BASSA TODAY Network BTN

25/06/2025

Chief Justice , Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh Reaches Retirement Age This Week as she turns 70 on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Her retirement is in line with Article 72(b) of the Liberian Constitution, which mandates justices to step down at age seventy.
Chief Justice Yuoh has served on the Supreme Court for over two years and was appointed Chief Justice in 2022.

A brief ceremony is expected at the Supreme Court, with tributes from justices, lawmakers, and civil society leaders recognizing her service to the judiciary.

Yuoh is praised for her commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence; and her service symbolizes female representation and quality impact in Public sector.

Who is your choice as the next in line to replace her?
Credit: SPOON TV LIVE

To venture into development reporting that would lift the voices of the people of Liberia.

24/06/2025

Commending The House of Representatives for Acting on Port Autonomy; Pro Tempore Karnga Lawrence Welcomes HOR Concurrence Votes

Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has commended the House of Representatives for concurring with the House of Senate on the passage of a bill giving autonomy to the Sea port of Buchanan and other sea ports around the country.

This decision by the Legislature set up what is referred to as an Independent Seaport and Inland Ports Regulatory Authority.

The legislation, heralded as a transformative step toward improving the country’s port operations, seeks to decentralize the management of Liberia’s seaports, promote sustainable development, and introduce enhanced oversight mechanisms.

This ground breaking decision initiated by the 55th Senate led by Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, has far reaching benefits for the operations of ports in the country. The move sets the stage for ports in Liberia to transition into full county-based operations.

When approved by the President amongst many things seeks to;
• Expand port capacity through critical projects like dredging,
• Enhance port operations in Sinoe, Maryland, and Grand Bassa Counties,
• Increase local revenue and employment opportunities, etc.

Passage of the bill is a manifestation of a Senate headed by Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence mission to ensure a reformed system of government and assist the National government expand revenue generation for national growth.

This and many thoughts were embedded in a retreat agenda that took place in Buchanan in 2024. At the retreat, they discussed ways forward for the Senate and how to address some of the challenges and improve the workings of the senate for the benefits of the general public and the Liberian people.

The Senate is also reviewed and amended their rules, reviewed their financial management system and policies, reviewed the Senate’s reform agenda, security and access control, national compliance policy as well as decentralization and modernization.

It was at this retreat that President Pro tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence announced that her main goal was to see a reformed Senate that truly reflects the interests of the country and its citizens.

As a beginning of her quest to ensure transparency and accountability, she ordered the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a comprehensive review of the senate’s financial system, establish a robust operating system, including financial and administrative measures.

© Office of the Pro Tempore

24/06/2025

‎Following HOR's Concurrence with the Senate on Ports Autonomy, Rep. Matthew Joe commends Pro-tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence
‎
"‎The House of Representatives has today concurred with the Senate on the engrossed legislation titled “Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Decentralization and Modernization" and “An Independent Sea and Inland Ports.” This significant bill, which has been passed into law pending the President’s signature, seeks to grant autonomy to the Ports of Liberia.
‎
‎I extend sincere appreciation to Senator for her instrumental role in introducing this transformative piece of legislation before the Liberian Senate. The bill places emphasis on vital areas such as capacity building, employment generation, and equitable revenue sharing.
‎
‎As one of the proud supporters who voted in favor of this landmark bill, I firmly believe that port autonomy will offer numerous advantages.

Congratulations to the Legislature ( Senate and the House of Representatives)"

24/06/2025

𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥

Monrovia, Liberia – A significant step toward decentralizing Liberia’s port management occurred on June 24, 2025, as the House of Representatives voted in agreement with the Senate to pass a bill granting increased autonomy to the country’s outstation ports. The legislation, initiated by Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, is now awaiting the endorsement of President Joseph Boakai.
Should the president sign the bill into law, ports operating outside of Monrovia will be given the authority to independently oversee their operations and finances. It is noted that this shift will likely stimulate economic growth and foster job creation in port communities across Liberia.
“This bill is about giving our local ports the tools they need to grow and support the economy,” emphasizing the expected positive effects on the Port of Buchanan, the Port of Sinoe and the Port of Maryland and local enterprises, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence remarked during deliberations.
The proposed reforms have generated considerable optimism among stakeholders in Liberia’s shipping and trade sectors. Many hope the increased local control will pave the way for modernization and greater investment in the National Port Authority’s regional operations.

24/06/2025

Breaking:

National Commission on Higher Education suspends 22 institutes of higher learning ordering them to immediately stop operations.

Notably among the institutions are:Cepres University, Prevailing Word University,Barshell University College of former District Number 3 Representative Cebee Barshell,Christian University College,Modern University,Kollah University of former Liberty Party Secretary General Martin Kollah, AVEEM among others.

Additionally, Mertu Institute,GONET Academy,PJSL are among illegal schools operating in the country.

Meanwhile, University of Liberia, Cuttington University,BCTC, Adventist University of West Africa , Salvation Army Polytechnic University,Apex University of Liberia, Nimba University among others have been given a 1 year ultimatum to meet all requirements all risk closure.

Full details will be up shortly.
Credit: Punchfm Liberia

24/06/2025

Grand Bassa 2025 Youth Symposium benefits participants, with call for more investment in Youth Empowerment and Employment

June 24, 2025)--
A daylong gathering of Young people under the Grand Bassa Youth Symposium has unearthed numerous concerns for County leaders and Private Sector Managements to place emphasis on skill development and employment of the young people across the Land of hospitality.

A Symposium held during the weekend in Grand Bassa Capital, Buchanan, under the Theme: "Investing in the Next Generation: Bridging the Opportunity Gap for Youths in Building a Sustainable Future"; was an initiative of the West African Youth Development Agency (WAYDA) with a Slogan: "From Talks to Action – The Bassa We Envision".

It was a historic moment led by WAYDA's Executive Director, Ambassador Lee King, for young people as the forum assembled over 80 young change-makers, policymakers, development partners, and institutional leaders to move from [talks to tangible actions]; a landmark gathering that served as a turning point in a collective effort to invest in the next generation by bridging the long-standing opportunity gap faced by young people across the County.

Rooted in months of research, community engagement, and data gathering, the symposium was strategically designed to give voice to the realities, solutions, and aspirations of the youth populace;

According to Amb. King, what made the occasion particularly powerful was the concrete Community-based solutions provided by the Youth participants when they directly questioned local leaders on policies, programs, and plans; providing space for Government officials, institutional heads, and development actors to respond in real-time, signaling a new wave of responsiveness and transparency.

The Symposium had in attendance the Office of Representative Matthew Fairplay Joe, the County Information Officer, Onesimus Garway, Sr, a Veteran student Leader, Coleman Janjay Payne, Buchanan City Manager, Thomas A. Nimely, SOS Children Villages, and the Speaker of the Liberian Children Representative Forum, Michael Wesseh.

The need for support to LOIC-BUCHANAN Satellite by ArcelorMittal Liberia, Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) and Equatorial Palm Oil Company was part of the Panel discussion, while the Construction of a TVET institution in Grand Bassa by ArcelorMittal Liberia to prevent young from leaving their home county, Grand Bassa in search of technical education in Yekepa, Nimba County.

Meanwhile, the pivotal role of youths in waste management and the need to understand the municipal government and the city Ordinance.

23/06/2025

Two former Leaders of Grand Bassa and an Astute Citizen earn Master's Degree from Cuttington University Graduate School

June 23, 2025)
The pursuit for higher Education is triggering generational competition for advancement, as two former Leaders of Grand Bassa along with a citizen obtained Master's degree in different disciplines from the Cuttington University Graduate School during the institution's Graduation ceremony held on Sunday in Gbarnga, B**g County.

Former Representative of Electoral District Four, Jeh Byron Brown, Sr. and the County former Development Superintendent, Flee A. Glay chose the path of advancing themselves beyond public service in their respective areas of studies, while ArcelorMittal Liberia's Production Planner, Mr. Aloysious Kpogbah aimed high in the private sector.

Their achievements portray a stimulating appetite for young Liberians, particularly those of the Bassa Descendants, to prioritize academic competition above the regular political fronting under a complacency syndrome for years without taking advantage of Education.

Both Hon. Flee Glay and Mr. Aloysious Kpogbah earned their Master's Degree in Environmental Science.

17/06/2025

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

17/06/2025

Senate acknowledges CSA boss expert opinion on "work permits" submitted by Labor Ministry

The Liberian Senate has welcomed analysis made by Mr. Josiah Joekai, Director General of the Civil Service Agency, on a report on a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor.

The CSA boss was invited to appear before the Senate of a whole to provide analysis on job issues by concession companies to foreigners and Liberians - specifically jobs exclusively set aside for Liberians.

The CSA boss presentation in the chambers of the Liberian Senate on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - was predicated upon a communication sent by the Liberian Senate through Pro temp Karnga Lawrence, inviting him as the chief advisor to the government on human resource issues - to provide an expert opinion on the ongoing growing concern on the work permit debate.

During the Presentation, the CSA boss in his power point explanation - informed the Senate that of the over ten thousand work permits issued to foreigners - seven thousand, thirty two (7,032) jobs are given to foreigners and those jobs are jobs Liberians are qualified to perform.

With the revelation made by the CSA boss, the Senate immediately instructed its committee on Labor to review the CSA boss expert report by taking charge of the matter to report for final decision next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Pro temp Karnga Lawrence encouraged the committee to work in time and be very effective, or plenary will be left with no choice to intervene in the case of any delays.

Senate Press

17/06/2025

Lofa Senator Momo Cyrus Praises Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence for exercising exemplary leadership…

Senator Momo Cyrus of Lofa County has commended the leadership ability exemplified by Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence. He believes her leadership is compare to none in modern-day legislative leadership. He applauds for promoting a more transparent and open Senate.

The Lofa County commendation was followed by additional commendations from Nimba and B**g Counties Senators; Samuel Korgar, and Prince K. Moye.

He made the Statement of commendation when the Senate invited the Director General of the Civil Servant Agency Mr. Josiah Joekai.

Upon assuming the leadership role of the Senate Pro Tempore, she committed her leadership to ensuring a more robust Senate in the application of its constitutional oversight and ensuring a more open and transparent Senate.

16/06/2025

The President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence delivers
GOODWILL MESSAGE at the Joint Committee Meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament Monrovia, Republic of Liberia.

16/06/2025

𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄
𝐁𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞
𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐚, 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 | 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟔–𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

PROTOCOL

1.It is with immense pride and great pleasure that I extend, on behalf of the Liberian Senate and the entire Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, a warm and heartfelt welcome to all members of the ECOWAS Parliament and esteemed delegates who have travelled from across our sub-region to attend this pivotal Joint Committee Meeting here in Monrovia. We are honoured to serve as hosts at a time when regional collaboration has never been more urgent or necessary.

2.Monrovia is not just Liberia’s capital, it is a symbol of African resilience and a proud beacon of our enduring commitment to peace, democracy, and integration. Our hospitality is deeply rooted in tradition. We say in Liberia: “You are not a stranger, you are our guest,” and we invite you to feel at home. As you conduct your important work, we hope you will also take time to experience the beauty of our land, the kindness of our people, and the strength of our democratic journey.

3.I would like to use this moment to express profound appreciation to the Honourable Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Right Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, for her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the principles of regional stability and good governance. We also extend our thanks to Madam Speaker and all Honourable Members of the ECOWAS Parliament for the critical role you played in supporting the resolution of the recent political impasse in the Liberian House of Representatives. Your engagement and guidance were not only timely but also deeply reflective of the values of dialogue, mutual respect, and democratic consolidation that underpin the ECOWAS Parliament.

Your Excellencies, Honorable Members, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

4.This Joint Committee Meeting, themed “Assessing the Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Investment Policy as an Instrument for Addressing the Rising Levels of Unemployment in the Sub-Region,” touches the very core of our regional challenges. With youth unemployment in West Africa reaching some of the highest levels globally, this gathering presents a crucial platform to examine the gaps in our investment frameworks, and more importantly, to align strategies that can meaningfully address joblessness, poverty, and migration pressures. The ECOWAS Investment Policy (EIP) offers both a vision and a pathway toward inclusive economic growth through improved investment climates, enhanced human capital, and greater private sector participation.

5.For Liberia, this theme resonates strongly with our national priorities. Our government, with active legislative support, has embarked on reforms to attract both domestic and foreign investment. We have prioritized legal frameworks that enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and encourage innovation. The Legislature is currently reviewing bills that aim to bolster the private sector, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), recognizing their vital role in employment generation. We are also pushing for increased budgetary support for technical and vocational education to better equip our youth for the demands of the labour market.

6.Distinguished colleagues, it is against this backdrop of national progress and regional engagement that I proudly highlight Liberia’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for the 2026–2027 term. This is not merely a diplomatic achievement for Liberia; it is a shared victory for the ECOWAS region. Our election represents a reaffirmation of Liberia’s transformation from a nation once in conflict to a respected voice for peace and stability. At the Security Council, Liberia will serve as a bridge between global security frameworks and the regional realities of West Africa. We will advocate for stronger international responses to security challenges affecting our sub-region, including terrorism, violent extremism, and political instability. Our presence on the Council will further elevate the ECOWAS perspective on issues of peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and post-conflict reconstruction.

7.As you gather here to deliberate on how to make investment a powerful tool for job creation, let us also remain mindful of the broader vision of a stable, prosperous, and secure West Africa. Economic growth and peace are intertwined. By addressing unemployment, we are not only investing in our economies, but we are also investing in peace, in dignity, and in the future of our young people.

8.I am confident that this Joint Committee Meeting will produce actionable insights and pave the way for a more effective implementation of the ECOWAS Investment Policy. Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen synergies between national and regional institutions, foster meaningful public-private dialogue, and promote inclusive economic policies that leave no one behind.

9.In closing, I wish you successful deliberations and a memorable stay in Liberia. Please rest assured that the full support of the Liberian Senate is with you throughout your mission. We remain committed to working with the ECOWAS Parliament in every way possible to advance our shared goals of integration, stability, and development.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧.