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.

The post Elumelu to Global Leaders: “Africa’s Youth Do Not Need Handouts” appeared first on Liberia News Network.

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.

The post Liberia: Senator Cyrus Elected to LFA-EC, Vows to Push for Higher Sports Budget appeared first on Liberia News Network.

By Willie N. Tokpah

In the communication dated May 12, the organization commended President Boakai for his leadership and recognition of disability rights but warned that recent decisions threaten to undermine progress within the sector.

At the centre of the group’s concerns is the leadership of the National Commission on Disabilities, which CEDRI-Liberia alleged was flawed due to the appointment of Acting Executive Director Apst. Dr. Aaron Wright violates the Act establishing the Commission, which mandates that its leadership be composed of qualified persons with disabilities or experts in the field.

According to the group, Wright neither has a professional background in disability advocacy nor is he a person with a disability criteria they argue, are essential under the law.

“His current role marks his first engagement with the disability community,” the statement asserted, calling for his immediate removal.

The organization further accused the Acting Director of marginalizing PWDs in employment decisions at the Commission.

It claimed that within five months of assuming office, Wright recruited between 10 and 12 non-disabled individuals as consultants, reportedly at higher salaries, while qualified persons with disabilities remain unemployed.

CEDRI-Liberia also criticized the development of a five-year National Strategic Plan by the Commission, alleging that key stakeholders within the disability community were excluded from the process.

The group described this as a violation of the widely recognized principle: “Nothing about us without us.”

In addition, the advocacy group expressed concern over what it termed “claims of untouchability” by the Acting Director, who allegedly stated that his relationship with the President shields him from dismissal.

“No one is above the law,” the organization emphasized, warning that such assertions erode public trust and undermine institutional integrity.

Beyond the NCD controversy, CEDRI-Liberia renewed its longstanding call for the appointment of a Presidential Advisor on Disabilities.

The group argued that such a position would ensure that disability issues are properly integrated into national development planning, budgeting, and policy implementation.

Citing past data, including a 1997 UNICEF report estimating that persons with disabilities constitute between 16 and 20 percent of Liberia’s population, the organization stressed the urgency of inclusive governance.

It noted that appointing a dedicated advisor could help address persistent challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and street begging among PWDs.

CEDRI-Liberia concluded by urging President Boakai to take action by appointing a qualified professional, either a person with a disability or a seasoned expert. To lead the NCD.

The group maintained that such reforms are critical to advancing the government’s development agenda and restoring confidence within the disability community.

The Executive Mansion has yet to respond publicly to the concerns raised in the letter.

The post Liberia: Persons with Disabilities Advocacy Group Challenges Boakai Over NCD Leadership, Calls for Immediate Reform appeared first on Liberia News Network.

• Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency has launched the country’s first major crackdown on noise pollution, with police-backed enforcement, fines and speaker confiscations.

• Authorities say churches, mosques, bars, nightclubs and street parties will all face penalties if they exceed new legal sound limits.

• Experts warn excessive noise is becoming a public health crisis, but say awareness and community education will be key to making the new rules work.

By Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon, New Narratives climate and environment reporter

For decades, noise in Liberia has functioned almost like an unwritten right. Churches and mosques broadcast sermons across entire neighborhoods before the sun is even up. Nightclubs shake communities deep into the night. Generators roar through blackouts. Street parties spill into public space with little regard for who is trying to sleep, study, or simply live in peace.

Now the government says that era is ending.

For the first time in Liberia’s history, the Environmental Protection Agency says it is preparing a nationwide crackdown on noise pollution, armed with newly finalized regulations, a dedicated task force, police-backed enforcement, decibel-measuring equipment, and the legal authority to confiscate speakers and issue fines.

Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, the Agency’s executive director, said the crackdown is long overdue.

“I must be clear with the public: the noise pollution situation is not under control,” Yarkpawolo said during a recent press briefing at the Ministry of Information in Monrovia. “Many communities continue to complain about excessive noise, especially during the late night and early morning hours. This is why the EPA is now strengthening collaboration with the Liberia National Police and city government to carry out additional enforcement action.”

Experts said the campaign represents one of the most ambitious environmental enforcement efforts undertaken by the Agency in recent years. More than a nuisance issue, it says, noise pollution has become a public health crisis — affecting sleep, learning, hearing, stress levels, and community stability.

Experts said the effort will also test something larger: whether the Liberian government can successfully enforce environmental rules against institutions that are politically, culturally, and socially influential — including churches, mosques, bars, entertainment centers, DJs, event organizers, businesses, and even ordinary citizens.

Yarkpawolo arrived at the conference with a warning. Complaints have piled up for years from residents exhausted by overnight worship services, entertainment centers blasting music until dawn, and neighbourhoods overwhelmed by generators and street parties. In some entertainment spots, officials say, people sitting across tables communicate by phone because conversation is impossible over the volume.

Families Losing Sleep

The growing noise pollution in Monrovia is affecting residents across all levels of society.

Moments after the Liberia National Police posted a social media notice warning that excessive noise is no longer just a nuisance but a violation of the law, renowned lawyer Cllr. Charlyne M. Brumskine publicly welcomed the move.

In a Facebook post, Brumskine said noise pollution has directly disrupted her family’s life.

“Many, many nights, I can’t sleep in my home. My husband and I have had to leave our house at 3AM in the morning to beg, plead and demand that the ‘drinking spots’ in our neighbourhood lower the music,” she wrote.

Brumskine said her right to the peaceful enjoyment of her property has been undermined by entertainment centers operated by people who do not live in the community.

She called on the Liberia National Police to fully enforce the regulation.

A Law Built for Enforcement

The Agency said the new regulation was developed through consultations with religious groups, community leaders, entertainment operators, city authorities, and Liberia’s DJ association. The EPA says that process was deliberate — an attempt to ensure the people most affected by the rules helped shape them before enforcement began. Under the regulation, no institution is exempt.

Churches, mosques, bars, nightclubs, entertainment centers, industrial facilities, street parties, generators, washeries, commercial vehicles, and private citizens can all face penalties if they exceed permissible sound levels. Authorities said violations could result in fines, confiscation of sound equipment, and additional legal sanctions.

The EPA has grounded the regulation in Liberia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law and said it aligns with international environmental standards.

For Yarkpawolo, the issue is fundamentally about public health.

“Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can disturb sleep, affect learning, increase stress, contribute to hearing problems, disrupt normal life, and create conflict among neighbours,” he said. “Uncontrolled noise from churches, malls, bars, entertainment centres, street parties, generators, and vehicles can undermine the right of citizens to live peacefully, work steadily, rest in peace, and be healthy.”

Last year, the Agency tested its authority in a high-profile case. It fined telecommunications company Lonestar Cell MTN $US15,000 after residents of Congo Town complained for years about the company’s generator. Officials said noise levels far exceeded World Health Organization limits. Lonestar is contesting the penalty in court.

Yarkpawolo, said in a Facebook post, that the Agency will soon begin enforcing limits on loudspeakers in public spaces.

A measurement of the sound levels produced by different noise polluters in Monrovia. Source: Environmental Protection Agency.

The Police Are Coming

The Agency chief said enforcement has already begun quietly through inspections and awareness campaigns. But the next phase will be far more aggressive.

In partnership with the Liberia National Police, the Agency has launched a joint operation across communities. Officers have been equipped with decibel-measuring instruments and deployed to conduct public awareness announcements while identifying chronic violators.

Sam Collins, spokesperson for the Liberia National Police, said the operation will be in place shortly. 

“We have been carrying out public service announcements, and all zones and stations have taken it out within every community,” Collins said. “We are coming out in full force. Violators — we are set to bring them in.” According to Collins, confiscation of speakers and mandatory penalties are expected to become part of the enforcement process once the public awareness phase concludes.

Yarkpawolo said authorities are prepared to fully enforce the law.

“Those who violate the noise pollution regulation will face the full weight of the law,” he said. “The EPA will work with the Liberia National Police, city government, and other relevant authorities to ensure compliance, protect communities, and restore public order where excessive noise continues to threaten public health and quality of life.”

A flyer from the Liberia National Police warning against noise pollution, photo credit: LNP Facebook page

Liberia is not alone in grappling with urban noise. Across Africa, cities are tightening rules to curb excessive sound. In Rwanda, the government enforces strict night-time noise bans, with police shutting down churches and bars that exceed limits. In Nigeria, Lagos State has a dedicated Environmental Protection Agency that regularly seizes loudspeakers and fines offenders. Ghana has also passed guidelines aligning with World Health Organization standards, although enforcement varies between cities.

The Cultural Challenge

But enforcing the regulation may prove harder than writing it.

In Liberia, loud worship and amplified entertainment are deeply woven into public life. Churches and mosques often use outdoor speakers as a form of outreach and visibility. Entertainment centers compete for customers through volume. In crowded communities, noise itself has become normalized.

The Inter-Religious Council of Liberia, one of the country’s most influential faith-based bodies bringing together Christian and Muslim leaders, said it is examining the matter and will come up with a statement this weekend.

That is why environmental experts including Nathaniel Blama, former executive director of the EPA said public education may matter as much as police action. 

Blama said the health consequences of noise pollution are often underestimated — especially for children.

“You got to shout before they hear,” Blama said. “They are struggling to understand what you’re trying to say.” He warned that prolonged exposure to high decibel levels can damage hearing, cognition, and long-term development. “Noise pollution is very dangerous, especially to younger children coming up.”

Blama supports the regulation but believes enforcement alone will not solve the problem. He called on the EPA to invest heavily in public awareness campaigns and community engagement before aggressively penalizing violators.

“Once the citizens are informed and participate in decision-making, trust me, they will fight it,” he said. “People within the churches can come and say, ‘You know what, the people are right — we’ll reduce it.’”

The EPA said the campaign is part of a broader institutional effort to strengthen environmental governance and public accountability.

This story was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the Investigating Liberia Project. Funding was provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The funder had no say in the story’s content.

The post Liberia: “The Noise Pollution Situation Is Not Under Control,” EPA Launches Crackdown as Experts Call for Public Awareness appeared first on Liberia News Network.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]

The week-long assembly, held under the auspices of the African Organization of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E), begins today, Monday, May 18, and runs through Friday, May 22, 2026, at multiple venues in Monrovia.

The conference marks the first time Liberia has hosted the high-level regional gathering since AFROSAI-E’s establishment, signaling what officials describe as growing international recognition of Liberia’s strides in audit reform and public financial oversight.

AFROSAI-E is a regional body comprising 26 English-speaking African countries focused on strengthening the institutional capacity of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs). The organization promotes auditing standards, institutional independence, and accountability systems aimed at improving public finance management and governance across Africa.

This year’s conference will review progress under AFROSAI-E’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan while addressing emerging challenges confronting public sector auditing on the continent.

According to Auditor General Jackson, discussions during the gathering will focus on enhancing transparency, strengthening audit systems, expanding peer-review mechanisms, and advancing the use of technology and data-driven auditing across Africa.

“This is an opportunity to showcase Liberia’s progress in audit reform and to learn from our peers across Africa,” Auditor General Jackson said. “Strong audit institutions are the backbone of good governance, and because of what we have done as the Supreme Auditing Institution of Liberia, we are proud to host our colleagues from across Africa.”

Speaking in a radio interview ahead of the conference, Jackson said the engagements would also explore strategies for addressing emerging risks in public finance management and reinforce regional collaboration among African audit institutions.

The conference is expected to attract a host of international partners and governance stakeholders, including representatives from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and other AFROSAI-E partners.

Among the dignitaries expected are Swedish National Auditor General Madam Christina Gellerbrant Hagberg and representatives of the Norwegian Audit Office.

The Liberian government has also extended invitations to key anti-corruption institutions and senior state officials, including the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Office of the Vice President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate.

As part of the conference agenda, the 26 Auditors General will participate in a two-day Governing Board Meeting at a local hotel in Monrovia, followed by a two-day Strategic Review Meeting at the Ministerial Complex featuring expert panel discussions on critical audit and governance issues.

Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Finance and Development Planning Minister Dr. Antoinette Sayeh are expected to deliver keynote papers during the strategic sessions.

The official opening ceremony is expected to attract more than one hundred international and local participants. Auditor General Jackson will provide an overview of the GAC’s anti-corruption efforts and updates on the current state of Liberia’s Supreme Audit Institution.

Also expected to speak are AFROSAI-E Chairperson and Kenyan Auditor General Nancy Gathungu, while President Joseph Boakai is scheduled to deliver remarks on Liberia’s commitment to transparency and accountability in government.

The conference will conclude on Friday with an excursion to the Marshall belt, offering delegates an opportunity to experience Liberia’s natural environment and hospitality.

At the end of these deliberations, delegates and participants are expected to adopt resolutions on the 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, strengthen regional audit cooperation and peer support, commit to measurable improvements in SAI independence and public finance oversight, and issue a joint communiqué aligned with the AU Agenda 2063.

Meanwhile, experts say the gathering represents a major credibility boost for Liberia’s General Auditing Commission and could strengthen the country’s broader fight against corruption.

Anthony Smith, an economist, says by hosting 26 Auditors General from across Africa, Liberia is increasingly being viewed as an active player in regional accountability and public finance oversight.

“By hosting AFROSAI-E’s governing meetings, the GAC is positioning itself as a serious institution capable of engaging at the highest continental level on audit reforms and accountability standards,” Smith Said. “It also gives Liberia an opportunity to showcase reforms within the auditing sector and demonstrate that its oversight institutions are functioning beyond political rhetoric.”

Officials say the conference is not symbolic — it has practical implications. Discussions on technology-driven auditing, data systems, risk detection, and institutional capacity-building could help Liberia modernize its audit processes.

These reforms, they noted, can improve the detection of financial irregularities, reduce opportunities for fraud, strengthen evidence gathering, and make audits more effective and harder to ignore.

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By: Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]

The Ministry of Health’s May 16 advisory, triggered by confirmed cases in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reassures citizens that there is currently no case within Liberia’s borders.

But beneath that assurance lies a deeper, more sobering reality, a nation still haunted by the scars of its deadliest epidemic, and a health system that many experts say remains fragile despite years of reforms.

A Nation Marked by Ebola’s Shadow

Between 2014 and 2016, Liberia stood at the epicenter of the devastating West African Ebola epidemic, a crisis that claimed thousands of lives, shattered families, and crippled an already weak healthcare system.

Hospitals closed, healthcare workers died in alarming numbers, and public trust in health institutions eroded.

At the time, Liberia was under the leadership of the Unity Party-led government, then headed by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, which found itself overwhelmed by the scale and speed of the outbreak.

The crisis exposed systemic failures, ranging from inadequate infrastructure and poor disease surveillance to a shortage of trained medical personnel and essential equipment.

At the time, communities were often left to fend for themselves, and misinformation spread as quickly as the virus itself.

Progress Made, But Is It Enough?

In the years since, the government, alongside partners like the World Health Organization and the Africa Center for Disease Control, has invested in strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, and emergency response mechanisms.

Screening has improved, and public awareness campaigns have become more structured.

Yet, beneath these gains, persistent vulnerabilities remained.

Rural clinics continue to struggle with basic supplies.

Healthcare worker retention remains a challenge.

Funding gaps and dependence on donor support still raise concerns about sustainability, while urban centers like Monrovia have seen improvements, large swathes of the country remain medically underserved.

Public health experts warned that preparedness on paper does not always translate into an effective real-time response.

The Risk Beyond Borders

The latest outbreak in eastern DRC underscores a hard truth about infectious diseases and that borders offer little protection.

With regional mobility and trade, Liberia’s exposure risk, while currently low, cannot be dismissed.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, and infected animals.

Crucially, transmission begins only after symptoms appear, making early detection and rapid isolation essential.

The Ministry of Health has urged vigilance, encouraging hand hygiene, prompt reporting of suspected cases, and adherence to verified public health information.

A Test of Memory and Preparedness

For many Liberians, this alert is not just a routine advisory, but also, a reminder of a national trauma that reshaped the country’s social and institutional fabric.

The question now is whether the painful lessons of the past have been fully internalized and can Liberia detect and contain a case before it spirals?

Are health workers adequately protected and equipped?

Will communities trust and cooperate with authorities if fear returns?

These are not hypothetical concerns—they are the very fault lines that defined the 2014 crisis.

Calm, But Not Complacent

The government insists there is no cause for panic. And indeed, there is none—yet.

But if history has taught Liberia anything, it is that complacency is a luxury the country cannot afford.

This moment demands more than reassurance. It requires sustained investment, transparency, and community engagement. It calls for a health system that is not only reactive, but resilient.

As Liberia watches events unfold in Central Africa, the nation stands once again at a crossroads, armed with experience, but still shadowed by vulnerability.

The difference this time may well depend on how seriously the country treats a warning that feels all too familiar.

The post Ebola Alert in D.R. Congo Raises Anxiety as Liberia Faces Another Test of Readiness and Memory appeared first on Liberia News Network.

The Board said Logan’s inclusion in the prestigious Amujae Initiative of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development places her among a select group of African women leaders recognized for both their accomplishments and future potential.

In a statement, the LPRA Board noted that the Amujae Initiative remains one of Africa’s most competitive leadership platforms, bringing together women leaders from across the continent to strengthen governance, leadership, and public service.

According to the Board, Logan’s selection reflects the transformative leadership she has brought to the petroleum regulatory authority since assuming office as the institution’s first female Director General.

Under her leadership, the LPRA concluded Liberia’s first major petroleum agreement in more than a decade — a development the Board described as a landmark achievement that has restored international investor confidence and repositioned Liberia as a credible destination for frontier oil and gas exploration.

The Board further praised Logan for demonstrating “principled, evidence-driven leadership” in one of Liberia’s most technically demanding sectors, adding that her stewardship has elevated the institution’s credibility both nationally and internationally.

As part of the Amujae network, Logan joins 70 women leaders from 29 African countries, creating opportunities for stronger continental partnerships and collaboration.

The Board said the platform will further strengthen Logan’s capacity to advance the LPRA’s institutional mandate while increasing the Authority’s visibility and engagement with global stakeholders in the energy sector.

It also emphasized that her participation in high-level policy discussions and leadership convenings with global figures would generate long-term benefits for Liberia’s petroleum and energy sector.

“The Board is proud of this distinction and extends its warmest congratulations to Director General Logan on this well-deserved honor,” the statement concluded.

The post Liberia: LPRA Board Hails Marilyn Logan’s Selection to Prestigious Amujae Leadership Network   appeared first on Liberia News Network.

In roles traditionally dominated by men, both women operate heavy equipment used to load materials onto trains and carry out clearing activities when required, demonstrating professionalism, skill, and determination in Liberia’s growing mining sector.

Kebbeh joined AML as a full employee on November 4, 2025, after working with several subcontractor companies in similar roles. For many years, she aspired to work directly for ArcelorMittal Liberia, viewing the company as a place where skilled Liberians could build long-term careers and access professional development opportunities.

With this dream now realized, Kebbeh expresses profound gratitude to AML for providing her with the opportunity to work in a field she is deeply passionate about.

“I find joy in working with ArcelorMittal. Since joining the company, there has been great joy in my life. On the job, AML shows genuine care for its workers and provides hands-on training. Although I had some prior exposure to heavy equipment from my previous roles, joining AML gave me comprehensive training that truly prepared me to handle the equipment I now operate,” Kebbeh said.

She added that she feels fulfilled working with AML and hopes to remain with the company until retirement. While having secure employment at ArcelorMittal Liberia is important to her, Kebbeh is especially passionate about operating heavy equipment such as the wheel loader. She believes passion motivates individuals to give their best in any role.

This passion, she says, drives her to strictly observe all rules and policies that guide her professional conduct and ensure job security. Kebbeh further noted that she feels safe at work because AML prioritizes employee safety—a culture she believes encourages workers to perform their duties with care and caution to prevent harm.

Encouraging other women to pursue similar career paths, Kebbeh emphasized that acquiring skills in heavy equipment operation significantly reduces the risk of unemployment. According to her, skilled operators will always be in demand as mining operations, infrastructure development, and road construction activities continue to expand across Liberia.

She also challenged public perceptions that employment at AML depends on personal connections.

“That is not true. When you know the job and can prove your skills, you can be accepted. I joined ArcelorMittal without knowing anyone in the system. I simply demonstrated my competence in the role that was advertised, and I was selected,” she explained.

Massa Senesie, for her part, is a multi-skilled operator with training and hands-on experience operating both the Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) and the wheel loader. She joined AML in June 2025 and describes her employment as the fulfillment of a long-standing prayer after years of working with subcontractor companies.

“I am very proud to be part of ArcelorMittal. When you work with AML, they train you thoroughly, building your knowledge in both the practical and theoretical aspects of your job,” Massa noted.

Like Kebbeh, Massa believes that skills—not personal connections—make a worker competent and valuable in the workplace. She therefore encourages her peers to take advantage of every training opportunity that enhances their ability to operate heavy-duty equipment. She also urges women to prioritize training in high-demand job areas to increase their employment opportunities and financial independence.

ArcelorMittal Liberia continues to invest heavily in the training and development of Liberians through structured technical training programs, on-the-job mentorship, and skills transfer initiatives designed to build a competent national workforce for the mining industry.

Through the ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy and workplace-based operational training, the company has created opportunities for hundreds of young Liberians to acquire internationally competitive technical and vocational skills.

AML has also continued to strengthen gender sensitive hiring and workplace inclusion by creating opportunities for more women to participate in technical and operational roles once considered nontraditional for women. The increasing number of female equipment operators, technicians, electricians, mechanics, and artisans within the company reflects ongoing efforts to promote gender diversity and empower women economically through sustainable employment and professional development.

Varlee Kamara, Supervisor for Kebbeh and Massa, expressed great satisfaction in having the two women on his team. He described them as dedicated professionals whose ethical conduct has made a positive impact in the Training and Loading Section of the mining operation.

“Kebbeh is known for her strong sense of responsibility and consistency. She approaches every task with focus and care, ensuring that all work is carried out safely and efficiently,” Varlee stated.

“Massa, on the other hand, brings a calm and steady presence to the team. She works with patience and precision, paying close attention to detail to ensure smooth operations,” he added.

Their stories continue to inspire many young women across Liberia to confidently pursue technical careers in the mining industry, proving that competence, discipline, and determination can open doors to opportunities previously considered out of reach for women.

The post Liberia: Kebbeh Harris Dolo, Massa Senesie Breaking Barriers as Female Operators in Nontraditional Roles at ArcelorMittal Liberia appeared first on Liberia News Network.

MARGIBI – The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has called on Kpelle people across Liberia to use their unity as a force for peace, national development, and cultural renewal rather than tribal superiority and division.

By Selma Lomax, [email protected] 

Delivering the keynote address at the National Kpelle Unification Day celebration held in Kakata, Margibi County, Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that the purpose of Kpelle unity should be to strengthen Liberia and promote collective national progress.

The program, held under the theme, “Kpelle Unity for Cultural Renewal, Peace, Development, and National Progress,” brought together traditional leaders, women groups, youth representatives, elders, and government officials from various parts of the country.

Dr. Yarkpawolo, who is a native of Zota District in Bong County, told the gathering that tribal identity should never be used to promote exclusion, hatred, or feelings of superiority over other ethnic groups.

According to him, Liberia’s peace and stability depend heavily on the ability of ethnic communities to embrace cooperation, tolerance, and shared national responsibility.

“We gather here today not merely to celebrate a tribe, but to reflect on a people, a culture, a responsibility, and a future. Kpelle unity must never be unity against any group. It must be unity for cultural dignity, peace, development, education, women and youth empowerment, and the progress of Liberia,” Dr. Yarkpawolo declared.

Speaking further, the EPA Executive Director warned that division, jealousy, political bitterness, and internal conflicts continue to weaken communities and undermine development efforts across the country.

He stressed that genuine unification requires healing old wounds, building trust, and placing community interest above personal ambition. “We have seen how division weakens families, communities, institutions, politics, and collective voice. True unification requires cooperation over division, respect over jealousy, service over selfishness, and the future over the past,” he said. Dr. Yarkpawolo added that because the Kpelle people constitute the largest ethnic group in Liberia, they have a major responsibility to demonstrate discipline, peace, and leadership in national affairs.

The EPA boss also called for Kpelle unity to rise above county, clan, and political boundaries. He reminded participants that Kpelle people are found across Bong, Margibi, Lofa, Bomi, Gbarpolu, and other counties, as well as neighbouring Guinea, but continue to share one ancestry and cultural heritage.

“The town may differ, the accent may vary, and the county may change, but the ancestry, memory, and spirit remain one,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated. He explained that the idea of Kpelle unity is rooted in the traditional values of diplomacy, accountability, reconciliation, and collective responsibility that historically guided Kpelle communities long before modern political systems emerged.

Addressing the issue of cultural preservation, Dr. Yarkpawolo expressed concern about the gradual erosion of the Kpelle language among younger generations. He lamented that many young people identify as Kpelle but are unable to speak the language fluently because of the growing preference for English in homes and schools.

According to him, language carries the history, wisdom, identity, and spiritual memory of a people, and losing it would amount to losing an important part of cultural identity. He urged parents, educators, religious institutions, and community organizations to actively promote the use and preservation of the Kpelle language.

Dr. Yarkpawolo also used the occasion to stress the importance of women’s leadership in promoting peace and preserving cultural identity. He praised the contributions of prominent female figures in Kpelle history, including Chief Suah Koko, and described women as the foundation of families and communities.

“If we unify the men and leave women behind, we have only organized half of the house. Women are the first teachers of language, culture, discipline, and community values. Any serious discussion about unity and development must include the empowerment, protection, and advancement of women and girls,” he emphasized.

Turning his attention to young people, Dr. Yarkpawolo challenged Kpelle youth to embrace education, discipline, hard work, and service to society. He warned that pride without education and identity without discipline could become dangerous to the future of the community.

The EPA boss also called for Kpelle unity to rise above county, clan, and political boundaries. He reminded participants that Kpelle people are found across Bong, Margibi, Lofa, Bomi, Gbarpolu, and other counties, as well as neighbouring Guinea, but continue to share one ancestry and cultural heritage

“Do not only say, ‘I am Kpelle.’ Ask yourself: Am I honest, hardworking, respectful, learning, serving, building, and avoiding drugs, violence, crime, and destructive behavior? These are the values that define true character and responsible leadership,” he told the audience. He encouraged young people to prepare themselves to become future leaders capable of promoting peace and national development.

In an additional appeal during his address, Dr. Yarkpawolo called on Liberians from all ethnic backgrounds to reject divisive politics and embrace national unity through mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

He said Liberia’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than conflict, adding that every ethnic group has a responsibility to contribute positively to national development. He noted that when communities choose peace, cooperation, and reconciliation over hatred and division, the entire country benefits socially, politically, and economically.

Dr. Yarkpawolo also devoted a significant portion of his speech to environmental protection and responsible development. Reflecting on his upbringing in Gomue Village, Kpaquellie Clan, Zota District in Bong County, he stressed the need to protect forests, rivers, farmlands, and natural resources for future generations.

He warned that illegal mining, deforestation, river pollution, and poor land management practices continue to threaten the livelihoods of many communities across Liberia. “A people cannot claim love for their ancestors while destroying the land those ancestors protected for them. Development must respect communities, preserve water sources, protect forests, and ensure that future generations inherit a healthy and productive environment,” he stated.

As part of his recommendations, Dr. Yarkpawolo proposed what he described as a “Kpelle Unification Compact,” aimed at promoting peace, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, women’s participation, environmental protection, and national service. He urged Kpelle citizens to reject hatred and political division and instead focus on building stronger communities through education, reconciliation, and collective development initiatives.

Dr. Yarkpawolo called on Kpelle people to ensure that the spirit of unification extends beyond ceremonial celebrations and becomes part of everyday life. He encouraged families and communities to preserve cultural values, respect elders, empower women, educate children, and protect the environment.

“May the Kpelle people be united. May our unity strengthen Liberia. May our culture live. May our children rise. May our land be protected. May our elders be honored. May our women be empowered. May our youth be educated. And may Liberia become stronger because the Kpelle people have chosen unity, peace, development, service, and leadership,” Dr. Yarkpawolo added.

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