http://www.liberianobserver.com/ Liberia's First Independent Daily en Fri, 19 Apr 2024 17:04:02 +0000 Tue, 19 Jan 2038 03:14:07 +0000 http://www.liberianobserver.com/church-moral-conscience-society-part-five The weakness of the Church today, some advice to it In this series on Church and State relations, we today conclude with a look at some of the failures of the Church today and will proffer some remedies. The series has been examining the primary role and responsibility of the Church to the… 08701b07-67f6-458c-b1cc-ad6de323f4a0 Tue, 19 Jan 2038 03:14:07 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/prosecutor-pleads-senators-suspend-secretary-singbeh Published August 12, 2021 Months after the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) could not get the support from Senate Pro Tempore Albert Chie to have Senate Secretary Nanborlor Singbeh temporarily suspended from his position to go through a case in which he is involved, in court; the… abednegodavis75@gmail.com (Abednego Davis) 45d48323-c8ec-4edb-88e6-7ee05d64843a Tue, 19 Jan 2038 03:14:07 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/mahama-khama-urge-african-leaders-pursue-unity-and-progress Former presidents of Ghana and Botswana have jointly called on African leaders to consciously pursue unity and progress, to enable the continent reach its full potentials and achieve sustainable economic prosperity. John Dramani Mahama and Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama made this call on Saturday at the Second Edition of the African Heritage Awards held at the Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, in the wake of political instability that has wrecked parts of Africa, and has seen a number of countries relegated to military rule. Speaking during a strategic Panel Session themed: ‘Shaping Africa’s Path To Prosperity’, Mahama strongly noted that the youthful population of Africa is fast growing, thus, leaders must “move in a fast pace” to provide citizens with the dividends of democracy towards achieving self-reliance. Mahama who was honored with the African Advancement Award for Exemplary Leadership at the event, said African countries can foster international cooperation by removing certain encumbrances like Visa restrictions, which he said is slowing down economic prosperity across the continent. Recalling the pre-independence era, Dramani lamented that “Africa does not have the opportunities that advanced countries had in the past. There’s nobody to colonize, there is nobody to enslave all those things gave them the edge in their trajectory towards development”. “Our founding fathers, Kwameh Nkrumah had wanted the African continent to come out of independence as one nation, but unfortunately, we lost that opportunity and became 54 different countries, flags, anthems and markets. This has constituted trade tariffs and other barriers,” he added. He admitted that Africa is currently moving towards the right direction, adding that the laid out economic blueprints of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional “trade schemes are steps in the right direction” that “will allow our people to have a market of about 1.3 billion people”. “There’s more money leaving the African continent than money coming in. All the loans, donations and grants take more monies out of Africa than what comes in. In Africa, we should not need a visa to travel from Ethiopia to Ghana,” he said. Similarly, former Botswana president who was Chairman of the prestigious event, regretted that despite the huge amount of human and natural resources domiciled in Africa, the continent has not transited into economic prosperity. He blamed corruption and bad leadership for the drawbacks. Khama said from his experience as a politician, it can be agreed that a lot of Africa’s “problems and instability is caused by some politicians”. “My observation is that those politicians who fail to put the interests and needs of their people first are a cause for backwards”. He added that the “power-hungry, self-serving individuals taking control of our countries” are driving the continent backwards. “We need leaders who are humble enough to understand that their role is simply to be of service to their people. The media has for the longest time peddled only a negative narrative about the African continent and we all have a responsibility to change that,” he said. While expressing hope that the African Heritage Awards will continue to award and showcase the best that Africa has to offer, he said, “many of us do not know what our brothers and sisters are doing in their respective fields across the continent. It is high time we package and showcase our own brilliance as Africans”. “We will continue to support you as this is an important undertaking that we should all promote. Let me therefore urge sponsors to get on board so that we grow the AfriHeritage Awards and African Excellence,” the former president assured. In his welcome address, Chief Host and Chairman of Heritage Times HT, Moses Siloko Siasia, posited that the solution of the world lies in the African continent. “We have huge deposits of resources. Not just mineral resources, or the hydrocarbons and gas that we enjoy, the best resources that we have is human resource. Our people excel anywhere in the world. So we must not think less of ourselves as Africans. We must take charge, we must realize that we have the potential to be the solution the world needs”. He urged African leaders to pursue progress with a sense of urgency and purpose to meet up with global realities, as the world is fast tilting towards “technological advancements, economic globalization, and shifting geopolitical dynamics”. “As leaders of Africa, we must embrace these realities and adapt our policies and institutions accordingly”. Siasia decried that the African heritage is under threat by the forces of globalization, “which seek to homogenize cultures and commodify traditions”. “It is threatened by conflict and violence, which tear at the social fabric of our communities. It is threatened by neglect and indifference, which allow our historical sites to crumble and our languages to fade into oblivion. If we are to preserve our heritage for future generations, we must act decisively and collectively,” he added. The Second African Heritage Awards was a sequel to the inaugural edition held last year in Kigali, Rwanda. The Third Edition which ia slated for next year, will hold in Marrakesh, Morocco, according to the organizers – Heritage Times HT. Other distinguished Africans awarded alongside former Ghanaian president were, Dr. Jayne Onwumere, CEO of PWAN Group (African Humanitarian Award) and Africans Rising Movement (African Advancement Award for Social Justice and Advocacy). dopoejr@gmail.com (Robin Dopoe) 54aa6756-3dc3-446c-939c-72b39d3ac2f6 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:07:00 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/rep-kolubah-wants-dismissed-eps-agents-absorbed-other-security-apparatus The co-chairman on the Committee of National Defense, Rep. Yekeh Kolubah has called on the Executive to reemploy dismissed trained security agents (officers)  of the Executive Protection Service (EPS), arguing they were trained by taxpayers' money. Besides being thrown in the wind… liberianobserver@gmail.com (Staff Editor) 9fc5a79b-3844-4d2e-9537-95b2e42117ef Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:30:10 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/vp-koung-hosts-delegation-african-court — Assures them of Liberia’s ratification of the protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung on Thursday, April 18, 2024, received a high-level delegation from the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights at his office on… 72267350-6fa3-4dc8-a303-96d4c6f93541 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:26:42 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/election-reawakens-tribal-rhetoric-nimba — As Kogar, a Dan, and Twayen, a Mano, lead senatorial race The senatorial bid of Representative Samuel G. Kogar in the Nimba Senatorial By-Election has reignited underlying tribal tensions between the Dan and Mano ethnic groups in the region. With four candidates vying for the April 23,… ifmenkor@gmail.com (Ishmael F. Menkor) 44e6b130-f6aa-4236-bcbd-1762ec9160f1 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:10:14 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/csos-lobby-lawmakers-increment-education-budget — Expected outcomes include improved schools, teachers’ salaries, others The Education Advocacy Coalition recently concluded a meeting with lawmakers to rally for an increase in the national educational budget from 16.3 percent to 20 percent. The coalition, consisting of organizations… tmehnpaine@gmail.com (Tina S. Mehnpaine) 24ee75cc-30b1-4d40-8c05-86bcaf9e197b Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:04:20 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/liberia-houses-chairperson-gender-wants-criminal-court-b-judge-impeached The Representative of Bong County District #6, Moima Briggs Mensah, has asked the Plenary of the House of Representatives to impeach Criminal Court ‘B’ Judge Nelson Chinneh for bringing the Judiciary and the entire Government of Liberia into disrepute, following his acquittal of the… liberianobserver@gmail.com (Staff Editor) a919daa3-67df-456a-87e1-3070451e0157 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:00:06 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/liberia-land-dispute-rocks-johnsonville-township A long-standing land dispute in Johnsonville Township has erupted into a heated conflict between the Kanjah Comman Inter Estate and the Fahn Karkor Inter Estate. Moses Gbour, the administrator of Kanjah Comman Inter Estate, finds himself caught in the middle, defending not just a piece of… 7e29c7f6-c3c4-44c0-b5fc-19dcc1785843 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:57:10 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/liberia-govt-resist-acquitted-american-missionary-leaving-country Lucas Richards, the American Missionary acquitted by Criminal Court 'B' of attempted murder charges, may likely not be allowed to leave the country anytime soon. This is because the Ministry of Justice is planning to issue a writ of Ne Exeat Republica, to restrict him from leaving the… abednegodavis75@gmail.com (Abednego Davis) ffe77dc0-19c9-4911-9941-eb211e9e5c21 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:51:45 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/protest-inhcrs-office-over-death-30-year-old-man-police-custody Family members of a 30-year-old man, Prince Wreyou, who was found deceased in police custody, on April 17, staged a protest outside the Independent National Human Rights Commission's (INHCR) office. The family is holding INHCR Commissioner Mohammed Fahnbulleh accountable for the… abednegodavis75@gmail.com (Abednego Davis) 840d3c20-902d-45b3-9183-be36766bb69e Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:03:59 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/csi-promotes-accountable-governance-and-peaceful-coexistence-affected-mining-communities -As It Simplifies the MOU for Residents to Know Their Rights and Responsibilities Civics and Service International (CSI) has embarked again on another audacious project aimed at helping Liberians to maintain peace, tranquility in their communities and hold duty-bearers accountable. CSI is… liberianobserver@gmail.com (Staff Editor) e1baf755-cf99-47b1-acb9-4470be29b4e3 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:47:44 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/lra-customs-turns-over-69-smuggled-phones-police The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), acting through its Customs Department, has turned over 69 pieces of assorted mobile phones that were intercepted during an attempted smuggling operation into the country. The interception occurred at Roberts International Airport (RIA) on Saturday,… 90be89ce-0082-4763-8514-e88f2d74ac01 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:34:39 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/no-evidence-lprc-boss-tweh-purchased-us150k-house By Varney Dukuly Claim: Shine Liberia reported that LPRC Managing Director Amos Tweh purchased a USD 150K house shortly after his appointment. Verdict: Misleading. Shine Liberia could not prove its accusation with evidence. Tweh, however, has debunked the claim.   Full… 45389984-b8d6-4790-a048-d080c5bbebc3 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:31:17 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/lpo-mia-conclude-reconciliation-dialogue-bong Liberia Peacebuilding Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its partner, the United Nations Development Program, has concluded a three-day Political Reconciliation Dialogue in Gbarnga, Bong County. The Liberia Peacebuilding Office (PBO), based in the Ministry… ec016957-c0a2-4367-badc-222b914df8ca Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:27:37 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/nicora-mourns-fallen-journalist The Nimba Community Radio Association (NICORA) is currently mourning the loss of one of its reporters, Joseph Ben Kerkulah, who met his tragic death on April 13, 2024, at the John F. Kennedy Referral Hospital in Monrovia due to severe injuries sustained in an accident. The incident… ifmenkor@gmail.com (Ishmael F. Menkor) 700e84ce-76b9-4ece-b075-1860c231a78f Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:22:32 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/peal-welcomes-new-leadership-team The Professional Educators Association of Liberia (PEAL) proudly announced its newly elected leadership, with Madam Cecelia Cassel as its president. The induction ceremony took place on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Starz University in Airfield Sinkor, Monrovia. Realizing that education… 431a9c6a-3fe0-4088-896f-9baf84dd80cf Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:52:45 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/elder-council-lauds-lawmakers-proactive-wecc-decisions The National Elder Council of the ruling Unity Party has commended the legislature for its commitment to establishing a War and Economic Crime Court (WECC) in Liberia. On March 5th, over 40 members of the House of Representatives overwhelmingly signed a resolution for the establishment… harmonwilliam89@gmail.com (William Q. Harmon) fa5b14ec-14c1-4c4d-b926-8106d42ea9d2 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:48:07 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/liberia-host-africas-first-ever-surf-tour President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has expressed excitement over Liberia’s rise to a place among the top 10 surfing destinations in the world and the choice to host the Africa Tour: Surf to Rise competition. The event, scheduled to take place in West Africa for the first time, will be… 8829586f-6488-45b9-9f4e-f3f201624503 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:43:20 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/court-acquits-american-missionary-trial-attempted-murder The courtroom of Criminal Court ‘B’ was a scene of grief and disappointment after Judge Nelson Chinneh acquitted an American missionary, Lucas Richards, who was accused of attempting to murder his Liberian wife Jessica Lloyd in September 2023. Chinneh who presided over the case as judge… abednegodavis75@gmail.com (Abednego Davis) 4a733363-9245-4f37-a200-e5eb768f5bf0 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:36:13 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/hpx-completes-technical-due-diligence-st-john-river-iron-ore-licenses — Financial due diligence underway with anticipated completion in 2nd quarter 2024; St John River licenses previously owned by BHP and cover a combined area of almost 250 km2 adjacent to the existing Yekepa-Buchanan Rail Corridor US Company High Power Exploration Inc (“HPX”) announced today… liberianobserver@gmail.com (Staff Editor) eb15655e-76ce-4ae7-af47-28fdac030e78 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:30:02 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/liberian-tax-administrators-undergo-vat-technical-training To ensure the effective achievement of program objectives and to introduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) reform in Liberia, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has kickoff a four-day technical training for tax administrators in the Country. The training, which runs from… dyates460@gmail.com (David A. Yates) c276c643-b2aa-4748-914c-ac84364a6835 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 10:20:19 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/house-reviews-paynesville-community-college-draft-law The Plenary of the House of Representatives has forwarded to the Committees on Education and Public Administration, and Judiciary, a proposed law seeking the creation of a Community College in the City of Paynesville. The Joint Committee is expected to report in two weeks. Plenary’s… liberianobserver@gmail.com (Staff Editor) ee11bc7a-9bfc-4625-a486-67b64735d47e Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:26:24 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/liberia-house-reviews-bill-regulate-tvet-education After the civil wars, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sprinted to tackle the issues of unemployability of the youth and school dropouts in Liberia, which undoubtedly affected the growth and development of the country. The proliferation of TVET across the country… liberianobserver@gmail.com (Staff Editor) ceb79873-0ba4-4000-baa5-4d6082c52262 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:22:59 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/uniboa-queen-empowers-liberian-girls — Donates 10 sewing machines to girls and young women after sponsoring them in TVET School Ellen James, the Queen of the United Bassa Organizations in the Americas, is making a significant impact on the lives of young Liberian girls by sponsoring their enrollment in the Diversified Educators… harmonwilliam89@gmail.com (William Q. Harmon) cef5a5cd-9b35-4ef4-aa7e-3733a8d3da4e Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:18:45 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/apm-terminals-liberia-renews-county-meet-sponsorship-enhanced-package APM Terminals Liberia is excited to announce its continued sponsorship of the 2023/2024 National County Sports Meet, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to sports development in Liberia. The County Meet tournament commenced on Sunday, April 14, simultaneously across four counties for the… 3d822ae9-8e19-4b16-8e76-87cb153bb0d8 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:15:57 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/gender-equality-push-further Women’s representation in parliament increased in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, when compared to previous years, according to a report conducted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on the progress of women’s representation in elective positions.  The 28-page report titled “Women in… tmehnpaine@gmail.com (Tina S. Mehnpaine) e26dd102-667c-481b-880c-b6c8f756f5c7 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:12:31 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/nimba-senatorial-election-lacks-momentum — Voters say they are tired of politicians’ rhetorics There is very little leading up to the pending by-election for the Nimba County senatorial seat, with many voters expressing frustration with the political rhetoric from candidates. Some citizens cited disappointment with the lack of… ifmenkor@gmail.com (Ishmael F. Menkor) 13099723-bb5b-48bf-9a61-b712a0dcc8d6 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:46:10 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/who-leaked-ex-prez-weahs-assets-declaration — LACC Boss Zoe accuses predecessor Cllr. Verdier of being responsible  Liberia, like many other countries, has some form of asset declaration requirement for public officials, but the declared assets of most essential government officials are often kept confidential and are prohibited… liberianobserver@gmail.com (Staff Editor) f6dcfaa0-2597-4360-bcf7-2a23ee356890 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:35:17 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily http://www.liberianobserver.com/attempted-murder-victim-decries-deception-threats-bribery — As American missionary faces verdict today; New information shows attempts to silence Jessica Lloyd’s family and witnesses. LISTEN HERE Jessica Lloyd agreed to marry Lucas Richards with the sole desire of fulfilling his wish to become a biological father.  Richards, an American… tmehnpaine@gmail.com (Tina S. Mehnpaine) ffe62246-8740-4a39-973e-2b7c8a1e9bee Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:22:18 +0000 Liberian Observer - Liberia's First Independent Daily