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SMITH Online Television, LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA, Monrovia (2026)

08/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President Boakai Makes New Appointments in Government ~ Reconstitutes LACRA and LSEZA Boards

June 8, 2026

Executive Mansion, Monrovia: –President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has made a series of appointments affecting government institutions, including the Ministry of Local Government, Civil Service Agency (CSA), Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) as well as the Judiciary.

The President has also reconstituted the Boards of the Special Economic Zones Authority and appointed Agriculture Minister, Dr. Alexander Nuetah, to chair the LACRA Board

The appointments are as follows:

I. Ministry of Local Government

1. Nathaniel S. Toe, Jr. – Superintendent, Maryland County

2. Joseph Twoe – County Finance Officer, Sinoe County

II. Civil Service Agency

1. Mr. Edwin K. Jallah – Deputy Director General for Human Resource Management and Policy

III. Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA)

1. Pharmacist Victoria Smith-Mulbah – Chairperson, Board of Directors

IV. Board of the Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA)

1. Atty. John Emmanuel Paivey – Member
2. Madam Josephine Francis – Member
3. Mr. Barnabas B. Kasor, Jr. – Member

V. Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA)

1. Christopher D. Sankolo – Director General (Reinstated with Immediate Effect)
2. ⁠Godia A. K. Gongolee – Deputy Director General (Reinstated with Immediate Effect)
3. Adolphus D. Forkpa – Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance

VI. Judiciary

1. Nelson B. Chineh – Resident Circuit Judge, River Gee County

The President called on all appointed officials to discharge their duties with professionalism, integrity, and steadfast leadership to national service.

Signed:
Atty. Kula B.N. Fofana
Presidential Press Secretary

08/06/2026

Over the Weekend in Zwedru: A Journalist’s Observation

A Liberian journalist and news contributor to SMITH ONLINE TELEVISION paid a visit to Zwedru, the capital city of Grand Gedeh County, over the weekend.

During his tour of the city, he observed several developments and conditions that reflect the current state of the county capital. From infrastructure and community activities to the daily lives of residents, the visit provided an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into life in Zwedru.

According to the journalist, the tour highlighted both the progress being made in the city and the challenges that still require attention. His findings are expected to contribute to ongoing discussions about development and public services in the county.

More details from the tour are expected to be shared through SMITH Online Television

08/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President Boakai Endorses Three Concept Notes from the Proposed Second MCC Team

June 8, 2026

Executive Mansion, Monrovia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has received and endorsed three Concept Notes submitted by the Compact Development Team (CDT) as Liberia advances preparations for a proposed second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.

The Concept Notes, presented to the President on June 3, 2026, by CDT National Coordinator Mr. Alieu Fuad Nyei and members of the team, set out Liberia’s strategic priorities to confront the binding constraint of electricity for critical industries.

The documents identify development challenges, propose practical interventions, and outline anticipated results from potential MCC investments.

The first Concept Note proposes interventions in power generation, transmission and sector governance to expand access to reliable, affordable electricity and to promote reforms that improve sector efficiency and performance.

The second Note focuses on workforce development in the energy sector, emphasizing the technical skills required to operate and sustain energy investments. The third Note targets mining governance and investment facilitation, aiming to strengthen regulatory systems and improve management of Liberia’s mineral resources.

Mr. Nyei informed the President that the proposals are grounded in MCC investment criteria, addressing root causes of economic constraints, delivering high economic returns, and reflecting strong national ownership of both problems and solutions.

President Boakai commended the CDT for its diligence, endorsed the Concept Notes, and instructed heads of agencies to work closely with the team. He directed periodic reporting on compact progress and emphasized coordinated implementation of reforms across government to sustain Liberia’s strong performance on the MCC Scorecard.

The President also directed that the Concept Note ideas be presented to Cabinet for collective endorsement as a national priority.
Representatives and heads of key government institutions central to Liberia’s electricity, workforce and mining priorities attended the presentation, demonstrating a whole-of-government approach to the compact process.

Following the President’s endorsement, the finalized Concept Notes were submitted to the MCC on Friday, June 5, 2026.

The MCC is expected to convene an Investment Management Committee meeting in late July 2026 to review Liberia’s proposed investments. A decision will be communicated to the Government of Liberia in early August 2026.

Executive Mansion-Liberia

08/06/2026

JUST IN 🇱🇷

Christopher Sankolo Reinstated as LACRA Director General...

Suspended Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority Director General Christopher D. Sankolo has been reinstated after being cleared by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).

The LACC cleared Sankolo on January 15, 2026, following an investigation into allegations of corruption and financial impropriety. The commission found no evidence to support criminal charges against him. Sankolo was suspended by President Joseph Boakai in June 2025 to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

The Executive Mansion announced Monday that Sankolo has been reinstated as Director General of the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) by President Joseph Boakai following the commission's findings.

Executive Mansion-Liberia

08/06/2026

BREAKING 🚨!!

Two young men from Zwedru, in Grand Gedeh County, have reportedly been missing for about two weeks and are yet to be found, according to families.

Reports indicate that one of the missing individuals is currently sitting for the national exams, while the other is a local businessman.

The disappearance has raised growing concern within the community as search efforts and inquiries continue.

This is developing story.....

Source: Inside Grand Gedeh

08/06/2026

HIV Care Funding Dispute Emerges in Liberia as Home of Dignity Claims $97,000 Unpaid Under Global Fund Program

A legal and operational dispute between Home of Dignity (HOD Inc.), a Liberian institution providing support services to people living with HIV and AIDS, and Plan International Liberia has raised concerns about the continuity of HIV care services and the management of donor-funded health programs in the country.

Home of Dignity alleges that Plan International Liberia has failed to disburse US$97,084.60 for services rendered under activities associated with the Global Fund HIV Grant, despite what the organization describes as the successful completion of contractual obligations and the continued provision of services to beneficiaries.

The dispute, now before the courts, comes at a time when Liberia continues to rely heavily on international donor support to sustain critical HIV prevention, treatment, and care programs.

Allegations of Outstanding Payment

According to Home of Dignity, the organization entered into an implementation agreement with Plan International Liberia in 2024 to provide HIV-related services under the Global Fund-supported program.

The institution maintains that while the original agreement was signed in 2024, subsequent discussions and budgetary approvals effectively allowed program activities to continue into 2025.

HOD further claims that on April 16, 2025, Plan International Liberia reaffirmed the continuation of services in collaboration with Liberia’s National AIDS Control Program (NACP) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), enabling uninterrupted support for people living with HIV.

Following that communication, Home of Dignity says it submitted all required financial and programmatic reports requested by Plan International Liberia, which were allegedly received and acknowledged.

However, the organization contends that payment for services amounting to US$97,084.60 has yet to be released.

Officials of Home of Dignity argue that the outstanding funds are essential for maintaining operations, paying staff, and sustaining services for vulnerable populations dependent on HIV treatment, counseling, adherence support, and community outreach programs.

“The delay in releasing these funds places significant pressure on an institution that serves individuals whose health and wellbeing depend on uninterrupted care,” a source familiar with the matter said.

Plan International Challenges Claims

While Plan International Liberia has not publicly issued an official statement regarding the allegations, court documents filed in response to the lawsuit provide insight into the organization’s position.

According to documents submitted before the court, Plan International Liberia denies allegations that any contract extension existed beyond the expiration of the original agreement

The defendant reportedly argues that claims contained in Counts Five and Six of the plaintiff’s complaint regarding an extension of the contract or approval of a budget covering any period after December 31, 2024, are “false and misleading.”

The court filing states that at no point did Plan International Liberia extend its contractual relationship with Home of Dignity beyond the stated expiration date.

The organization has challenged the plaintiff to produce evidence demonstrating that any formal extension of the agreement was approved after December 31, 2024.

The differing interpretations of contractual arrangements appear to be at the center of the dispute, with one side arguing that services continued under approved programmatic arrangements and the other maintaining that no legally binding extension was granted.

Jurisdictional Dispute Adds Complexity
In addition to disputing the alleged contract extension, Plan International Liberia is also contesting the court’s jurisdiction over the matter.

According to the court filing, the defendant argues that the contract governing the relationship between the parties contains a dispute-resolution clause requiring any disagreements arising from the agreement to be settled through arbitration rather than litigation.

As a result, Plan International Liberia is reportedly asking the court to dismiss the complaint on jurisdictional grounds and compel the matter to proceed through arbitration mechanisms specified in the contract.

Legal experts note that arbitration clauses have become increasingly common in international development and donor-funded agreements, often requiring parties to resolve disputes outside traditional court proceedings.

If the court upholds the arbitration provision, the case could move from public judicial proceedings into a private dispute-resolution process.

Courtesy: Julius Konton

08/06/2026

JUST IN 🇱🇷🇨🇳

On June 8, Yin Chengwu met with Andy Brooks to discuss ways to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance child nutrition and healthcare initiatives in Liberia.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on enhancing collaboration to improve the well-being of children and support sustainable development efforts across the country.

The discussions highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing key challenges affecting children, particularly in the areas of nutrition, health, and social welfare.

Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Liberia.

08/06/2026

SAD NEWS 😭⚡

A tragic incident has claimed the life of David Tarquie, believed to be in his late 50s, after he was struck by lightning during a rainstorm in Ganta on June 4, 2026.

The incident reportedly occurred in New Wuo’s Town, behind the Rehab Community, between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Tarquie, a father of three originally from River Gee County, had been residing in Ganta for more than a decade.

According to his daughter, Princess Tarquie, her father had stepped outside shortly before the rain began. Moments later, following a lightning strike, she discovered him lying motionless near their residence. She believes he died instantly from the impact.

The heartbreaking incident left residents of the community in shock as they gathered at the scene following the tragedy.

Our thoughts are with the Tarquie family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Source: Franklin Doloquee, OK FM Nimba Correspondent

08/06/2026

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has dedicated the newly constructed Covenant Academy International School System in the Cowfield Community on Duport Road, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of national development.

Joining the occasion were Minister of Education Jarso Maley Jallah, education stakeholders, community leaders, and invited guests.

Serving as Guest of Honor, President Boakai praised the vision and dedication of Rev. Samuel Saah Mbayo and his family for investing in the future of Liberia through education.

He emphasized that quality education remains essential to preparing the next generation of leaders and driving sustainable national progress.

Minister Jallah congratulated the institution on the successful completion of its modern campus and encouraged the school to prioritize excellence in teaching, strong leadership, and student achievement.

She noted that while infrastructure creates opportunities for learning, the true success of any educational institution is measured by the quality of education it delivers and the character it helps develop.

The dedication of Covenant Academy represents another significant private-sector investment in Liberia’s education sector, highlighting the importance of partnerships, innovation, and community leadership in expanding access to quality learning opportunities for Liberian children.

The Ministry of Education - Liberia extended congratulations to the administration, faculty, students, parents, and supporters of the school and expressed confidence in its role in shaping future generations of Liberian leaders.

08/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MRU YOUTH MINISTERS SIGN REGIONAL COMMITMENT TO ADVANCE YOUTH POLITICAL LEADERSHIP, PEACE, AND SECURITY

Margibi County, Liberia – June 8, 2026 – Youth Ministers from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea have signed a landmark regional commitment aimed at strengthening youth political leadership, advancing peace and security, and promoting greater regional participation among young people across the Mano River Union (MRU).

The commitment was signed during the 13th Cohort of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLSA), held at the Royal Ambassador Hotel in Margibi County, Liberia.

The declaration reflects a shared recognition by the participating ministers that young people remain central to strengthening democracy, promoting civic engagement, fostering peace, and contributing to regional development. It also underscores the need to create more opportunities for meaningful youth participation in governance, leadership, and decision-making processes throughout the MRU region.

Through the commitment, the ministers pledged to support initiatives that prepare and mentor young people for leadership roles in politics, public service, and governance. They further committed to promoting youth participation in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, social cohesion, and community security efforts.

A key component of the declaration is the commitment to strengthen collaboration among youth ministries within the Mano River Union through official exchanges, peer learning, and the sharing of best practices. The ministers also pledged to advance civic education, democratic values, ethical leadership, and responsible citizenship among young people.

The agreement additionally emphasizes inclusion by encouraging greater participation of young women, youth with disabilities, rural youth, and other underrepresented groups in leadership and civic spaces.

Recognizing the growing challenges facing young people across the region, the ministers committed to supporting youth-led innovation and practical solutions to issues such as unemployment, misinformation, social instability, violence, and limited access to leadership opportunities.

The declaration concludes with a commitment to sustain engagement beyond the gathering through continued collaboration, regional exchanges, policy dialogue, and programs that strengthen youth leadership and participation throughout the Mano River Union.

The symbolic commitment was signed by:

• Hon. Cellou Baldé, Minister of Youth, Republic of Guinea
• Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, Minister of Youth Affairs, Republic of Sierra Leone
• Min. Atty. Cornelia W. Kruah, Minister of Youth and Sports, Republic of Liberia

The ministers affirmed that the future of the Mano River Union depends on the meaningful inclusion, empowerment, and leadership preparation of its young people and pledged to work collectively to advance peaceful democratic engagement, civic participation, and regional cooperation.

About YPLSA

The Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLSA) is a leadership development initiative that equips emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to promote democratic governance, civic engagement, peacebuilding, and public service across Africa.

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