Author: Godfred Badu Quansah

Monrovia, Liberia – Africa is experiencing a monkeypox virus outbreak, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The continuing mpox (previously known as monkeypox) outbreak in Africa has been deemed a global health emergency by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision comes in the wake of a notable increase in cases, especially in Central Africa, where the virus strain known as clade Ib has appeared, which is alarming. The monkeypox virus, which produces mpox, is related to the smallpox virus and can spread through a number of different routes, including direct skin-to-skin contact.…

Monrovia, Liberia – The 2024 budget drama continues as Senator McGill charges the Finance Ministry of changing the authorized document while Representative Bility insists the Liberian Senate modifies the budget without the House of Representatives’ approval. As reported, there are requests for an independent investigation into the allegedly revised approved 2024 fiscal budget, but members of the two Houses of the 55th Legislature are pointing fingers at each other. However, Acting Finance Minister Anthony Myers disclosed on Spoon Talk, a local radio program in Montserrado that US$600,000 had been given to a global energy company called “Karpowership” or “Karpower.” Minister…

Monrovia, Liberia – The Monrovia City Cooperation has started a massive cleanup exercise and neighborhood outreach in Monrovia’s main streets and surrounding areas. In order to foster a strong sense of civic duty and community pride in the city, the program aims to make the neighborhood more appealing and healthier the Director for Sanitation and Waste Management Success Harris stated. The major Monrovia waterside business area, Randall Street, Gurley Street, and Broad Street, were the site of an exercise carried out by the MCC Sanitation team on August 15, 2024. Mr. Harris claims that the initiative intends to inspire city…

Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and with support from the United Nations and the Government of Sweden, wrapped up consultation meetings with district and county authorities on Thursday to discuss the creation of the county development agenda and the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. Working together with multiple ministries, agencies, and important stakeholders, the consultation document for Montserrado County was modified between July 22 and August 15, 2024, during the closing ceremony  at the William Richard Tolbert, III, Christian Fellowship Hall in Bentol City, Montserrado County. The…

Monrovia, Liberia – James Dorbor Jallah, the Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), has expressed gratitude to devoted taxpayers and encouraged businesspeople to be truthful and sincere when registering or declaring their commodities. Commissioner General Jallah stressed that honest taxation is essential to Liberia’s attainment of sustainable development. He pointed out that honesty in tax statements will greatly close the gap between sincerity and aid in the increase of domestic income. He also advised taxpayers that making false or deceptive declarations could result in penalties and substantial financial burdens. During a taxpayer awareness and education seminar, Commissioner General…

RELEASE Monrovia, Liberia – In an effort to reduce revenue leaks, carry out expert audits, and accelerate revenue growth, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has received technical assistance (TA) from the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to support capacity building. Liberia Customs has occasionally benefited from Customs-to-Customs cooperation. In December 2023, the LRA sent Mr. L. Daniel Jaiblai, its Manager for Post-Clearance Audit, to the GRA for a six-month period. While there, he oversaw reform initiatives and capacity building, putting the GRA Post-Clearance Audit Section on an irreversible path for revenue growth. The TA resulted in the GRA Customs Post-Clearance Auditors…

Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai has issued Executive Order #135 extending executive order no. 119 instituting measures to protect and stimulate local manufacturing. President Boakai issued the executive order on August 12, 2024. He stated that although Executive Order No. 119, which established measures to safeguard and promote local manufacturing, has expired, it is still imperative to continue reinforcing the gains made and promoting economic growth in the Liberian economy. He claimed that the government recognized the need to support the creation of long-term jobs by enhancing trade and commerce as outlined in Pillar 1 of the Arrest…

Monrovia, Liberia – National discussion on the HIV Sustainability RoadMap has been initiated by the Government of Liberia via the National ADIS Commission. With regard to the nation’s HIV response, the discussion aims to give a succinct but comprehensive assessment of a variety of important measures and indicators. Speaker at the Monrovia dialogue on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, National ADIS Commission Chairperson Madam Cecelia J. Nuta stated that the meeting will also assist in creating a document that will outline the sustainability strategy and action plan that will aid the nation in reaching the objectives related to the HIV Sustainability…

Monrovia, Liberia – The General Auditing Commission’s (GAC) audit of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) revealed certain findings that have been clarified by the CBL. Specifically, the findings state that former and seconded CBL staff members, such as Mr. James Wilfred, who was recently appointed by President Joseph N. Boakai as Acting Deputy Governor for Operations and seconded with WAMI in Accra, Ghana, had defaulted on their loan obligations with the Bank. In a press release issued by the CBL on August 13, 2024, the Management stated that the Bank is fully aware of Mr. Wilfred, who has not…

Monrovia, Liberia – Many wonder who is advising President Joseph Boakai or if he is just using the so-called fight against corruption as a pretext to make room for his cronies in government. President Boakai appointed Mr. James B. Wilfred as Acting Deputy Governor for Operations at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL). At a time when the CBL is purportedly embroiled in a moral and financial crisis, this nomination is not only dubious but an affront to the entire concept of good governance and accountability. Following a harsh compliance audit by the General Auditing Commission (GAC), which exposed serious…