AGP Executive Report

House Oversight on RIA Cocaine Bust: Liberia’s House has summoned LDEA, LIS, Customs and airport authorities over a US$19.2m cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, demanding answers on border screening, investigations and prosecutions. Health Regulation Crackdown: The Liberia Medical and Dental Council has shut down Goodwill Clinic and two other private facilities in Sinkor and New Matadi after inspections found expired medicines and serious waste and standards violations. Police Housing in Crisis: Pleebo Police Barracks officers say their barracks are effectively uninhabitable, citing leaking roofs, broken facilities and unsafe conditions, and are calling for urgent renovation. Constitution Reform Push: Civil Service Agency DG Dr. Josiah Joekai Jr. urged modernization of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, arguing reform is needed for stronger accountability and development. Public Transport Payment Gap: Government still owes ABK Incorporated US$3.44m for buses and trucks delivered to the NTA under a US$3.94m contract. Human Rights Debate: Liberian Human Rights Defenders rejected claims that a church-backed “Strengthening Families” conference is promoting foreign ideologies, while the Inter-Religious Council endorsed the event. River Gee Witchcraft Abuse Case: LNP has charged and forwarded eight suspects to court over alleged abuse and humiliation of a 58-year-old woman tied to witchcraft accusations. Maritime Milestone: The National Port Authority says the Freeport of Monrovia successfully berthed the largest container vessel ever to dock there, praising faster turnaround and growing port capacity.

Ebola Aftermath: A Liberia long-term study reports Ebola survivors still face years of neurological problems, including headaches, memory issues, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance and sexual dysfunction, urging dedicated neurological care. Human Rights & Justice: Liberia’s war crimes and anti-corruption push moves forward as Boakai receives draft laws, while a rights chief warns corruption threatens justice; in the country’s biggest trafficking trial, a defendant pleads guilty and testifies, and a victim identifies an alleged rapist in court. Local Governance: Monrovia City Corporation steps up sanitation enforcement under new administrative rules, targeting waste-disposal noncompliance. Constitution Review: The Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission launch a national dialogue to review Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, calling it a “living instrument” for modern governance. Energy & Jobs: Greenville nears electricity after 30 years as EU-backed Light Up Southeast reaches final stages, and ArcelorMittal Liberia hires 56 young artisans full-time after training. Youth & Diplomacy: Liberia prepares to host Africa’s first youth conference on democracy (July 1–5) and will chair the UN Security Council in December 2026.

Blue Economy & Oceans: UMU and the Carbon Markets Authority marked World Oceans Day 2026 in Monrovia, stressing Liberia’s ocean resources for livelihoods, food security, climate resilience and biodiversity. Fisheries Modernization: Liberia and China renewed cooperation talks on fisheries and maritime development, with a focus on modernization, investment and technical support to unlock the blue economy. Gender-Based Violence Response: In Harper, Maryland County, CSOs, traditional leaders and government partners pledged stronger action to prevent sexual and gender-based violence, launching a nationwide assessment under the Liberia Spotlight Initiative 2.0. Health & Substance Abuse Care: Government commissioned an ambulance for Oum El Nour “Oum El Nour” Liberia Inc. to improve emergency referrals for rehab patients and surrounding communities. Local Governance Push: President Boakai renewed calls for decentralization and rural development beyond Monrovia, urging stronger local institutions. Finance & Payments: CBL and Afreximbank trained banks on correspondent banking and cross-border payments, highlighting Afreximbank’s CIPS and AfPAY platforms. Constitution Review: The Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission began a public dialogue on reviewing Liberia’s 1986 Constitution. Tax Readiness: LRA launched a three-week LITAS training drive ahead of VAT rollout in January 2027. Anti-Corruption Leadership: Boakai reinstated LACRA DG Christopher Sankolo after LACC cleared him of allegations.

Health Policy: The House voted to establish the Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus (LIPIC) to strengthen primary health services, expand immunization, and improve preventive care nationwide. Governance & Integrity: Liberia’s Governance Commission launched the country’s first National Integrity Index to rate ministries, agencies, and commissions on integrity and accountability. Elections Watch: The Senate confirmed Jonathan K. Weedor as NEC chair, while a separate NEC media-elections workshop in Ganta trained journalists and election stakeholders to fight misinformation ahead of future polls. Transport & Public Service: The House set up a committee to review the Liberia Traffic Management concession after complaints over temporary “plank” license plates and poor service delivery; the Senate also ordered a closed-door review with LMTI. Security & Justice: Liberia reopened a jury tampering inquiry in the Tweah case, and LDEA reported major drug seizures including US$19.2m cocaine at RIA and US$9k tramadol in River Gee. Energy & Economy: LPRA signed an MOU with Ghana’s petroleum regulator, and President Boakai endorsed three MCC concept notes on electricity, workforce development, and mining governance.

NEC Leadership: The Liberian Senate confirmed Jonathan K. Weedor as the new Chairperson of the National Elections Commission, with 23 senators voting in favor, as he pledged an independent, nonpartisan, transparent electoral process. Transport & Concessions: The House set up a committee to review the LTMI concession after complaints over substandard license plates, including temporary “plank” plates, while the Senate ordered a closed-door review of LMTI operations amid concerns over contract rollout and plate security. Environment & Transport Standards: Liberia’s EPA, with UN partners, held a workshop on cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, citing rapid growth in the vehicle fleet and the need for stronger emission controls. Media & Elections Integrity: NEC launched a regional media-elections workshop in Ganta to strengthen cooperation with journalists and curb misinformation ahead of future polls. Anti-Drug Push: LDEA seized a cocaine shipment worth about US$19.2 million at RIA, describing it as a major interception linked to export plans. Human Trafficking Trial: Liberia’s largest human trafficking case is now in trial after jury selection began, with prosecutors seeking nearly US$200,000 in restitution. Road Safety During Rainy Season: Public Works announced a rainy-season moratorium restricting heavy-duty trucks (25+ metric tons) on key unpaved corridors from July 31 to Oct. 15. Agribusiness: JR Farms Group signed a US$60 million, 20-year coffee partnership with Liberia to revive the sector, expand exports, and support hundreds of thousands of farmers.

Human Trafficking Trial: Liberia’s biggest human trafficking case goes to jury selection as lawyers pick 12 jurors (with three alternates) for a matter involving 57 alleged victims, with prosecutors seeking nearly US$200,000 in restitution. World Bank Financing: The World Bank approved US$55.8 million for Liberia to support inclusive growth, fiscal stability, private sector development, and social protection reforms. Constitution Talks: Liberia’s Governance Commission is urging public participation in constitutional reform discussions in Monrovia on June 10–11, aiming to review amendments and strengthen governance and decentralization. Telecom Controversy: Telecommunications stakeholders are questioning the Liberia Telecommunications Authority’s approval of a Numtel Liberia/Numbase joint venture, arguing it may conflict with a legislatively ratified telecom concession. Health Policy: The House approved creation of a Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus to push oversight, advocacy, and a financing roadmap, including a proposed trust fund. Sports & Tickets: Lone Star and Leone Stars meet in Monrovia with 5,000 free around-the-field tickets for early entrants. Youth Leadership: YPLS Africa begins its 13th cohort in Liberia with 200 young leaders focused on ethical governance and democratic renewal. Education & Skills: River Gee Technical College graduates 203 pioneer students, while 4Life Zoe expands vocational training to Ganta, Nimba.

MCC Energy Push: President Boakai has endorsed three MCC concept notes, backing plans to tackle Liberia’s binding electricity constraint through power sector reforms, energy workforce development, and stronger mining governance. Health Aid Transparency: Human Rights Watch is challenging the “terms” of U.S.-Liberia health agreements, alleging conditions tied to broad access to health data and pathogen samples, while another report questions why the pact was kept secret. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735kg of pangolin scales and arrested two suspects in Monrovia, as authorities say investigations aim to map the wider trafficking supply chain. Court Orders Land Transfer: Civil Law Court Annex ordered the Bernard Estate to transfer 10 Sinkor lots to Dr. C. Nelson Oniyama after finding he fully paid US$132,000 under a valid sale agreement. Justice in River Gee: A 58-year-old woman in River Gee faces alleged torture and public humiliation after accusations of witchcraft, with a video reportedly circulating online. Youth Leadership: Over 50 young leaders began the 13th YPLS Africa cohort in Liberia, urging democratic renewal and ethical governance. Public Defender Bribery Claims: Court cleared the Public Defender Chief of bribery allegations after reviewing court records.

World Bank Deal: Liberia signs US$125m financing with the World Bank for energy, digital connectivity and road upgrades, including RESPITE support for Mount Coffee and solar expansion. Energy & Power: President Boakai dedicates a 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee, reigniting debate over chronic electricity instability and the push for more reliable supply. Petroleum Governance: A Senate-brokered agreement ends a standoff in Liberia’s oil sector—LPRA will issue reconnaissance licenses while NOCAL’s role starts after licensing. Education Push: The Ministry of Education plans to add 1,000 volunteer teachers to the payroll, and says accredited schools have risen to over 2,000 after geo-mapping. Real Estate Integrity: FIA and the Liberia Land Authority launch a nationwide campaign to strengthen AML/CFT compliance in the fast-growing property sector. Youth & Culture: Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence hosts a youth cultural showcase and Bassa anthem translation competition in Buchanan. Sports: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars arrive in Monrovia for the return friendly against Liberia’s Lone Star at the SKD Stadium. Regional Security: Liberia urges ECOWAS to create a task force to tackle illicit drug trafficking across West Africa. Politics & Courts: LPP files for declaratory judgment challenging the 2% vote threshold rule that could suspend or deregister parties.

Youth & Culture: Sen. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence hosted a youth cultural showcase in Buchanan, with schools competing to translate and perform Liberia’s national anthem in Bassa. Education Workforce: The Ministry of Education plans to add 1,000 qualified volunteer teachers to the government payroll, after lawmakers raised concerns about thousands still working without pay. School Accreditation: Accredited schools have jumped to over 2,000 nationwide following geo-mapping and stronger monitoring in five counties. Business & Policy: LIBA is urging strict enforcement of the Liberianization Policy, starting with tighter rules for the distribution sector. Public Safety: LNP in Bong forwarded five alleged armed robbery suspects to court within a week, including cases tied to a motorcycle robbery. Anti-Corruption Youth Debate: Liberia’s Witness Protection Agency backed CENTAL’s inter-university integrity debate on corruption and civic integrity. Energy & Finance: Liberia signed World Bank agreements worth US$125m for digital connectivity, renewable energy, and road infrastructure, alongside commissioning of a 20MW solar plant. Environment Funding: Liberia welcomed US$232.5m in new global environmental financing approved at the GEF council meeting. Crime & Justice: Five suspects were sent to court in Bong as authorities intensify action against violent crime.

Liberia–South Korea Tax Deal: The Liberia Revenue Authority and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements in Seoul to boost digital tax systems, share information, and strengthen cooperation on offshore tax evasion. Energy Push: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee, cutting power costs sharply and supporting wider electricity access. Trade Boost: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200 million in Q1 2026, driven by iron ore and natural rubber under China’s zero-tariff policy for African states. Sports—Leone Stars vs Liberia: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars edged Liberia 1-0 in Bo in the first friendly, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring late; the return leg is set for Monrovia. Education Relief: Salvation Army Polytechnic University cut tuition by 50% to widen access for students facing economic hardship. Public Health Watch: As Ebola fears grow regionally, Kenya says it remains Ebola-free after testing 67 people and screening thousands at entry points.

Energy & Development: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20-megawatt solar plant at Mount Coffee, cutting power costs from about 28¢ to 3¢ per unit and marking a major step for the country’s clean energy push. Trade & Jobs: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200 million in the first quarter of 2026, up more than 30-fold, driven by renewed iron ore shipments and natural rubber exports under China’s zero-tariff policy for African states. Football (Liberia vs Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars edged Liberia 1-0 in Bo with a lone goal by Abdul Jarju Kabia, setting up a return leg in Monrovia on Tuesday. Public Health Watch: The UAE suspended visas for Guinea, DRC and Liberia over Ebola fears, as regional health authorities continue to monitor outbreaks. Aviation & Travel: Southwest Airlines reports adding nine new nonstop routes in 2027, including a seasonal Nashville–Liberia, Costa Rica service.

Liberia–China Trade Boom: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200 million in the first quarter of 2026, a more than 30-fold jump from the same period last year, driven by renewed iron ore shipments and natural rubber exports after mining resumed at Bong and Bomi. Energy Access: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant in Monrovia, cutting generation costs from about 28 cents per unit to 3 cents, with World Bank/IFC backing. EU Deforestation Clash: A bitter dispute inside Liberia’s government has erupted over the EU Deforestation Regulation, with the agriculture regulator warning the country could be shut out of key markets if policymakers reject the rules without alternatives. Ebola Preparedness Signals: The wider region remains on alert as Ebola spreads in Africa; the UAE reportedly suspended visas for Guinea, DRC and Liberia over fears, while training efforts for lab capacity continue across West Africa. Local Services Pressure: Monrovia residents say they lost landline service for a month and are still waiting on Frontier Communications, raising concerns for elderly people who rely on phones for emergencies.

Fire Safety Crackdown: Delhi police arrested the cook of the Malviya Nagar bed-and-breakfast after a blaze killed 21 people, with investigators alleging negligence and widening scrutiny into safety violations, unauthorised room expansion, and an absconding accountant. Consular Support: India’s Ministry of External Affairs said 13 foreign nationals died, including one Liberian, and that embassies are being contacted for paperwork and medical help for survivors. Ebola Preparedness Watch: WHO and partners report Ebola risk remains low as DRC case figures are revised downward, while Nigeria’s NCDC says it is about 59% ready but can contain outbreaks if they enter. Liberia-China Trade Boost: Liberia’s exports to China jumped more than 30-fold in early 2026 under Beijing’s zero-tariff policy, driven largely by iron ore. Local Service Gap: Monrovia officials say residents have been left waiting a month after losing landline service, raising concerns for elderly customers without cell phones. Community & Culture: Africatown signage was unveiled in Southwest Philadelphia, highlighting African diaspora heritage.

ECOWAS @50 Energy Boost: The ECOWAS Commission donated and commissioned solar power systems for six high schools in Liberia’s Margibi County, Kakata, aiming to improve reliable electricity for learning, with a quiz competition and tablets for winners. Montserrado Pollution Alarm: Environmental groups and officials met to push urgent action against soil, water, and waste pollution in Montserrado, citing lead contamination risks and weak waste management. Nimba Audit Backed: Nimba County endorsed a General Auditing Commission compliance audit after reports of over US$2 million withdrawn from county accounts through over-the-counter transactions, calling for accountability. Police-Press Fight Fake News: Liberia’s National Police and the Press Union of Liberia trained 40 journalists to improve crime, protest, and emergency reporting, strengthen police-media coordination, and reduce misinformation. Gender & Online Violence: A EU-backed program in Monrovia trained male influencers and others to challenge harmful masculinity and tackle sexual and gender-based violence amplified on social media. Youth, Girls, and UNICEF: The Ministry of Youth and Sports renewed its partnership with UNICEF to expand support for adolescent girls, stressing better coordination and accountability. Politics & Elections: President Boakai asked the House to amend the LACE Act, while Rep. Bill Twehway pushed to repeal Liberia’s restrictive 2% election threshold penalty.

Trade & Jobs: Liberia’s exports are surging as trade shifts from aid talk to real market demand, with exports to India up more than 120% and China seeing a dramatic jump under zero-tariff access. Local Business Policy: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry backs Liberia’s Local Content Policy, saying it can keep more benefits from big investments in-country and expand opportunities for Liberian SMEs. Security Reform: President Boakai has launched a 10-year National Security Strategy (2026–2036), moving toward a people-centered, whole-of-society model that links security to dignity, justice, health, education, and local governance. Regional Integration: Liberia’s ECOWAS Brown Card scheme marks 44 years, reinforcing cross-border road safety and smoother movement of people and goods. Legislature Clash: The House of Representatives passed a vote of no confidence against Ambassador Sheikh Moustapha Kouyateh after he refused to apologize for remarks alleging corruption in the Legislature. Diplomacy: Liberia’s envoy to ECOWAS, Amb. John Ballout, presented his letter of credence to the ECOWAS Commission President, pledging continued support for regional integration. Justice: Liberia’s largest human trafficking case involving 57 alleged victims is set for trial, after months of public dispute over alleged interference.

Human Trafficking Trial: Liberia’s biggest human trafficking case—57 victims allegedly lured with promises of jobs abroad and then confined, abused and extorted—moves to trial as 10 of 11 defendants face court after grand jury indictment, following months of bribery and interference allegations. National Security Strategy: President Joseph Boakai launches Liberia’s National Security Strategy 2026–2036 after 18 years, shifting focus from a military-heavy model to jobs, rights, climate resilience and public trust, with officials saying coordination gaps have left an eight-year shortfall. Oil Sector Governance: The Senate moves to avert an oil sector crisis after a jurisdictional dispute between LPRA and NOCAL over petroleum agreements, summoning key officials to clarify licensing and regulatory compliance. Telecom Transparency: A growing controversy surrounds Numtel JV Numbase LLC, with critics alleging possible regulatory maneuvering and calls for transparency over how the arrangement was approved. Health Access: The Ministry of Health commissions 25 ambulances to strengthen emergency referral across rural counties, aiming to cut delays that can turn serious cases fatal. Education Affordability: Salvation Army Polytechnic University cuts tuition by 50% across colleges, lowering per-credit costs to help more Liberians access higher education. International Visa Hub: Liberia remains on the list of U.S. visa-processing hubs in Africa, but readers are warned the opportunity depends on how capacity and services are handled.