07/01/2025
Gov’t Clarifies U.S. Deportee Rumors, Launches Major Development Projects and Education Campaign
By Jamesetta D. Williams
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a strong show of transparency and progress, the Government of Liberia has addressed swirling rumors about its immigration policy while unveiling bold initiatives in development and education. Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing, Deputy Minister of Press and Public Affairs Daniel O. Sando reaffirmed the administration's commitment to public clarity and national advancement.
Addressing recent speculation, Deputy Minister Sando firmly dismissed claims that the Liberian government had entered into an agreement with the United States to accept criminal deportees. “There is no such agreement,” he stated. “The government is not receiving deportees as has been falsely circulated.” However, he acknowledged that Liberia continues to collaborate with U.S. authorities on routine immigration matters such as visa overstays and document fraud, as part of broader bilateral cooperation.
Sando cautioned the public and the media to avoid spreading misinformation, which he described as harmful to national stability and international relations. He encouraged citizens to rely on official government communication channels for accurate and verified updates.
In parallel with setting the record straight, the Deputy Minister revealed several key development projects taking shape under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration. Chief among them is a new water connection initiative in Montserrado County that will bring clean and safe drinking water to over 2,500 households. This project falls under the Liberia Urban Resilience Project, funded by the World Bank, and aims to improve access to essential services while building climate resilience in urban communities.
In the education sector, the government has launched the “Back to My Classroom” campaign, an ambitious effort targeting the enrollment of 250,000 out-of-school children over the next three years. Spearheaded in collaboration with UNICEF and multiple line ministries, the campaign focuses on getting children—especially girls—back into school and ensuring they are registered at birth. This dual focus on education and documentation is part of the broader vision to invest in Liberia’s future through human capital development.
The briefing also touched on international training opportunities. A group of 23 staff from the Ministry of Agriculture has departed for China to undergo advanced training in modern agricultural practices. According to Sando, this effort ties directly into the government’s “Feed Yourself Agenda,” aimed at boosting national food security through innovation and technology transfer.
Deputy Minister Sando concluded by urging citizens to stay engaged and informed, emphasizing that the Boakai administration remains focused on transparency, service delivery, and empowering the next generation of Liberians through education and opportunity.
