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Voice Of RiverGee-VOG, Behind the County Guest House, Fish Town (2025)

25/09/2025

Safe Drinking Water Crisis Eased for Over 4,000 Rural Residents Following Media Report in River Gee

Ben TC Brooks

River Gee County – [Sept. 25, 2025] – More than 4,000 residents of Lawrenceville Community in Fish-Town, River Gee County, are breathing a sigh of relief after years of battling with severe water shortages.

Their long struggle for safe drinking water has been eased with the rehabilitation of the community’s only hand pump, which had remained in disrepair for several years.

The hand pump, originally constructed in 2011 by Welthungerhilfe (WHH), formerly known as German Agro Action (GAA), was the community’s primary source of safe drinking water.

When it broke down, it was never repaired, plunging residents into a worsening water crisis. For years, families were forced to depend on unsafe alternatives, such as shallow wells, exposing them to risks of waterborne diseases like diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera.

Community leaders say the breakdown of the pump had devastating impacts. "Our people suffered greatly during this period. We had no choice but to fetch water from contaminated wells. This created serious health concerns for the community," said Community Chairman Ezekiel Twah Gbeh, reflecting on the hardship residents endured.

Another resident, Lawrence Totoe, added that many women and children bore the heaviest burden, often walking long distances in search of water for their families. "It was not just an inconvenience but a danger to our health and livelihoods," he stressed.

However, relief finally came on September 24, 2025, when the Kuncare Foundation, an initiative led by Cllr. Kunkunyon Teh, dispatched technicians to rehabilitate the damaged hand pump following media reports on September 1, 2025 respectively.

The intervention has restored access to safe drinking water, much to the joy and relief of community members.

Residents hailed the foundation for its timely action, noting that access to clean drinking water is a basic human need and a cornerstone of public health. "This repair is a blessing to us. We can now drink safe water again without fear of sickness," said Ma. Oretha Chea.

The Kuncare Foundation’s intervention is part of its broader community development efforts in River Gee County, aimed at improving living conditions and promoting public health through practical support.

For residents of Lawrenceville Community, the rehabilitation of the hand pump marks the beginning of renewed hope after years of neglect and suffering.

25/09/2025

Just in!!

Weah’s 9th Street Home Blaze Tied to Suspected Electrical Shock, Fire Service Says

Monrovia, Libraria - [Sept. 25, 2025] - The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) says preliminary findings point to a possible electrical shock as the cause of the fire that damaged former President George M. Weah’s 9th Street residence early Wednesday morning.

According to LNFS, the blaze originated in Weah’s bedroom on the first floor, engulfing his bed, dresser, and window before firefighters contained it. “The current was fluctuating at the time of combating the fire, leading the team to believe that the cause of the fire was as a result of electrical shock,” said Major George S. Davis, commander of the second shift.

The fire broke out at approximately 12:48 a.m. and was extinguished within 30 minutes. LNFS crews left the scene at 2:03 a.m. No injuries were reported.

However, when investigators returned later that morning to conduct a full probe, they were denied access to the compound. LNFS says it was told investigators would be contacted when needed, but no follow-up communication has been received as of the release of their statement.

25/09/2025

A Political Reward? CDC Youth Chair of River Gee Appointed Resident PRO in the Office of Rep. Williams Amid Controversy

Ben TC Brooks

River Gee County - [Sept. 25, 2025] - In what many see as a politically motivated reward, the Youth Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in River Gee County, Harrison Weah, has been appointed Resident Public Relations Officer in the office of Representative Johnson S.N. Williams of District 3.

The appointment came just hours after Weah published a controversial social media post sharply criticizing River Gee Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh, accusing him of poor representation and alleged misuse of public funds.

The timing of the appointment has raised eyebrows across the county’s political landscape, with some observers suggesting it was either a reward for Weah’s loyalty or a calculated retaliation against Senator Dopoh.

Rep. Williams, in a statement confirming the appointment, wrote:
“Tonight, I’m pleased to officially appoint Mr. Harrison Weah as the Resident District PRO, Electoral District #3, River Gee County.”

A Fiery Social Media Post

Weah, well known for his strong political stance and grassroots mobilization within the ruling CDC, unleashed a scathing attack on Senator Dopoh via Facebook. In his post, he described the senator as an “ineffective representative” and accused him of political complacency and corruption.

“We will continue to dismantle their lies against Hon. Johnson S.N. Williams Sr. How can Bro. Francis Saidy Dopoh II, who is still stealing from our people, be taken seriously?” Weah wrote.

He further alleged that government funding intended for the River Gee Technical and Vocational Training Institute (RGVTTI) since 2022 was diverted by Senator Dopoh for campaign purposes.

“He bought a death trap, referring to it as a school bus, from the same stolen money but lied to our people that it was his own initiative. Dopoh does not have integrity! Let’s expose him together!” Weah added.

The post quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions among county residents, supporters of Senator Dopoh, and political stakeholders.

Political Realignment

Interestingly, Weah had previously been a vocal critic of Rep. Williams himself, but sources say the two reconciled their differences overnight before the appointment was announced. His sudden shift in allegiance has fueled further speculation that his new role was more about political convenience than professional merit.

Both Senator Dopoh and Representative Williams have remained silent on the controversy, declining to issue any public statement as of press time.

As the situation unfolds, many in River Gee are watching closely to see whether Weah’s appointment will strengthen Rep. Williams’ political base or deepen the divisions within the county’s ruling CDC.

24/09/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PUL Announces 61st Anniversary Celebrations, with Sight on Headquarters Construction

(September 24, 2025): The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) today officially announces that celebrations of the Union’s 61st Anniversary will take place on Tuesday, 30 September 2025.

The celebrations will be held in Monrovia, under the theme Commemorating Our Past, Constructing Our Future, with Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the Office of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, serving as Keynote Speaker.

This year’s anniversary is intended not only to honor the legacy of the PUL in advancing press freedom and journalists’ rights, but also to underscore the Union’s resource mobilization initiative for the construction of a National Headquarters — The Stanton Peabody Media House.

The program will begin with a parade at 10:00 AM from the Capitol Hill entrance of the University of Liberia to the PUL new Head Office at Warner Avenue, 9th Street, Sinkor, followed by indoor ceremonies at 12:30 PM.

Three colors of T-shirts and Caps have been approved and put on sales for the anniversary celebrations, marking an innovative approach to blending the Union’s official blue and white colors with red, collectively symbolizing the continuing resistance against anti-free press and free speech practices through calmness, reliability, and impartiality.

The PUL leadership along with the Anniversary and Resource Mobilization Committee encourages all journalists and members of the PUL across Liberia inclusive of media workers and communication practitioners to join the celebrations and to take seriously the solemn Generation of Journalists’ project to construct the future of the PUL with a permanent National Headquarters.

ABOUT THE PUL

The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) was founded in Monrovia on September 30, 1964, to advocate for press freedom and the protection of journalists. The birth of the PUL grew out of a crisis with the Legislature. Journalist Stanton Peabody had written an article critical of the lawmakers. He is said to have characterized the lawmakers as “radicals”. He was held in contempt, arrested and jailed. Colleagues immediately mobilized solidarity action in support of Stanton.

Going forward, a small number of journalists resolved to organize. Notable names that participated in the inception that caused the formation of an association that would later be called the Press Union of Liberia included: E. Reginald Townsend, Henry B. Cole, Chauncey Cooper, Aston King, Tuan Wreh, J Percy Gumel and Stanton Peabody.

The PUL serves as the umbrella organization for Liberian media professionals and organizations, with a growing membership of more than 1,500 journalists and media practitioners. The PUL addresses the training/capacity needs and issues arising from the reportage and conduct of journalists in the face of the ever-growing demand for quality and good taste.

Over the years, the PUL has grown into a vibrant pro-democracy group, championing not only media matters, but issues affecting the democratic governance of the state, social justice and human rights. The Union operates through four elected officials –comprising President, Vice President, Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General. The leadership is supported by the Executive Committee (EC), constituting five standing committees appointed by elected officials. The EC is the second highest decision-making body of the Union, next to the general membership.

The Union affiliates with national, regional, continental and global media and civil society organizations such as West Africa Journalists Association (WAJA), Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Itinerary of PUL Anniversary Celebrations

Time Activity Venue
10:00–10:30 AM Arrival and Convergence Capitol Hill Entrance of University of Liberia, Capitol Hill, Monrovia
10:30–11:30 AM Start of Parade Capitol Hill Entrance of University of Liberia, Capitol Hill, Monrovia
11:30AM–12:00 PM Celebratory Parade Dance PUL Head Office, Warner Avenue, 9th Street, Sinkor
12:00–12:30 PM Arrival and Ushering of Dignitaries PUL Head Office, Warner Avenue, 9th Street, Sinkor
12:45–2:00 PM Commencement and End of Indoor Programs PUL Head Office, Warner Avenue, 9th Street, Sinkor

Signed: _____________________________________________
Estelle Liberty, Chairperson
Anniversary and Resource Mobilization Committee/PUL

Approved: ______________________________________________
Julius Kanubah, President
Press Union of Liberia (PUL)

24/09/2025

CDC Says Fire Incident Was A Premeditated Attack On Ex-Pres. George Weah

“CONGRESS FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE (CDC)
Office of the National Chairman
Temporary National Headquarters
Plumkor, Sinkor, Monrovia
Republic of Liberia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 24, 2025

CDC Condemns Premeditated Attack on Former President George Manneh Weah; Calls for International, Independent Investigation

The Mighty Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) strongly condemns the recent fire incident at the residence of our Political Leader and former President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency George Manneh Weah. We regard this unfortunate incident as a premeditated attack on his life, intended to undermine his safety and destabilize the peace of our nation.

We recall that during one of President Weah’s returns to Liberia, the Roberts International Airport (RIA) became a scene of violence when personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) attacked CDC partisans and supporters who had assembled to receive him.

Furthermore, during his recent entry, armed police officers were again stationed at the airport, where several of our partisans were brutally manhandled, placed in handcuffs, and in some instances, jailed. These are acts of intimidation unbecoming of a democratic society.

In addition, the Unity Party (UP) zealots have engaged in a campaign of disinformation and misinformation, including the circulation of a fake, AI-generated image purporting to depict the bedroom of former President Weah. Such acts are not only deceptive but are also calculated attempts to mislead the public and tarnish the image of our Political Leader.

We wish to assure the public that H.E former President George Manneh Weah is safe, well, and in good health. However, we call for a forensic, international, and independent investigation into this incident; one that is void of lies, deception, and fakery to ensure that the truth is revealed and justice is served.

The CDC remains committed to safeguarding the peace, unity, and democracy of Liberia. We caution against reckless actions and urge all actors to respect the sanctity of human life, democratic principles, and the rule of law.

Signed: __________________________________
Atty. Janga A. Kowo
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN”

24/09/2025

BREAKING: Fire Guts Former President Weah’s 9th Street Residence

Monrovia - [Sept. 24, 2025] - A late-night fire gutted the 9th Street residence of former Liberian President George Manneh Weah shortly after midnight Wednesday, forcing community members to rush in after Weah himself called them for help.

Witnesses told The Liberian Investigator that neighbors helped to extinguish the blaze before the Liberia Fire Service arrived on the scene.

The Acting Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Janga Kowo, speaking at the scene, said the fire reportedly began in the former president’s bedroom. “We’re trying to understand what happened because this is very concerning. We’re talking about the bedroom of the former president,” he said. According to him, the destruction inside the residence was “massive.”

Kowo confirmed that the former president was unharmed, though reporters were not allowed to enter the compound. Fire service trucks and an ambulance were later seen leaving the premises.

Former Speaker Fonati Koffa, ex-Minister of State Nathaniel McGill, Montserrado County Representative Acarous Gray, and former Foreign Minister Maxwell Kemayah all rushed to the property upon hearing of the incident.

The blaze comes just two days after Weah’s return to Liberia on Monday, when he received a rousing welcome at Roberts International Airport. The former president assured supporters that he was back to push for the reconstruction of the demolished headquarters of the CDC “in record time.”

Authorities have yet to disclose the official cause of the fire.

Credit: The Liberian Investigator

23/09/2025

Former Liberian Rebel Commander “Black Diamond” Deported from U.S. After 11 Years

Mayama Sesay, also known as “Black Diamond,” has been deported from the United States to Liberia after it was confirmed that she served as a rebel commander during Liberia’s second civil war.

Sesay arrived in the U.S. in 2014 on a visitor’s visa and later married a U.S. citizen, seeking permanent residency in 2015.

However, during her immigration interview, she denied any involvement in the war or her role as “Black Diamond.” Subsequently, U.S. authorities discovered that she had provided false information about her past.

She was identified as a commander in Liberia United for Reconciliation and Democracy’s (LURD) all-female unit, the Women’s Artillery Commandos, where she allegedly recruited and deployed child soldiers.

She was also known for her active participation in front-line combat and aggressive leadership on the battlefield.

Following the revelation of her background and deceptive statements during the immigration process, an immigration judge ordered her removal in 2022.

The decision was later upheld on appeal, leading to her detention and subsequent deportation on September 5, 2025.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that Sesay's deportation underscores their commitment to preventing human rights violators from seeking refuge in the United States.

Although no criminal charges were filed against her in the U.S., her past actions and false statements during the immigration proceedings resulted in her expulsion.

Sesay’s return to Liberia has raised concerns about the legal and social repercussions she may face in her home country.

23/09/2025

Ousmane Dembélé Crowned 2025 Ballon d’Or Winner as Bonmatí Secures Historic Third Women’s Title

Ben T.C. Brooks

Paris, France - [ Sept. 23, 2025] - Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, claiming the prestigious honor for the first time in his career after a spectacular season that saw him fire PSG to an unprecedented treble.

The Ballon d'Or, is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football since 1956 to honour players and coaches deemed to have performed the best over the previous season.

The 28-year-old French international enjoyed his most prolific season yet, scoring 35 goals and registering 14 assists in 53 appearances for PSG as the club clinched Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and their long-awaited maiden Champions League title.

Dembélé’s performances also earned him the Ligue 1 Golden Boot, Ligue 1 Player of the Year, and Champions League Player of the Season accolades.

Although sidelined with injury on the night of the ceremony, Dembélé traveled to Paris to accept the award. Fighting back tears as he stood on stage, he reflected on a career revival that few could have predicted just two years ago.

“This moment means everything to me,” Dembélé said emotionally. “I’ve faced many setbacks in my career, but tonight shows that with hard work and the right support, dreams do come true.”

Career Revival and Tactical Transformation

Once regarded as one of football’s most mercurial talents, Dembélé struggled with inconsistency and injuries during his spell at Barcelona, where he was signed for a staggering £96.8 million, potentially rising to £135.5m in 2017. Yet, it was PSG who truly unlocked his potential after acquiring him for just £43.5 million in 2023.

The turning point came in December 2024, when PSG manager Luis Enrique, who himself was crowned Coach of the Year, shifted Dembélé from his traditional right-wing position into a central-begotten striking role against Lyon.

At that time, he had only five goals to his name. From that moment on, he exploded with form, scoring 30 more goals across all competitions.

His stellar run also extended to the international stage, where he scored two goals in seven appearances for France during the 2024/25 campaign.

Dembélé is now the sixth Frenchman to win the Ballon d’Or, and only the second in the 21st century after Karim Benzema in 2022.

Yamal Shines, Bonmatí Makes History

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal of Barcelona finished runner-up in the men’s category but consoled himself by winning the Kopa Trophy for the best young player.

At 18 years old, Yamal has already established himself as one of the brightest prospects in world football.

In the women’s category, Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmatí etched her name further into football history by winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third consecutive year.

Her consistent brilliance with Barcelona Femení and Spain has firmly cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players of her generation.

Other Major Winners

Mary Earps Hampton of England and Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy were named Goalkeepers of the Year.

Luis Enrique of PSG and Sarina Wiegman of England claimed the Coach of the Year honors in their respective categories.

Arsenal Women were crowned Women’s Club of the Year, while Paris Saint-Germain received the Men’s Club of the Year trophy, highlighting their dominance on the world stage.

Five members of England’s Lionesses featured in the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or Féminin, underlining their continued rise in international football.

A Defining Moment for Dembélé

For a player who had not hit double digits in a league season since his teenage days at Rennes, Dembélé’s renaissance is nothing short of remarkable.

His Ballon d’Or triumph not only recognizes his individual brilliance but also symbolizes the success of PSG’s long-term project to finally conquer Europe.

With the achievement, Ousmane Dembélé has joined the pantheon of football’s elite writing a new chapter in the history of French football.

22/09/2025

Dembele wins Ballon d'Or over Yamal as Bonmati Triumphs in women's award for third time

Summary:

Dembele and Bonmati win main Ballon d'Or award.

Hampton and Donnarumma win goalkeepers of the year.

Yamal wins award for best young player and Lopez wins the women's.

Wiegman and Luis Enrique win coaches of year.

Arsenal named women's club of the year and PSG win men's trophy.

Five Lionesses in top 10 of Ballon d'Or Feminine.

Yamal and Dembele favourites for men's top award.

22/09/2025

Federation of Liberian Youth Elections Guidelines

22/09/2025

Speech by

His Excellency, Joseph N. Boakai, Sr.
Delivered at the Fourth World Conference on Women. Held on Monday, 22 September 2025, during the eightieth session of the General Assembly, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 79/288.

Madam President,
Mr. Secretary General,
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Thirty years ago, the Beijing Declaration charted a bold and hopeful path for women and girls everywhere. Today, as we gather under the theme of recommitting to resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Liberia sees this anniversary not as a ceremonial occasion but as an urgent call to action.

Under my leadership, Liberia is determined to move from pledges to results.

We are proud to stand among the first Member States leading on two important Action Agendas: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, and Investing in Young People, Girls, and Future Generations.

Through our Agenda for Inclusive Development, Liberia will invest US$8.3 billion over five years to transform lives, with gender equality, youth empowerment, education, health care, and social development at the heart of our priorities.

Our commitments are clear:

• We pledge zero tolerance for gender based violence, with massive awareness and public education programs, and with dedicated budget allocations.

• We will permanently ban harmful cultural practices. What was once a three-year moratorium will now become national law, supported by nationwide dialogues and alternative livelihood programs.

• We will implement a National Action Plan for Young Women and Girls to provide a roadmap for empowerment, voice, and protection.

An African proverb reminds us: 'When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.' Similarly, when women are fully empowered and supported, entire nations thrive.

As Liberia embarks on its two-year term on the United Nations Security Council, we will ensure that the voices of women and youth are not only heard but also shape the Women and youth Peace and Security agenda.

Our programs are already changing lives. The Liberia Women Empowerment Project is reaching 36,000 businesswomen across 6 counties, impacting more than 260,000 Liberians through increased income, resilience, and growth.

The REALISE Project supports 53,650 vulnerable households, with direct cash transfers to 16,000 families, mainly women-headed households, and business assistance to over 4,450 individuals, 80 percent of them women.

Projects like Nurture, Empower, and Protect (NEP) and Accelerating Impact for Young Women have already equipped nearly 25,000 adolescent girls and young women with essential health knowledge, entrepreneurship skills, and life skills. By 2031, more than 160,000 young women are expected to benefit.

On behalf of the people of Liberia, I reaffirm our commitment to work with Africa and the global community to make Beijing+30 a reality, for this generation and the next.

Thank you.

22/09/2025

MOE Concludes Capacity-Building Training for School Administrators and Teachers in Gbeapo Educational District for Academy Readiness in River Gee

River Gee County - [Sept. 22, 2025] - The Ministry of Education (MOE), through its local office in River Gee County, has successfully concluded a one-day intensive training for school administrators and teachers in the Gbeapo educational district.

The training, which brought together over 100 participants, from 21 schools held over the weekend aimed at strengthening instructional delivery, improving school management, and enhancing overall learning outcomes for students in the district.

The exercise, held at the Gbeapo Multilateral High school in Kanweaken, attracted principals, vice principals, registrars, and classroom teachers from various public, private, Faith-based, and community schools across the district.

River Gee has six educational districts with over 200 schools including public, private and Faith-base. The districts are; Gbeapo, Tienpo, and Chedepo. Others include; Sarbo, Webo and Potupo districts respectively.

According to the Gbeapo district Education Officer Melvin T. Vonleh, the training was designed to equip educators with updated teaching methodologies, classroom management skills, and administrative strategies to ensure effective service delivery in the education sector.

Vonleh commended the MOE for prioritizing the capacity-building of educators, noting that continuous professional training is key to raising academic standards.

He stressed that with the evolving challenges in the education system, teachers and administrators need constant refresher engagements to remain effective.

“We believe that when our teachers are well-prepared and school administrators are properly guided, students will perform better, and our communities will see the real impact of education. This workshop is part of our commitment to building a solid foundation for future generations,” the DEO said.

Modern Teaching Techniques and Pedagogy, Child-Centered Learning Approaches, Effective School Leadership and Administration, Record-Keeping and Data Management, Promoting Discipline and Ethical Standards in Schools were topics shared during the day-long refresher exercise for the district educators.

Several participants who spoke to reporters expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education for the opportunity, describing the training as timely and impactful. One participant, a teacher from Gbeapo Flaroken Public School, Benjamin Doe, said the knowledge gained would help improve lesson delivery and create a more engaging classroom environment.

Speaking on behalf of River Gee County Education Officer, Human Resource Officer Emmanuel Norington of River Gee, in his closing remarks, encouraged participants to serve as ambassadors of change in their respective schools and to put into practice the new skills acquired.

Emmanuel further called on local stakeholders, including parents and community leaders, to support the education sector by ensuring accountability and active involvement in school activities.

The training is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Education to improve the quality of education across Liberia’s 15 counties, with a focus on teacher development, improved learning conditions, and stronger school leadership structures.

Voice Of RiverGee-VOG

25/09/2025

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