AGP Executive Report

Cocaine Probe Deepens: Liberia’s Justice-led task force says the US$19.2m, 237.6kg cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport is linked to a wider cargo-handling network, naming 10 persons of interest and noting a key suspect, GLS Menzies GM Paul J. King, has surrendered to help investigators map the chain of responsibility. Mining Governance: The Senate moves to amend the New Minerals and Mining Law of 2000 to tighten mineral rights, licensing, MDAs, royalties and concession obligations. Power for Buchanan: The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission holds a public hearing on LEC’s bid to extend electricity services to Buchanan after more than 36 years. Urban Water Push: LWSC and the World Bank review progress on the Liberia Urban Water Supply Project ahead of its 2026 closure. Coastal Security Boost: The EU hands over two RHIBs and technical gear to the Liberia Coast Guard to strengthen maritime security. Regional Finance Leadership: Liberia takes chairmanship of two IMF-backed committees (AFRITAC West 2 and ATI) for July 2026–June 2027. Drug Abuse Spotlight: A commentary links Liberia’s youth drug crisis to past civil-war trauma and calls for urgent action. Ebola Watch (DR Congo): Confirmed Ebola cases in eastern DR Congo surpass 1,000 as response teams intensify surveillance.

Reparatory Justice in Ghana: Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai joined the Next Steps Conference in Accra, where leaders pushed a 19-point slavery reparations plan and set up three global panels for truth, restitution, and legal pathways. Elections Communications: Liberia’s NEC launched the second phase of regional consultations on its draft Communications Strategy in Buchanan, aiming to keep the public informed before, during, and after elections. Maternal Health Boost: First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai helped unveil plans for Liberia’s first dedicated Duport Road maternity hospital in Paynesville, with funding confirmed. Drug Probe Expands: Liberia’s Justice Ministry named 10 persons of interest after a US$19m cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, with three suspects still at large. Human Trafficking Fight: Justice Minister Tweh vowed a hardline crackdown as government steps up action against trafficking networks. Healthcare Scholarships: Merck Foundation announced 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across Africa and Asia, supporting specialist capacity-building.

Reparatory Justice Push: African and Caribbean leaders meeting in Accra adopted a 19-point slavery reparations framework calling for formal apologies, debt relief, financial compensation, restitution of looted cultural property and ancestral remains, and reforms to international financial institutions—Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai warned the world not to let the UN resolution fade into “another forgotten commitment.” Healthcare Upgrade: Liberia’s First Lady and Health Minister unveiled plans for the country’s first dedicated Duport Road maternity hospital in Paynesville, saying full funding is secured to cut maternal and infant deaths. Drug Probe at RIA: Liberia’s Justice Ministry named 10 persons of interest after a US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, with three suspects still at large, as authorities say the investigation targets a wider transnational network. Elections Communication: The NEC launched the second phase of regional consultations on its draft communications strategy in Buchanan, aiming to keep Liberians informed before, during, and after elections. Human Trafficking Focus: Justice Minister vowed a hardline crackdown on trafficking networks as government steps up oversight and investigations.

Drug Probe Update: Liberia’s Justice Ministry named 10 persons of interest in the US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, saying three suspects remain at large and the designations are not guilt findings. Maternal Health Push: The First Lady and Health Minister unveiled plans for Liberia’s first dedicated Duport Road maternity hospital in Paynesville, with funding confirmed and aims to cut maternal and infant deaths. Elections Communications: NEC Chairperson Jonathan K. Weedor launched phase two regional consultations on the NEC draft communications strategy in Buchanan, bringing together magistrates, community radio managers, and media/civil society groups. Reparatory Justice Talks: Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai warned the UN slavery reparations resolution must not fade into “forgotten commitments,” as Ghana’s Accra conference adopted a 19-point reparatory justice framework and set up three global panels. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Justice Minister vows a hardline crackdown after authorities intensified efforts against trafficking networks. Media & Civil Society: PUL paid tribute to late journalists Daniel Zayzay and James Paykoo, highlighting their contributions to Liberia’s media landscape.

Reparatory Justice Push: African and Caribbean leaders in Accra adopted a global framework for reparatory justice, calling for formal apologies, a Global Reparations Fund, debt relief, restitution of cultural property and ancestral remains, and steps to address harms to African women and girls. Liberia’s Leadership: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai warned the landmark UN resolution on transatlantic slavery must not fade into “another forgotten commitment,” urging concrete action and reconciliation. Gender-Based Violence Response: A multi-sector training in Liberia strengthened survivor-centered service and referral pathways, bringing together ministries, civil society, and community structures to improve coordination and care. Humanitarian Cost of Care: A report highlights how emergency childbirth fees can push poor families into fundraising, delaying treatment and contributing to preventable deaths and injuries. World Cup Citizenship Debate: Liberia’s diaspora-linked spotlight continues as birthright citizenship rules face legal pressure in the U.S., with major athletes affected. Local Safety & Accountability: EU “mini” sanctions added new Russia-linked listings, including entities tied to circumvention networks that reportedly include Liberia. Public Debate: A viral Freetown mosque incident involving alleged misconduct by a Liberian woman and a man described as mentally ill raised due-process concerns.

Reparations Push in Ghana: Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai warned that the UN landmark resolution on transatlantic slavery must not fade into “forgotten commitments,” urging truth-telling, reconciliation, and real implementation as African and Caribbean leaders adopted a global reparatory justice framework in Accra. GBV Survivor Support: Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) and partners trained government and community stakeholders on survivor-centered care and referral pathways, strengthening coordination across health, justice, and social protection. Maternal Care Costs: A Margibi family says emergency childbirth fees forced delays that nearly cost a life, spotlighting how inability to pay can push women to seek help too late. Dugbe Gold Project Momentum: The Liberia Chamber of Commerce welcomed Mansa Resources’ planned US$600m Dugbe Gold investment, stressing local content and supplier readiness. Clean Cooking Drive: A World Bank-led workshop validated Liberia’s clean cooking sector roadmap to expand access beyond traditional fuels. Fisheries Transparency: Liberia secured a US$500k grant to modernize its fisheries law and boost action against illegal fishing. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Justice Minister vows a hardline approach as lawmakers and agencies intensify efforts against trafficking networks. Local Media Remembers: PUL paid tribute to late journalists Daniel Zayzay and James Paykoo for their service to Liberia’s media landscape. International Security: EU approved new sanctions on Russia tied to shadow fleet, drones, and disinformation, while a Russian drone strike in the Black Sea killed a sailor and wounded others.

Cocaine Probe Sparks House Rift: Liberia’s House voted to hold a closed-door executive session on a US$19.2m cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, drawing a walkout and fresh calls for transparency as the Justice Ministry and LDEA cited intelligence and security sensitivity. Courtroom Tension in Tweah Case: Criminal Court ‘C’ moved to bar non-parties during jury-tampering allegations tied to former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr.’s acquittal, escalating a fight over court integrity versus public access. Concession Model Overhaul Push: Lawmakers urged President Boakai to redesign Liberia’s concession negotiations, shifting from royalty-based payments toward profit-sharing and equity participation for future deals. Energy Update for Monrovia: LEC says restored Mount Coffee capacity plus a new solar facility has boosted generation, letting it cut electricity imports from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Justice Minister Tweh reiterated government efforts to prosecute trafficking cases, while the Witness Protection Agency condemned the disclosure of whistleblower identities. Oil Discovery Questioned: The House called for further scientific testing of a reported crude oil find in Grand Bassa, saying evidence is not yet conclusive.

Drug War & Accountability: President Boakai vows to “expose and destroy” drug networks after a US$19M cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, ordering a full investigation under the National Joint Security. Public Scrutiny: Former presidential candidate Clarence Moniba says Liberia’s handling of the case raises questions over transparency and justice. Human Trafficking Probe: Government announces a probe into bribery allegations tied to the country’s biggest human trafficking trial. Governance & Jobs: Liberia plans to recruit 22 young professionals for its UN Security Council work in New York, while the Civil Service Agency moves to retire over 6,000 public workers. Clean Cooking Push: World Bank-led validation workshop advances Liberia’s first National Clean Cooking Program after a finding that only 0.8% use clean fuels. Education Integrity: United Methodist University introduces QR-code certificates to fight academic fraud. Fisheries Transparency: Liberia joins the Mombasa Declaration, backing shared fisheries data to combat illegal fishing. Rural Livelihoods: REALISE project reports improved farming outcomes in Bong County. Digital Finance: Vita Money launches plans for a full digital banking platform in Liberia.

Civil Service Shake-Up: Liberia’s Civil Service Agency says about 6,000 government employees will be retired in the 2026 National Retirement Exercise, with Education and Health accounting for over 4,000 of the cases. Human Trafficking Crackdown: In the ongoing trafficking trial, a police anti-trafficking unit chief told court the defendants were charged after a case involving 51 victims was reported and investigated. Drug Bust Fallout: The US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport is widening into a broader probe, with authorities saying it may involve global criminal syndicates. Governance & Mining Reforms: Liberia and the African Development Bank signed a US$16.7 million deal to support fiscal sustainability and strengthen governance in the mining sector. Elections Watch: NEC Chair Jonathan Weedor urged continuous voter education and stronger media collaboration ahead of peaceful polls. Energy & Local Development: EU-backed “Light Up Greenville” reached a milestone with delivery of electricity meters, while a US$1 million educational facility project was launched in Margibi. Urban Planning: The World Bank flagged fast-growing urbanization and trained officials on risk-informed urban planning.

War on Drugs: President Joseph Boakai vowed to “expose and destroy” criminal drug networks after Liberia seized about US$19.2 million worth of cocaine at Roberts International Airport, warning the country will not be used as a safe haven or transit hub. Court Scrutiny: A court ordered RIA management to produce documents and CCTV tied to the cocaine seizure, while lawmakers pressed for answers and allegations surfaced over who may be linked to the case. Legislative Justice: The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a seven-month roadmap to get Liberia’s War and Economic Crimes Courts running by December, aiming to harmonize stalled bills. Ebola Watch: Africa CDC warned the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo could become the “worst ever,” citing rising cases and tens of thousands of untraced contacts. Regional Health Funding: A new West African health systems strengthening program backed by the African Development Fund will support Liberia and six other ECOWAS countries, including cross-border lab work. Water for Children: Human rights lawyer Tiawan Saye Gongloe marked the Day of the African Child by calling for universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene. Migration Pressure: Liberia’s refugee commission estimates about 140,500 Burkinabe migrants in southeastern counties, warning of strain on services and social cohesion.

War Crimes Courts Timeline: The Liberian Senate Judiciary Committee has laid out a seven-month roadmap to pass bills creating war and economic crimes courts, aiming for a final vote in December after merging rival drafts and holding public consultations. RIA Drug Case in Focus: A Margibi court ordered RIA to produce shipping waybills and CCTV tied to the US$19.2 million cocaine seizure, as lawmakers press for answers. Political Tensions Over Seizure: Montserrado Rep. Frank Saah Foko accused Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon of links to the Roberts airport bust, after officials moved for an executive session. Public Push for Transparency: A coalition of groups petitioned the U.S. Embassy for an international probe into the US$19 million scandal, citing selective disclosure and falling trust. Dual Citizenship Debate: A dual citizenship advocate says amended nationality rules remain legally binding unless the Supreme Court overturns them, reigniting arguments over constitutional citizenship language. Migration Pressure: LRRRC estimates about 140,500 Burkinabe migrants are in southeastern Liberia, warning of strain on health, education, land, and documentation. Adult Literacy Overhaul: The Education Minister called for a unified, accredited adult literacy system with clear pathways to jobs and further learning. Water for Children: Human rights lawyer Tiawan Saye Gongloe renewed calls for universal access to clean, safe water and sanitation for children. Ebola Watch in the Region: Africa CDC warned the DRC Ebola outbreak could be the worst ever if tracing and response gaps aren’t fixed quickly. Food Security Moves: Government handed over 3,600mt of Chinese-donated rice to stabilize the market as Liberia continues to rely heavily on imports. Garbage Management: Monrovia and Paynesville launched a PPP framework to tackle the city’s solid waste crisis through better collection and disposal. Energy Skills: LERC and the University of Liberia signed an MoU to build an energy auditing curriculum to grow local expertise.

Ebola Watch: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warns the DRC Ebola outbreak could become the worst ever unless weaknesses are fixed fast, as WHO says “we are missing cases” and funding gaps threaten a bigger crisis. Human Trafficking Trial: A key prosecution witness in Liberia’s largest trafficking case identified remaining defendants one by one, describing abuse and calling them “wicked people,” while another defendant admitted charges and agreed to cooperate. Judiciary Crackdown: Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay vows stricter action against judges accused of enriching themselves, while a court orders the immediate reinstatement of former police commissioner Sam Doe S.D. Gballah for due-process violations. Market Women Protest: Rally Town market women block UN Drive over higher fees and poor facilities, saying costs are squeezing already struggling vendors. Energy & Skills: LERC and the University of Liberia sign an MoU to develop an energy auditing curriculum to boost efficiency and regulation capacity. Sports & Culture: Finance Minister Ngafuan pushes to legally protect and brand kickball as a Liberian sport, and Liberia’s win over Sierra Leone lifts the Leone Stars’ ranking drop.

Market Protest: Hundreds of market women at Rally Town Market blocked UN Drive, protesting higher table and waste fees and added charges that they say are crushing already low sales. Constitutional Reform: Former River Gee Senator Commany B. Wesseh traced Liberia’s constitutional review push to student activism in 1980, urging citizens to honor those sacrifices. Human Trafficking Trial: A defendant in Liberia’s human trafficking case admitted parts of the indictment and agreed to cooperate, leading prosecutors to drop charges against her. Energy Skills: LERC and the University of Liberia signed an MoU to develop an energy auditing curriculum to boost efficiency and regulatory capacity. Sports Policy: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan pledged stronger support for sports and a campaign to legally protect and brand kickball as a Liberian invention. Justice & Due Process: A court ordered the immediate reinstatement of former LNP Assistant Commissioner Sam Doe S.D. Gballah, citing violations of due process. Law Enforcement Integrity: New LNP and LDEA graduates were urged to reject corruption as they enter national service. Diplomacy: Liberia’s government reportedly moved to recall the EU envoy over “undiplomatic remarks,” raising fresh tension with the EU.

War on Drugs: Liberia’s nearly US$19.2m cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport is now being mapped in detail, with reporting suggesting the shipment moved through several export stages over days before discovery—while civil society and lawmakers are demanding names and accountability after weeks of silence. Security Sector Integrity: At the graduation of 193 new police and drug enforcement officers, the LDEA and Justice Minister urged recruits to reject corruption and uphold professionalism, saying justice starts long before court. Public Health Bill Clash: A U.S. congressman has urged Liberia’s Senate to reject abortion provisions in the Public Health Bill, warning it could expand legal access up to 18 weeks. Diplomacy Tensions: Liberia is seeking the recall of the EU envoy over “undiplomatic remarks,” after a leaked communication surfaced. Energy Push: Liberia switched on its first grid-connected utility-scale solar plant, the 20MW Mount Coffee Solar Park, and EU-funded meter deliveries and solar projects continue across counties. Human Trafficking Trial: Witnesses testified about abuse, confinement, and extortion after being lured with promises of overseas travel. Governance & Courts: A jury acquitted a former LTA acting chairman in a digital transformation corruption case, while lawmakers push for fast approval of WECC and NACC courts.

Cocaine Probe at RIA: GLS Group says it is fully cooperating with authorities after Liberia intercepted about 200kg of cocaine worth roughly US$19.2m, while refusing to comment on details as investigations continue. Education & Private Sector: Margibi University welcomed five 20-foot containers donated by Maersk Liberia to expand teaching, office and storage space as enrollment strains campus facilities. Governance & Law: Legal practitioner Cllr. Samuel S. Pearson defended President Boakai’s proposed LACE Act amendment, arguing it strengthens constitutional and legal grounds for coordinating CSR and community development by state-linked entities. Human Rights Watch on Health Deals: HRW renewed scrutiny of US-Africa health agreements, warning that data-sharing and sample access terms could undermine privacy and health sovereignty, including in Liberia. Maritime Security: ECOWAS highlighted the death of former Commission President James Victor Gbeho, while the CMTF-GoG initiative—now including Liberia—pushes a coordinated approach to Gulf of Guinea maritime safety. Ebola Response: Samaritan’s Purse opened Ebola Treatment Centers in Bunia and Nyankunde, DRC, adding 80 beds as cases rise.

Drug Probe in Liberia: GLS Group says it is cooperating fully with authorities after Liberia’s major cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA) of about 200kg, estimated at US$19.2m, while it declines to comment on details as investigations continue. Ebola Preparedness: Celebrated Liberian doctor Jerry Brown urges authorities not to lower guard as Ebola cases rise in DR Congo, warning the virus can spread beyond borders. Regional Cybersecurity Win: Nigeria took the $10,000 grand prize at the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra, with teams tackling ransomware, phishing, fraud and threats to critical infrastructure; Liberia was among the participating countries. UN Leadership for Africa: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appoints Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, succeeding Cristina Duarte. Local Governance & Accountability: Liberia-linked forest governance efforts in the region highlight community forest monitors training to strengthen oversight and transparency in timber areas. Sports & Community: A Liberian-friendly spotlight also comes through as international football narratives celebrate refugee-born players and their journeys.