Excellent Liberian TV

05/09/2026

05/09/2026

District 3 Community Empowerment Network

05/09/2026

EPS PULLS SECURITY FROM FORMER VP JEWEL HOWARD-TAYLOR AFTER COURT-ORDERED HOME DETENTION

The Executive Protection Service, or EPS, has withdrawn its security personnel from former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor less than twenty-four hours after she was released from the Monrovia Central Prison and placed under home detention on compassionate medical grounds.

The development was confirmed by EPS Director Sam Gaye in an interview with OK FM. According to Director Gaye, responsibility for the former Vice President’s security has now been transferred to the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation, working in collaboration with the Liberia National Police.

Gaye explained that Howard-Taylor remains under the custody and supervision of correctional authorities despite being allowed to leave prison due to health concerns.

He stated that the court granted the former Vice President a compassionate release, requiring her to remain confined at her residence under specified conditions.

Director Gaye further clarified that the Executive Protection Service is not mandated to provide VIP protection for individuals who are under the custody of the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation. As a result, EPS agents assigned to Howard-Taylor have been withdrawn.

The move comes amid public interest in the status of the former Vice President following her release from prison and raises fresh discussions about the security arrangements and legal conditions attached to compassionate releases granted by the courts.

The Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation, alongside the Liberia National Police, is now responsible for enforcing the conditions of Howard-Taylor’s home detention and ensuring compliance with the court’s order.

05/09/2026

George Mulbah, speaking to OK FM, clarifies NPP’s position on opposition gathering

“What I said in that interview yesterday was misunderstoodby Mr Jefferson Koijee. I said that even if we were to receive an invitation, we would not attend, judging from our experience with the CDC over the past six years.

However, the CDC has written to a few of our individual members, and it is their right to attend. But their attendance would not constitute representation on behalf of the party. They are going there as individual members, not as representatives of the NPP.

I would also like to clarify that Mr. Jefferson Koijee recently called me when Madam Taylor was being arrested and asked that we issue a joint statement. I rejected that request because, in my view, doing so would mean repeating what happened when we exited the coalition. So, even if we are right on an issue, we are not going there.

Let me be clear: those members who are attending are going on their own. They are not going there to represent us.

Mr. Koijee also made a claim that I am an employee of Jeremiah Kpan’s office. I want to state clearly that I am not an employee of Jeremiah Kpan’s office, nor do I have any consultancy there. I am a qualified lawyer, and I can work anywhere. But for the record, I challenge him to subpoena the Vice President’s payroll and establish whether my name is there.

I think Koijee is unusual in the way he addresses the public. He believes he can say whatever he means. But I have no personal problem with him.

All along, I have told myself and members of the NPP that we should focus our attention on our party and avoid unnecessary interaction with our former coalition partners.

The way we were treated as a party within the coalition cannot, in any way, convince our conscience to sit with them and discuss political matters any longer.

Regarding Cyril Allen, Senator Edwin Snowe, and other members of the party who are attending these meetings individually, our position is very clear. Whenever communication comes to us, we put it on our platform and consult our members to seek their views.

I have told the Secretary General that it is their individual right to attend. However, they cannot make comments on behalf of the party. If anyone does so, the NPP Constitution will apply.

As human beings and as friends of the former president, they have the right to attend such meetings, but they are not attending as representatives of the NPP.

If we were formally invited as an opposition party, we would first consult the NPP National Executive Committee. We would not rule out the possibility of sitting down with the CDC, but such engagement must be based on mutual respect—mutual respect for all sides.

We cannot return to the days when the NPP was treated merely as an observer within the CDC. No.

So, if there is a call for us to attend a conference or meeting, we must be given sufficient notice. We must consult internally, and after that consultation, we will communicate an appropriate response.”

Report by Nyantee Togba

05/09/2026

RUBBER EXPORTER CHALLENGES EXECUTIVE ORDER 166, QUESTIONS BAN ON UNPROCESSED RUBBER EXPORT.

By: Staff Writer

MONROVIA Liberia — The Chief Executive Officer of Mewyon Liberia Incorporated and a member of the National Rubber Brokers and Farmers Union Charles Bamakpeh has renewed his opposition to Executive Order No. 166, warning that restrictions on the export of unprocessed rubber could negatively affect farmers, brokers, exporters and transport operators across Liberia.

Speaking during a press engagement, Bamakpeh said he has repeatedly expressed concerns about the Executive Order and its potential impact on thousands of Liberians whose livelihoods depend on the rubber industry.
He said the restrictions could affect various actors within the rubber value chain, including motorcycle and tricycle operators, pickup truck owners, transporters, rubber brokers and independent farmers.

Bamakpeh disclosed that his company has an existing contract to export 2,000 metric tons of rubber to an international partner, with delivery initially scheduled for July 2026. He said the situation became more concerning following the signing of Executive Order No. 166 on June 26, 2026, which he said prohibits the export of unprocessed rubber beginning July 1.
The businessman questioned the government's classification of rubber produced by independent Liberian farmers and exporters as “unprocessed,” while raising concerns about what he described as different treatment for rubber produced by major concessionaires operating in the country.

According to Bamakpeh, rubber produced in Liberia—regardless of who produces it—must undergo additional processing before becoming finished products such as tires and other rubber-based materials. He therefore questioned whether exporting Liberian rubber for further processing abroad should automatically be treated as contrary to the government's value-addition objectives.

Bamakpeh also alleged that major rubber concessionaires, including Firestone, JETTY, Lee Group and the Liberia Agricultural Company (LAC), influenced discussions surrounding the government's decision to impose the latest restrictions. He claimed that some stakeholders pushed for a more stringent and potentially indefinite export ban rather than the surcharge-based approach introduced under an earlier policy in August 2025.

The rubber exporter said the previous arrangement permitted exports subject to the payment of a surcharge, while the latest policy, in his view, represents a significant shift that could place independent farmers, brokers and exporters under severe economic pressure.
Bamakpeh is calling for broader consultation between the government and stakeholders in the rubber sector. He urged policymakers to consider the economic interests of farmers, traders, exporters and transport operators when formulating policies aimed at increasing local processing and value addition.

He maintained that Liberia can promote domestic rubber processing and retain more value from the sector without undermining Liberian-owned businesses and small-scale operators who depend on the industry for their livelihoods.
The concerns come amid broader national discussions over Liberia's efforts to increase domestic processing, create employment opportunities and retain greater economic value from the country's natural resources while protecting the interests of local producers.

05/09/2026

‎UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA AND UNDP ENGAGE LWSC MANAGEMENT ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GRADUATE PROGRAM
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‎Monrovia, Liberia – The University of Liberia (UL), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has engaged the Management of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) on the introduction of a graduate program in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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‎A delegation from the University of Liberia and the UNDP paid a courtesy visit to the Management of LWSC as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and explore opportunities for the application of emerging technologies in Liberia’s development sector.
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‎The meeting focused primarily on briefing LWSC Management on the University of Liberia’s proposed graduate program in Artificial Intelligence, including its potential to build local capacity and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to utilize AI in addressing contemporary development challenges.
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‎LWSC Management welcomed the initiative and expressed its commitment to supporting partnerships that promote innovation, professional development, and the adoption of modern technologies to improve service delivery to the Liberian people.
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05/09/2026

NPP Chairman George Mulbah Rejects CDC-Sponsored Opposition Roundtable Discussion - Says It Will Not Participate

The National Chairman of the National Patriotic Party, George Mulbah, says his party will not participate in the opposition roundtable meeting convened by the Congress for Democratic Change.

Speaking to journalists, Mulbah acknowledged that some NPP members may be seen associating with the CDC, but said the party respects their individual rights to participate in political activities.

He stressed that the participation of individual NPP members in a CDC-sponsored meeting should not be interpreted as a formal endorsement by the party’s leadership.

Mulbah said the NPP is prepared to support a broader opposition alliance, provided the party receives respect and meaningful participation in the alliance’s decision-making process.

The NPP Chairman emphasized that his party is no longer willing to operate as a follower, insisting that it wants to play a significant role in shaping decisions within any opposition coalition.

He said the NPP remains open to working with like-minded opposition parties but warned that mutual respect would be critical to sustaining any political collaboration.

Mulbah cautioned against reducing a recognized political party to an “auxiliary” of another party for electoral purposes, referencing the NPP’s previous collaboration with the CDC.

He also referenced an alleged strained relationship between former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor and former President George Weah, claiming that the disagreement negatively affected Taylor for a period.

The NPP Chairman further criticized what he described as “crowd politics,” arguing that electoral victories should be pursued through constructive political engagement rather than premature claims of political dominance.

05/09/2026

Grand Kru County Begins Road Pavement Immediately After Yellow Machines Arrive.

GRAND KRU COUNTY – Grand Kru County wasted no time putting its new yellow machines to work.

The same day the equipment arrived, county authorities began pavement works on major routes.

Officials said the road leading into the area was in very bad condition, making it difficult for the machines to even enter. As a result, pavement and clearing works had to begin immediately to create a passable path for the equipment and other vehicles.

The move marks a significant step in improving road connectivity and development in Grand Kru County, with authorities expressing hope that sustained works will ease travel and boost economic activities.

Credit: Morris

05/09/2026

Women Legislative Caucus Officially Launches VSLA Disbursement to Mother Clubs.

By: Godfrey Morris

Kakata, Liberia — The Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia has officially launched the disbursement of funds under its Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) initiative, aimed at empowering women, reducing poverty, and strengthening the economic independence of women across eight counties in Liberia.

The initiative is being implemented in Margibi, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, Montserrado, Gbarpolu, B**g, and Grand Cape Mount Counties, with a total of 50 VSLAs expected to benefit from a funding envelope of US$167,000.
The project is being supported by the India, Brazil and South Africa Fund (IBSA Fund), with UN Women serving as the coordinating partner and CAREFUND Liberia as the implementing partner.

Under the initiative, each of the eight targeted counties will establish or benefit from VSLA groups designed to bring women together to save, access small loans, invest in income-generating activities, and improve the economic well-being of their families and communities.

The program has a standard structure of approximately 30 members per VSLA, while Grand Cape Mount County has a larger allocation, with 14 VSLA groups.
The initiative is expected to provide participating women with greater access to financial resources and opportunities to develop small businesses and other sustainable livelihood activities.

Speaking on behalf of the Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia, the Caucus Chairperson and Margibi County District #3 Representative, Hon. Ellen Attoh-Wreh, described the official launch of the VSLA initiative as a "dream come through," not only for women in Margibi County but for women across Liberia.

Representative Attoh-Wreh recalled that the lobbying efforts leading to the initiative began in 2024, following engagements she and other members of the Women Legislative Caucus undertook during a visit to New York City.

According to her, the lawmakers have consistently engaged international partners and stakeholders in an effort to attract support and opportunities that can improve the lives of Liberians, particularly women.
She acknowledged that lawmakers are sometimes criticized for traveling internationally, but emphasized that such engagements can produce tangible benefits when they are properly directed toward national development.

The Margibi lawmaker said the VSLA initiative demonstrates the importance of sustained advocacy, partnership, and international engagement in addressing some of the socio-economic challenges confronting Liberian women.

She expressed appreciation to the governments of India, Brazil, and South Africa, through the IBSA Fund, for their continued support toward poverty reduction and women's empowerment in Liberia.
Representative Attoh-Wreh also commended UN Women and CAREFUND Liberia for their roles in coordinating and implementing the initiative.

The Ambassador of India to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, also delivered remarks at the occasion, highlighting the importance of initiatives that promote women's economic participation and financial independence.
The Indian government's support through the IBSA Fund forms part of broader efforts to contribute to development initiatives that directly impact vulnerable and underserved communities.

The VSLA model is widely regarded as a practical mechanism for improving access to financial services among people who may have limited access to conventional banking institutions.

Through collective savings, members can accumulate capital, access loans, invest in businesses, and support one another during financial emergencies.

The Women Legislative Caucus says the initiative is intended to go beyond the disbursement of funds by creating opportunities for women to become economically self-reliant.

The participating women are expected to use the resources to support small businesses and other income-generating activities, while the savings component of the program is designed to encourage financial discipline and collective economic growth.

With 50 VSLAs benefiting from the US$167,000 funding package, the initiative represents a significant investment in women's economic empowerment across the eight participating counties.

The Women Legislative Caucus, which comprises 11 lawmakers — three senators and eight representatives, has continued to advocate for policies and interventions aimed at improving the welfare and economic conditions of women in Liberia.

The Caucus believes that strengthening women's access to capital and livelihood opportunities can contribute significantly to poverty reduction, household resilience, and community development.

The official launch therefore marks an important milestone in the Caucus's efforts to translate advocacy and international partnerships into practical opportunities for women at the community level.

The initiative is expected to serve as a model for strengthening women's participation in Liberia's local economy while contributing to broader national efforts to reduce poverty and promote inclusive development.