The government, through the Ministry of Health (MOH), has launched a high-level policy process aimed at tackling one of the most persistent challenges in its healthcare system: how to sustainably finance and retain the country’s frontline health workers serving remote communities.

At a three-day strategic workshop convened under the National Community Health Program, health authorities and partners are designing a Community Health Worker (CHW) entrepreneurship model—an approach that could redefine how rural healthcare is delivered and sustained across the country.

The initiative, supported by partners including Catholic Relief Services, Last Mile Health, UNICEF, and the Mastercard Foundation, reflects a broader shift in policy thinking: moving beyond short-term funding solutions toward long-term system resilience.

Liberia’s community health workforce emerged as a critical pillar of the health system in the aftermath of the West Africa Ebola Epidemic, when gaps in rural healthcare delivery became starkly evident.

Since then, the CHW network has expanded significantly, now serving more than 1.2 million people in communities located over an hour’s walk from the nearest health facility.

These workers provide essential services including maternal and child health support, disease surveillance and basic treatment and referrals.

Yet despite their central role, the system has remained fragile.

Officials acknowledge that irregular stipends, weak supply chains, and limited career incentives have contributed to high attrition rates, declining morale and inconsistent service delivery.

The New Approach: Entrepreneurship as a Financing Tool

At the core of the Ministry’s proposal is a shift toward a hybrid financing model—one that blends public health service with structured income-generating opportunities for CHWs.

A Ministry official explained the rationale, “We are looking at a model that keeps CHWs motivated, equipped, and accountable to the communities they serve. The intention is not to commercialize healthcare, but to stabilize the system.”

The approach seeks to address a fundamental tension in the health sector as CHWs are expected to deliver essential services but lack reliable income to sustain their work.

By introducing entrepreneurship elements—potentially linked to health-related microenterprises or community-based services—the government hopes to create predictable livelihoods without undermining free healthcare delivery.

This new approach would lead to retention and motivation in the sector as one of the biggest threats to the country’s CHW system is attrition. When payments are delayed or inconsistent, workers often leave for more stable opportunities.

Evidence from similar programs suggests that financial stability directly improves retention.

A representative from Last Mile Health noted, “When CHWs have a predictable livelihood, attrition drops and service quality improves.”

It would also lead to service continuity in rural areas because in hard-to-reach communities, CHWs are often the only link to the formal health system.

Any disruption in their availability can lead to delayed treatment, increased maternal and child mortality and reduced disease surveillance.

By stabilizing their income, the initiative aims to ensure continuous service delivery, particularly in vulnerable regions.

The new approach would also help to reduce the sector’s dependence on donors’ support as the health sector has historically relied heavily on donor funding. While this has enabled rapid expansion, it has also created sustainability risks.

The entrepreneurship model represents an attempt, according to the ministry to diversify financing sources, build local resilience and reduce vulnerability to external funding shocks.

The involvement of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry suggests a broader ambition: linking health workers to national financial systems.

This could include access to mobile money platforms, savings and credit schemes and small business development support.

Such integration positions CHWs not just as health providers, but as economic actors within their communities.

While the initiative has strong potential, it also raises critical policy questions.

Will It Shift Costs to Patients?

Health partners, including UNICEF, have emphasized the need to protect free access to essential services.

“Any new financing mechanism must protect the principle that maternal, newborn, and child health services remain free at the point of care,” a UNICEF official cautioned.

The success of the model will depend on clear regulatory safeguards to prevent unintended commercialization.

Introducing entrepreneurship responsibilities could place additional demands on CHWs.

Without proper design, there is a risk that business activities could distract from clinical duties and service quality could decline.

The Ministry has, however, indicated that supervision, performance standards, and integration with national systems will be critical to mitigating these risks.

There is also the question of whether all communities will benefit equally.

Rural areas with lower economic activity, and limited market access may struggle to sustain entrepreneurship-based models, potentially widening disparities.

Liberia is not alone in exploring this approach. Countries such as Malawi and Uganda have piloted similar models, combining digital tools, structured supervision and income-generating opportunities.

These experiences suggest that hybrid models can work—but only with strong oversight and system integration.

The workshop is expected to produce a draft implementation roadmap, including financing mechanisms, training frameworks, governance structures and monitoring indicators.

Pilot counties will be selected based on criteria such as accessibility, population density and CHW performance.

A second round of stakeholder consultations will precede national rollout, the ministry has disclosed.

The CHW entrepreneurship initiative represents more than a technical reform—it signals a strategic shift in how Liberia thinks about healthcare delivery.

Instead of treating community health workers as temporary extensions of donor-funded programs, the government is moving toward institutionalizing them as a permanent, sustainable workforce.

If successfully implemented, the model could strengthen rural healthcare access, improve health outcomes and build system resilience.

But failure to carefully manage the balance between sustainability and equity could risk undermining the very gains it seeks to achieve.

The healthcare system has made significant strides since the Ebola crisis, but sustainability remains its greatest challenge.

The Ministry’s latest initiative acknowledges a hard truth that a system that depends on unstable financing cannot deliver stable care.

By reimagining how community health workers are supported, the government is attempting to close that gap.

The question now is not whether reform is needed—but whether this model can deliver the delicate balance it promises, financial stability for workers, without compromising care for patients.

The post Gov’t Shifts from Donor Dependence to System Sustainability | News appeared first on Liberia News Network.

MONROVIA — The Chairman of the Patriotic Entrepreneurs of Liberia (PATEL), Dominic Nimely, has issued a strong warning over what he described as the growing dominance of foreign nationals in Liberia’s retail sector, urging government authorities to strictly enforce existing trade regulations meant to protect Liberian businesses.

Speaking at a weekend news conference in Monrovia, Nimely who also heads the Liberia Business Association (LIBA) and the Used Car Dealers Association said local entrepreneurs are increasingly being pushed out of small-scale commerce due to weak enforcement of laws reserving retail trade for Liberian citizens.

According to him, continued foreign participation in retail markets threatens the survival of indigenous businesses and undermines efforts to build a strong Liberian-owned private sector.

“Retail trade is legally reserved for Liberians, yet enforcement remains a major challenge,” Nimely stated. “If the situation continues unchecked, we will be compelled to pursue lawful remedies, including what we refer to as a citizen’s arrest against violators.”

Concerns Over Economic Displacement

Nimely argued that foreign traders’ presence across both wholesale and retail markets creates unfair competition for Liberian entrepreneurs who already struggle with limited access to capital, high operational costs, and insufficient institutional support.

He noted that despite repeated engagements with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and other relevant government agencies, tangible progress toward addressing the issue has been slow.

“The continuous expansion of foreign retailers is squeezing ordinary Liberians out of business opportunities,” he said, stressing that stronger regulatory oversight is necessary to ensure compliance with national trade policies.

Government Support Acknowledged but Insufficient

While criticizing enforcement gaps, Nimely commended the government for allocating budgetary support to both PATEL and LIBA in the national budget, describing the move as an important recognition of the role local business organizations play in economic development.

However, he maintained that the funding remains inadequate to significantly transform Liberia’s entrepreneurial landscape.

“The allocation is appreciated, but it is only a drop in the ocean compared to the needs of Liberian businesses,” Nimely added.

Call for Pro-Liberian Business Environment

The PATEL Chairman is now urging authorities to prioritize policies that promote Liberian participation in commerce, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and expand financing opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

He emphasized that empowering Liberian-owned enterprises is essential to job creation, economic inclusion, and long-term national growth.

“Our objective is not confrontation,” Nimely concluded, “but ensuring that Liberians fully benefit from economic opportunities within their own country.”

The post PATEL Warns of Action Against Foreign Retail Dominance | News appeared first on Liberia News Network.

Nyahn G. Flomo has assured citizens that the ongoing border dispute between Liberia and Guinea will be resolved through diplomatic means, emphasizing that the country’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable.

Addressing a cross-section of constituents during a legislative engagement on April 18, 2026, Representative Flomo disclosed that the Legislature is actively working with Liberia’s diplomatic corps to de-escalate tensions and secure the withdrawal of Guinean troops from disputed territory.

“The Liberia–Guinea border saga will be settled diplomatically,” he assured. “Nobody should say the government is weak, but we will not allow any nation to take an inch of our territory.”

He revealed that discussions are ongoing with regional diplomats, including coordination led by the Cameroonian Ambassador, aimed at resolving the situation peacefully. However, he warned that Liberia is prepared to escalate the matter to international legal mechanisms if diplomacy fails.

“If diplomatic approaches fail, we will seek the international justice system, as was done between Nigeria and Cameroon over the Bakassi Peninsula,” Flomo said. “Cameroon went to the International Court of Justice and won the case and then took over the sovereignty of her land.”

The border tensions have sparked anxiety among citizens, with many expressing concerns about national security and questioning the pace of the government’s response.

Flomo pointed to the Mano River Union as a potential platform for resolving the dispute but acknowledged challenges, noting that not all member states have fully ratified key protocols necessary for coordinated legislative action.

“I have been pushing for a cross-border legislative caucus where lawmakers from both sides can engage directly to resolve issues along the borderline,” he explained, adding that regional cooperation must go beyond executive actions to include lawmakers who are closer to the people.

He further indicated that Liberia has been playing a leading role in advancing the establishment of an MRU Parliament, expressing optimism that full ratification across member states will strengthen regional dispute resolution mechanisms.

Beyond the border issue, Representative Flomo highlighted his legislative contributions, including proposed bills such as a “President Day” to honor all former Liberian leaders, a structured impeachment procedure bill, and a national observance for traditional heritage.

“We observed that many young people do not know our traditions,” he said. “We must preserve our cultural identity, not just celebrate Western holidays.”

On oversight, he pointed to efforts to promote geographic balance in government appointments and ensure that benefits from concession agreements—particularly with ArcelorMittal Liberia—are equitably distributed.

“We established that from the US$50 million agreement, Nimba will receive US$5 million, with half going directly to the most affected communities,” he explained.

Flomo also outlined development initiatives linked to his advocacy, including the construction of a police station in Yarpea, financial assistance to students, and road rehabilitation projects.

The engagement, organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy with support from the European Union and the embassies of Ireland and Sweden, created space for citizens to directly question their representative on issues ranging from the national budget to currency policy.

Participants raised concerns about plans to print new banknotes, urging the government to first release updated census data.

“We believe there will still be inflation if we don’t know the current population,” one student noted. “Let the census result be released before determining how much money to print.”

Other citizens highlighted infrastructure challenges, including calls for the relocation of a hospital or construction of overhead bridges in Sanniquellie due to disruptions caused by railway operations linked to mining activities.

Concerns were also raised about transparency in concession agreements, with residents questioning the government’s share of revenues generated by major investments in the country.

The forum also presented findings from a legislative monitoring report, which pointed to issues such as lawmakers’ attendance, lack of digital transparency tools, and the need for improved accountability mechanisms.

Despite the wide range of concerns, Flomo maintained that dialogue, diplomacy, and stronger regional cooperation remain central to resolving both national and cross-border challenges.

As tensions persist along the Liberia–Guinea border, his message to citizens was firm: the government is engaged, sovereignty will be protected, and all options—diplomatic and legal—remain on the table.

The post Nimba Lawmaker Says Talks Ongoing to Secure Withdrawal of Guinean Troops | News appeared first on Liberia News Network.

Liberia has called for a clear, focused, and adequately resourced United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan to address the country’s rapidly deteriorating political, security, and humanitarian situation.

Speaking in her national capacity in support of an A3 statement delivered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the Council’s briefing on South Sudan on Friday, April 17, 2026, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, underscored the urgent need for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to concentrate on its core mandate—the protection of civilians, facilitation of humanitarian access, and support to the peace process.

Drawing on Liberia’s own post‑conflict experience and lessons learned from peacekeeping transitions, Minister Nyanti emphasized that effectiveness—not expansion—must guide future UNMISS operations.

Liberia aligned with the A3 in expressing deep concern over escalating violence, mass displacement, and the alarming rise in civilian casualties. The A3 stressed that peacekeeping remains essential—not optional—in South Sudan’s current context.

Minister Nyanti warned that expanding expectations without commensurate resources risks weakening civilian protection and undermining the credibility of peacekeeping operations. She called on the Council to ensure that the renewal of the UNMISS mandate is matched with predictable financing, operational flexibility, and strong political support. Her Excellency also reaffirmed Liberia’s strong support for African‑led mediation efforts and welcomed the appointment of former President Jakaya Kikwete as African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and Red Sea, with South Sudan as a priority.

While reaffirming the importance of elections for South Sudan’s long‑term democratic transition, Liberia stressed that electoral processes must be approached responsibly and grounded in improved security, inclusivity, and protection of civilians.

“Peacekeeping cannot replace national leadership…But the people of South Sudan deserve a mission that is credible, focused, and fully supported to save lives today while political solutions take root.” Minister Nyanti noted.

The Foreign Minister reiterated Liberia’s commitment to African solidarity, African ownership of peace processes, and constructive engagement within the UN Security Council to advance stability and protect civilians in South Sudan.

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The post 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 appeared first on Liberia News Network.

For the second consecutive year, the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) has earned national recognition for its exceptional performance, receiving a prestigious award from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for its outstanding contributions to public sector excellence in Liberia. 

The honor was conferred during a well-attended ceremony held on April 20, 2026, at the Parlors of the Executive Mansion in Monrovia. President Boakai presented the Performance Excellence 

Award to PPCC in recognition of its unwavering commitment to efficient service delivery, transparency, accountability, and consistent achievement of performance targets.

In   June 2025, PPCC received the first award for its excellent performance and effort in meeting the deliverables contained in the Government of Liberia’s approved Performance Management and Compliance System (PMCS).    

PPCC stood among a select group of public institutions recognized under the government’s Service Delivery Charter, which forms part of the broader 2025 Performance Management and Compliance System (PMCS). This framework mandates heads of government institutions to meet clearly defined performance benchmarks, reinforcing accountability and results-driven governance across Liberia’s public sector.

Central to PPCC’s success has been its forward-looking Five-Year Strategic Plan, carefully aligned with the government’s ARREST Agenda. Through this roadmap, the Commission has implemented key reforms aimed at modernizing procurement systems and strengthening institutional capacity.

Among its notable achievements include extensive capacity-building initiatives for users of the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) System, development and rollout of structured payment procedures for vendor enrollment and system usage, continuous staff training and institutional strengthening to boost operational efficiency, and expansion of the e-GP platform to enhance transparency and value for public spending.  These efforts have significantly improved procurement processes, ensuring fairness, competitiveness, and better stewardship of public resources.

This recognition comes at a pivotal time in Liberia’s governance landscape, as the country transitions from traditional paper-based procurement system to a fully digital framework. The adoption of the e-GP system represents a major leap toward minimizing corruption risks, increasing transparency, and streamlining contract awards.

The leadership of Bodger Scott Johnson, Head of PPCC, has been widely credited for steering these reforms. Known for his results-oriented approach and strong leadership, Johnson has played a key role in fostering collaboration with stakeholders and international partners while driving institutional excellence.

With support from the World Bank and other development partners, PPCC has successfully expanded the e-GP system to 50 additional government institutions. Moreover, over 600 businesses have been onboarded, enabling them to access government procurement opportunities through a more transparent and competitive bidding process.

This expansion is not only strengthening public financial management but also empowering the private sector by creating equitable access to government contracts, which ultimately contribute to economic growth and national development.

The latest award underscores PPCC’s growing reputation as a cornerstone of Liberia’s public sector reform agenda. As the Commission continues to innovate and expand its digital procurement systems, it is setting new standards for accountability, efficiency, and service delivery in government institutions.

With sustained leadership and strategic partnerships, PPCC appears poised to remain at the forefront of Liberia’s transformation toward transparent and modern public procurement.

The post PPCC Secures Back-to-Back Presidential Honor for Exceptional Performance | News appeared first on Liberia News Network.

The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has officially terminated the volunteer services of two Action Agents (AAs) identified as Musa Kamara and Icarus Geeplay. They are therefore  disqualified and removed from the ongoing vetting process for the next batch of Volunteer Agents.

This decisive action is the result of a conclusive internal investigation which established that both individuals were directly and unlawfully associated with drug suspects. The investigation further revealed acts of serious professional misconduct, including interference in active drug-related cases, unauthorized communication and dealings with suspects, and deliberate actions that compromised ongoing operations and undermined the integrity and mandate of the Agency.

Such conduct constitutes a grave violation of LDEA professional standards and is wholly unacceptable. The Agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of compromise, collusion, or behavior that threatens the enforcement of the law. Accordingly, their eligibility, ambition, and consideration for admission into the LDEA through the current vetting process are hereby permanently revoked and terminated.

The general public is strongly cautioned to desist from engaging, dealing with, or recognizing these individuals in any capacity as representatives of the LDEA.

The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency remains resolutely committed to discipline, integrity, accountability, and the uncompromising enforcement of the law in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

The LDEA urges the public to continue assisting in the fight against drug trafficking  by reporting any suspicious activities.

The post LDEA Terminates Two Action Agent AA Contract | News appeared first on Liberia News Network.

The Central Bank of Liberia, headed by its Executive Governor Henry Saamoi, yesterday informed the Liberian Senate that it intends to print additional L$79 billion in new banknotes from 2026 to 2030 and is proposing a L$2,000 denomination as part of the exercise.

Governor Saamoi told the Senate Joint committee on Banking and Currency, Ways, Means, Finance and Budget, Public Accounts and Audits that of the said amount, L$14.7 billion will be printed in 2026, with the remaining L$64.3 billion to be produced in the years that followed.

The Executive Governor told Senators the printing program is “not just to add more money into the economy.” The new notes will replace old and damaged banknotes, respond to growing cash demand, and support wider monetary objectives.

He puts the damaged notes at 7 percent annually of the L$48 billion previously printed, noting that the plan is also designed to strengthen the Liberian Dollars, and improve monetary policy operations.

Governor Saamoi asserted that the proposed L$79 billion is not the amount initially proposed as the initial proposed was far above L$79 billion.

He added that the amount proposed is an estimate from now to 2030, adding, “If we move to the ‘De-dollarization’ regime, there will be a need for additional banknotes beyond L$79 billion.”

The bank’s proposal includes a L$2,000 note, which would become Liberia’s highest denomination if approved. The current highest bill is L$1,000.

The Governor is yet to disclose the amount required to print the 79B towards the printing of the proposed banknotes.

The proposed additional banknotes printing and new denomination require legislative approval before the CBL can proceed.

The bank’s last major printing and replacement cycle was authorized in 2021.

However, Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has raised serious concerns over what he describes as an unreasonably short timeframe given to lawmakers to approve the printing of additional Liberian banknotes, cautioning that such a critical decision should not be rushed.

Speaking during the public hearing, Senator Dillon questioned whether the Legislature could make a sound and informed decision on monetary policy within the limited period provided.

According to Senator Dillon, the Legislature was granted ten working days to consider the authorization request for printing additional currency and the passage of a supplemental budget.

However, he noted that by the time the hearing was held, only two working days remained.

“Do you believe the two days left are sufficient for me to make that decision?” Dillon asked the CBL Governor, expressing frustration that this was the first formal hearing to justify the request.

Governor Saamoi, while acknowledging the concern, declined to directly answer the question in an open session, stating that the matter carried “executive implications” and would be better discussed behind closed doors. His response did not sit well with the Senator, who emphasized the importance of transparency in public hearings.

Dillon argued that the timing raises questions about the credibility of the process, especially given that lawmakers are expected to make decisions that will significantly impact the country’s monetary system.

During the hearing, the CBL confirmed that approximately L$48.7 billion previously printed under a past administration had been accounted for through external audits. However, the bank also disclosed an estimated 7% mutilation rate of banknotes currently in circulation, meaning the actual usable currency is lower.

The CBL is now requesting authorization to print an additional L$79 billion, a move that Dillon noted would increase the total money supply beyond what is currently accounted for.

“If I authorize the printing of L$79 billion, it will be in addition to what is left. That is a serious decision,” Dillon emphasized.

The Senator also questioned the lack of clarity regarding the cost of printing the new banknotes, noting that lawmakers were being asked to approve the measure without firm financial estimates or detailed procurement information.

In response, the CBL indicated that while estimates exist, final costs depend on legislative approval to initiate procurement processes.

The bank further explained that the proposed new notes would not introduce new security features but would instead improve durability, potentially extending their lifespan by one to two years.

Beyond policy concerns, the hearing also touched on the everyday challenges faced by ordinary Liberians. Dillon raised the issue of mutilated banknotes being rejected by commercial banks, prompting the CBL to clarify that: 1) Commercial banks must accept mutilated notes when customers deposit them into their accounts; 2) Banks must not issue mutilated notes to customers; and 3) Citizens have the right to report violations directly to the CBL.

The central bank also highlighted its ongoing “Clean Note Campaign,” aimed at educating the public on proper handling of currency and reporting mechanisms.

As the Senate reviews CBL’s proposal to print additional bank notes, Sen. Dillon reiterated that decisions of such magnitude require adequate time, transparency, and full legislative scrutiny.

“Sometimes these questions are not just for us, but to educate the public,” he said. “We must ensure the people understand and trust the decisions we make.”

The post CBL Seeks Authorization to Print L$79B New Banknotes | News appeared first on Liberia News Network.

The House of Representatives has entered a politically sensitive and legally consequential phase following the removal of Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah from its official roster, a development that now places the Legislature on a strict statutory timeline to notify the National Elections Commission (NEC) of a vacancy that could trigger a by-election.

According to information from the House Chief Clerk’s Office, Rep. Kolubah has been struck from the official roster and the seat has been treated as vacant. Under Liberia’s New Elections Law, the Legislature is required to formally notify the NEC within 30 days of the occurrence or declaration of a vacancy in order to initiate the legal process for a by-election.

With Kolubah already removed from the roster, the countdown has officially begun, leaving 26 days remaining for the House to transmit formal notification to the NEC. The Commission would then be responsible for initiating the electoral process to fill the seat in accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

The development marks a significant escalation in a long-running political and disciplinary dispute involving the outspoken lawmaker, whose tenure in the House has frequently been marked by controversy, confrontations, and legal challenges.

Despite the administrative action taken by the House leadership, supporters and staffers aligned with Rep. Kolubah remain hopeful that the decision may not be final. 

They are drawing comparisons to previous high-profile legislative disputes, particularly referencing the case involving former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, where judicial intervention was sought to determine procedural legitimacy and legislative authority.

In Kolubah’s case, his supporters are banking on the possibility that the Supreme Court could intervene and potentially order the House of Representatives to return to the status quo ante. 

Such an order, if issued, would effectively reverse the administrative removal and require the House to reinstate Kolubah while allowing him to be afforded what his camp describes as “full due process” in line with constitutional protections.

Legal observers note that while the House retains internal disciplinary powers, those powers are often subject to judicial review where questions of due process, constitutional interpretation, and legislative procedure arise. The outcome of any potential court action could therefore significantly influence whether the vacancy declaration proceeds or is suspended.

Meanwhile, political tension within the House has been further heightened by disputes surrounding the resolution that reportedly led to Kolubah’s expulsion or removal process. After Tuesday’s legislative session, confusion emerged regarding the authenticity and validity of signatures attached to the resolution.

At least three lawmakers are now reportedly disputing aspects of the signature process, raising questions about procedural compliance and internal agreement on the decision. The controversy has fueled further debate within political and legal circles about whether the process met all required legislative standards.

Amid the growing uncertainty, Bong County Electoral District #6 Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah publicly addressed the issue, confirming that she did sign the resolution in question. Her clarification comes in response to media reports suggesting that she could not have signed the document because she was allegedly outside the country at the time.

Those reports indicated that Rep. Briggs-Mensah was in Sierra Leone attending an ECOWAS delocalized meeting focused on issues affecting street children, raising doubts about her physical presence when signatures for Kolubah’s expulsion were solicited. However, the lawmaker firmly dismissed those claims and maintained that she personally endorsed the resolution.

“If I were given that resolution 27 times to expel Rep. Kolubah, I would sign it 27 times,” Rep. Briggs-Mensah stated a comment that underscores the firmness of her position and reflects the intensity of sentiment surrounding the legislative action.

Her statement has since added another layer to an already politically charged atmosphere, as lawmakers, observers, and political supporters continue to debate both the process and the motivations behind the move against Kolubah.

Beyond the immediate controversy, Rep. Briggs-Mensah also used the opportunity to highlight upcoming constituency engagements and legislative outreach activities in Bong County. 

She announced that the House Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare — working in collaboration with UN Women — will conduct an outreach meeting with women in District #6, Bong County, scheduled for April 29.

The engagement is expected to focus on gender inclusion, community welfare, and social development issues affecting women and children within the district, reflecting ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen community-level participation in governance.

In addition, Rep. Briggs-Mensah disclosed that she will deliver her 2026 Annual Report to constituents two days after the outreach meeting. The report is expected to provide an update on her legislative work, development initiatives, and constituency-level interventions over the past year.

While these developments continue at the constituency level, the broader political focus remains fixed on the House’s handling of the Kolubah matter and the ticking statutory deadline to notify the NEC. 

The 30-day window, of which 26 days remain, is now seen as a critical period that could determine whether a by-election is eventually triggered or whether judicial intervention alters the trajectory of the process.

For now, uncertainty continues to define the situation. On one hand, the House appears to have initiated a procedural pathway toward declaring the seat vacant. On the other, legal and political resistance, coupled with the possibility of Supreme Court intervention, leaves the final outcome unresolved.

As the deadline approaches, attention is expected to intensify both within the Legislature and in the courts, with stakeholders closely watching whether the House proceeds with formal notification or whether legal challenges halt the process altogether.

What remains clear is that the Kolubah case has once again placed the intersection of legislative authority, electoral law, and judicial oversight at the center of Liberia’s political discourse, with implications that could extend beyond a single district seat.

The post House Removes Rep. Yekeh Kolubah from Roster | News appeared first on Liberia News Network.

The United Nations has called for stronger, more coordinated anti-corruption action in Liberia, warning that billions of dollars lost to corruption are directly undermining human rights, weakening public institutions, and deepening inequality across the country and the African continent.

The call was made at the opening of a two-day specialized training on investigation and prosecution of corruption using a human rights-based approach, held in Monrovia on April 21–22, 2026. 

The training is organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) with financial support from the European Union (EU).

The workshop brings together prosecutors, investigators, and justice sector actors as part of broader efforts to strengthen Liberia’s anti-corruption framework and align enforcement with international human rights standards.

Opening the training, Mr. Pradeep Wagle, Chief of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at OHCHR, described corruption as a global crisis of resource diversion with direct consequences for human dignity and governance.

“We gather here today not only for the training exercise but to confront a global crisis, the crisis of resource diversion that strikes at the very heart of state legitimacy and human dignity,” Wagle said.

He revealed that globally, “around 10 to 25 percent of total public funds is lost in corruption,” representing at least “$3 trillion per year.”

Wagle contrasted this with global development financing needs, noting that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires about $4 trillion annually.

“The gap between the money lost in corruption and the money needed to fulfill the sustainable development goal is not very huge,” he said.

Focusing on Africa, he stated that the continent loses “more than $140 billion per year to corruption,” while needing approximately $170 billion annually to meet its development targets.

“These are not just numbers or abstract figures. They are the measurement of stolen property,” Wagle emphasized.

Wagle warned that corruption is not merely an economic issue but a direct violation of human rights, citing its impact on essential public services.

Referencing the UNCTAD 2022 Economic Development in Africa report, he noted that African governments spend “25 percent less on health and 58 percent less on education” compared to countries with stronger governance systems.

“The loss of resources due to corruption has a clear immediate and negative impact on human rights and fundamental freedom,” he said.

He added that corruption weakens institutions, erodes the rule of law, and undermines access to justice, often resulting in “injustice and impunity.”

Wagle also highlighted how corruption disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, describing them as “shadow taxpayers,” including children, youth, persons with disabilities, elderly populations, migrants, and ethnic minorities.

“Corruption is never a victimless crime,” he said. “While the entire state suffers, the burden of corruption often falls on those already in situational vulnerability.”

Commending Liberia’s reform efforts, Wagle acknowledged progress in establishing institutional frameworks such as the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court and the planned National Anti-Corruption Court.

He also pointed to strengthening efforts within the Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), describing them as “a critical and positive turning point.”

However, he warned that serious gaps remain in enforcement and accountability.

Liberia currently scores 28 out of 100 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index and ranks 136 out of 182 countries globally.

Wagle also cited Afrobarometer findings from 2024 indicating that “50 percent of respondents consistently experienced or believed corruption is rampant in public institutions.”

According to LACC data, 252 corruption cases were reported between 2023 and 2024, but only 52 contained sufficient evidence for action.

“This underscores a massive institutional hurdle—the constraint of data, evidence, integrity, and technical capacity,” he said.

“Strengthening institutional capacity and data management systems is not just a technical upgrade. It is a human rights obligation,” Wagle added.

Wagle stressed that corruption has direct consequences on public services and national development.

In Liberia, he noted that millions of dollars in public funds have been lost or underutilized, including an audit finding of approximately “$80 million in unauthorized public spending linked to a major public institution.”

He warned that such losses delay or prevent essential public projects and weaken service delivery, particularly in the health sector.

“There is ample evidence around the world of health system-related corruption, including informal payments, diversion of medicines, and payroll issues,” he said.

“These practices may become part of everyday life, but the violation of the right to health is never discussed.”

He emphasized, corruption is not only draining public resources—it is denying rights, weakening governance, and undermining Liberia’s development trajectory.

Wagle concluded: “When we improve coordination across agencies… we reinforce public trust and support the realization of the rights of citizens.”

UN Resident Coordinator to Liberia, Christine Umutoni, reinforced the connection between corruption, governance failures, and Liberia’s historical experience of conflict.

“Corruption is a serious human rights issue,” she said, noting its impact on democracy, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms.

She recalled that corruption was identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as one of the drivers of Liberia’s civil war.

“Many countries that have gone through conflicts… sometimes triggers come from behaviours like corruption that really undermine development and leave people in difficult situations,” she said.

Umutoni highlighted Liberia’s 20 years of sustained peace, calling it a significant achievement that must be protected through stronger institutions.

“We are here. We have sustained this peace for that long,” she said. “There is a lot we are learning from Liberia on resilience.”

She also urged continued reform, noting that corruption must be addressed as part of transitional justice and national development priorities.

Representing the European Union, Chargé d’Affaires Zoltan Szalai said the EU’s support reflects its commitment to strengthening governance and accountability in Liberia.

“Corruption is not just merely a financial crime, it’s much more than that. It’s a fundamental threat to the rule of law and the very fabric of a fair society,” he said.

He noted that diverted public resources directly harm citizens, especially vulnerable groups who rely on public services.

“When public resources are diverted, the citizens are paying the price,” Szalai said.

He added that the training aims to strengthen enforcement while ensuring respect for human rights.

“This means due process, protecting whistleblowers, and maintaining the highest standards of integrity,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Deputy Minister for Administration Cllr. Cora Hare Konuwa acknowledged the deep-rooted nature of corruption in Liberia.

“Speaking about corruption is like talking about your neighbor or a member of your household,” she said. “I think the first time I heard those words was like 35 or 36 years ago.”

She warned that corruption continues to persist despite decades of national efforts.

“And the thing about it, unfortunately, many times when we talk about corruption, we’re thinking about someone else. We’re not thinking about ourselves,” she said.

Citing Liberia’s ranking, she added: “At least the place Liberia holds in the world right now… I think it was 136 out of 186. For me, that means that most of us are involved, unfortunately.”

She also pointed to institutional constraints affecting prosecutions.

“It’s true that there are many indictments, but it’s also true that resources are limited to ensure people are prosecuted,” she said.

“The music is not sweet anymore,” she added, describing long-standing frustrations with slow progress.

OHCHR Human Rights Officer Marion Deniaud said the training is part of support to Liberia’s transitional justice process, including the planned establishment of both a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court.

She said the goal is to strengthen a “victim-centered judicial response for corruption-related offenses in Liberia.”

Over the two-day workshop, participants are expected to explore investigative techniques, improve inter-agency coordination, and strengthen prosecution capacity while integrating human rights principles into anti-corruption work.

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