation seeking serious international investment.

The LTA’s justification that the agreement contained irregularities does not automatically excuse disregard for due process. If genuine concerns existed, the lawful path was clear through renegotiation, arbitration, or legal termination procedures. Instead, the Legislature now suggests the Authority pursued actions inconsistent with established procurement and concession laws. Such behavior creates the appearance of institutional arrogance, a dangerous belief that regulatory bodies can operate above the very legal framework they are sworn to uphold.

Chairman Clarence Massaquoi now faces a credibility crisis that cannot be ignored. As head of the Board overseeing the telecommunications sector, he carries a responsibility not only to protect national interests but also to ensure that every decision of the Authority complies with the law. Yet under his watch, the LTA now stands accused of steering Liberia into a constitutional confrontation and an unnecessary contractual controversy that could expose the nation to international embarrassment.

This controversy also raises broader governance concerns under the Boakai administration. Liberia cannot claim commitment to transparency and investor confidence while state institutions appear to undermine ratified agreements behind closed doors. The administration must understand that international partners are watching closely. The handling of this matter could shape perceptions about Liberia’s reliability for years to come.

Equally alarming is the committee’s warning that the continued suspension of the telecommunications monitoring system is already causing financial losses and exposing Liberia to national security risks. In a period marked by transnational crime, trafficking, smuggling, and regional instability, weakening telecommunications monitoring infrastructure is not merely an administrative issue, it is a direct threat to national security and revenue generation.

The Legislature has now effectively offered the government a path away from deeper crisis: renegotiate rather than destroy the agreement. That recommendation reflects pragmatism, legality, and national interest. It acknowledges that disputes can exist within contracts while still respecting constitutional order and commercial law principles.

The LTA, however, owes Liberians a full explanation. Who introduced NUMTEL JVC Liberia? What due diligence was conducted? Why was a replacement option reportedly considered before lawful termination procedures were completed? And who authorized actions that lawmakers now characterize as contrary to constitutional and procurement protections?

Silence from the Authority will only deepen suspicion.

Liberia’s institutions cannot continue operating as though laws are optional guidelines rather than binding obligations. The danger in this controversy is not only the telecommunications dispute itself, but the precedent it threatens to establish. If regulatory agencies can casually interfere with ratified agreements today, what stops similar actions tomorrow in mining, energy, agriculture, or infrastructure concessions?

That is why this matter demands urgent accountability.

The Legislature has spoken with unusual clarity. The warning signs are unmistakable. Liberia now stands at a crossroads between lawful governance and institutional overreach. The Boakai administration must decide whether it will defend constitutional order or permit dangerous regulatory adventurism to erode the nation’s credibility.

Massaquoi and the LTA Board, this episode may ultimately define their legacy, not as guardians of telecommunications reform, but as officials accused of placing Liberia’s legal integrity and investment reputation at unnecessary risk.

The post Lta’s Tia Controversy Raises Alarm Over Investor Confidence And Constitutional Violations appeared first on Liberia News Network.

The ceremony saw the graduation of 1,633 students, comprising 893 men and 740 women which is a record-breaking achievement in the institution’s history. There was also  a 27% increase in enrolment since 2022, underscoring the university’s growing influence as a regional hub for higher education. The highlights of this year’s cohort include: The first-ever cohort of Dentistry graduates in the history of The Gambia. Pioneering PhD graduates in Law, reflecting the university’s rising research capacity. Strong output from the School of Business and Public Administration (381 graduates) and the School of Arts and Sciences (319 graduates).

In his message which focussed on the role of higher education on policy engagement, innovation and job creation for youth empowerment, President Barrow praised the resilience, discipline, and determination of the graduating class, describing them as “the architects of The Gambia’s future”. He urged them to use their education not only for personal advancement, but for national service, innovation, and social transformation. The President also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening higher education infrastructure, expanding access to learning opportunities and supporting the continued growth of the University of the Gambia.

In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Professor Herbert Robinson detailed the university’s successful transformation since 2022, guided by the “Quality First” Agenda. This strategic framework is built upon six key priorities, known as the 6S: Student Experience: Expanding global exposure through Erasmus+ exchanges and local career placements. Staff Development and Welfare: Promoting 138 academic staff and investing significantly in PhD training for staff across Asia, Africa, and the USA. Space (Physical and Virtual): The completion of Phase 2 at the Faraba Banta Campus, featuring 12 state-of-the-art laboratories and the moot court” Systems for Performance Management: Implementing new job specifications and evaluation systems and workload models to foster a research-active culture. Sustainable Financing: Generating over GMD 300 million in research and consultancy income to reduce reliance on government funding. Stakeholder Engagement: Establishing specialized knowledge hubs such as the Policy Institute, the CIFAL Banjul Centre in partnership with UNITAR, centers for Climate Action, Computer Applications, Food Science, and Child Rights in partnership with international bodies like the UNDP, UNICEF, and IDB. Vice Chancellor, Prof Robinson stressed the importance of the transformative blueprint – the strategic priorities known as the 6S in reinforcing the University’s core pillars of teaching and learning, research and knowledge transfer, community services and engagement.

“The beautiful Faraba Banta Campus stands as a true testament to our growth and resilience,” stated Professor Herbert Robinson. “Our ‘Quality First’ agenda has been the cornerstone of this transformation, shifting UTG from a teaching-led institution to a research-active, service-oriented university that serves the pressing needs of our society.”

Professor Robinson paid glowing tribute to President Barrow and thanked him as the Chancellor for his vision and significant infrastructure investment to transform the Faraba Campus to a modern state-of-the-art university.  He expressed his appreciation to the Minister of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez in facilitating critical infrastructure projects at Faraba to allow for the steady expansion of programmes and the move to a research academic centre of Excellence.  The ceremony also highlighted UTG’s increasing international profile. The university recently hosted the Annual General Meeting of Vice-Chancellors and the U6+ International Conference, culminating in Professor Robinson’s appointment as the Chair of the U6+ Consortium.

The Vice Chancellor also announced plans to launch an Alumni Body, Endowment Fund and a UTG Enterprise Unit to ensure the institution’s long-term financial resilience. Professor Robinson urged the graduates to embrace their roles as leaders: “Graduates, today you step forward not only with degrees in hand, but with the responsibility to lead, to serve, and to keep learning throughout your lives.”  Looking ahead, the university is advancing its digital transformation to modernize learning and deepen research to address national challenges such as climate change, food security, and renewable energy. Professor Robinson  also spoke about the long-term perspective of transforming the university to the next level for international ranking, which he said requires clarity, continuity and collective commitment.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Excellency Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank who was the Chief Guest of Honor at this year’s UTG Convocation ceremony. In a historical move, the school of Agriculture and Environmental sciences was named after Dr. Adesina, who pledged an Endowment Fund to the tune of US$ 250,000. Other important dignitaries who attended the ceremony were Professor Daouda Ngom, Senegal’s Minister of Higher Education. The presence of Vice Chancellors from the University of Ghana, Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria) and Gaston Berger University (Senegal) signalled the strong pan-African academic alliances UTG continues to build.

The post University Of The Gambia Celebrates Historic 18th Convocation: Record Graduation And Strategic Transformation Take Center Stage At Faraba Banta Campus appeared first on Liberia News Network.

The dismissed individuals, identified as Francis Hodge and Darlington Flomo, were previously assigned to operational bases in New Kru Town and Duport Road respectively. According to the LDEA, both men have been removed from their roles with immediate effect and disqualified from the ongoing vetting process for the next intake of volunteers scheduled for training at the Police Academy.

The agency said the decision was based on the outcome of an internal investigation which established that the two individuals were involved in repeated harassment of civilians and engaged in behavior deemed unprofessional and contrary to the agency’s standards.

In its statement, the LDEA emphasized that it operates under a strict zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, including acts of corruption, collusion, or any actions that undermine law enforcement efforts.

“As a result, their eligibility and consideration within the current vetting process have been permanently revoked,” the statement noted.

The agency further cautioned members of the public against interacting with or recognizing the dismissed individuals as representatives of the LDEA, stressing that they no longer hold any authority or affiliation with the institution.

The move underscores what the LDEA describes as its ongoing commitment to discipline, integrity, and accountability in its operations, particularly as it intensifies efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse across the country.

Authorities are also urging citizens to remain vigilant and support the fight against illegal drugs by reporting suspicious activities through the agency’s hotline numbers.

The statement was issued by S/A G. Orlando Demey, Chief of the Public Relations Department of the LDEA.

The post Ldea Dismisses Two Volunteers Over Misconduct, Warns Public Against Engagement appeared first on Liberia News Network.

If these claims reflect the reality on the ground, then the issue is no longer simply about migration policy or bilateral relations. It is about the dignity of West African citizens and the credibility of regional integration under the ECOWAS Parliament framework.

Liberians, as Rep. Mensah stated, are no longer recognized as refugees in Ghana. That transition, while legally understandable after years of displacement following Liberia’s civil war, appears to have left many in a dangerous policy vacuum. “Let me make this clear, Liberians are no longer under refugee status in Ghana, and they are not being catered to as such,” she warned, adding that many are now living independently without structured support systems.

The closure of the Buduburam refugee settlement in 2024 marked a turning point that, instead of resolving displacement concerns, appears to have deepened vulnerability. According to Mensah, many Liberians were left in churches and public spaces, surviving on informal arrangements until intervention efforts were made. The question that now arises is whether West African states are adequately prepared to manage post-refugee transitions without exposing already vulnerable populations to hardship.

This is where the issue becomes uncomfortable for regional diplomacy. Ghana has long been regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies and a host to numerous ECOWAS citizens. However, stability alone does not absolve responsibility. Regional integration must mean more than open borders; it must include humane treatment of citizens who move within those borders.

The allegation that Liberians are now effectively self-sustaining, renting homes without structured assistance or protection, raises concerns about whether their rights and welfare are being adequately safeguarded. Even if refugee status has expired, dignity does not expire with it.

Rep. Mensah’s warning that 802 families are requesting repatriation should be treated as a policy alarm, not political rhetoric. Large-scale voluntary return movements rarely occur without underlying distress. If citizens are choosing to leave rather than remain, then conditions in the host country deserve urgent review through diplomatic and humanitarian channels.

But the issue does not end there. Mensah also broadened her intervention to West Africa’s energy vulnerability, questioning Liberia’s reliance on electricity imports from Côte d’Ivoire. Her argument was blunt: dependency breeds weakness. “If we cannot develop our own resources, others will continue to take advantage of us,” she cautioned.

This point is not isolated from the migration issue. Both reflect a wider structural problem in West Africa: overdependence, weak domestic systems, and insufficient regional solidarity in practical terms. ECOWAS has long championed free movement and integration, but integration without shared responsibility becomes uneven burden-sharing.

The silence or slow response of regional institutions to such concerns risks eroding public confidence in ECOWAS itself. Citizens do not evaluate regional bodies by communiqués; they judge them by outcomes. When migrants feel abandoned, when energy systems remain fragile, and when states struggle to protect their own nationals abroad, regional unity becomes theoretical rather than practical.

Mensah’s intervention therefore should not be dismissed as parliamentary theater. It reflects growing frustration that West Africans are integrated in principle but unsupported in practice. Her warning that these issues could escalate into “bigger economic crises” is not exaggerated rhetoric; it is a reflection of interconnected vulnerabilities across migration, energy, and governance systems.

The responsibility now lies with ECOWAS and member states, particularly Ghana and Liberia, to engage in frank diplomatic dialogue. If repatriation requests are increasing, then structured reintegration programs must be developed. If migrants are vulnerable, then protection mechanisms must be strengthened. If energy dependency is becoming a strategic weakness, then regional investment must urgently shift toward domestic capacity.

West Africa cannot continue to celebrate integration while ignoring its human cost. The measure of regional cooperation is not in how freely people move, but in how safely and dignifiedly they live when they do.

Until these issues are addressed decisively, the promise of ECOWAS risks remaining incomplete, a union of borders without a guarantee of protection, and a community of states without equal regard for their citizens abroad.

The post Liberians In Ghana Deserve Dignity, Not Neglect – Ecowas Must Not Look Away appeared first on Liberia News Network.