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Liberia: CENTAL Urges President Boakai to Revoke PPCC Appointments Due to ‘Procedural Breach’

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  Monrovia – The Center for Transparency and Accountability (CENTAL) has called on President Joseph Boakai to revoke the recent appointments to the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), citing significant procedural and legal breaches. On August 29, President Boakai appointed five individuals to the Complaints, Appeal, and Review Panel (CARP) of the PPCC, as outlined in the Amended and Restated Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act of 2010. The appointees include Cllr. Sundaway E. Nelson Amagashie, Cllr. Vincent Smith, Cllr. Morris Davis, Mr. Ezekiel F. Nyumah, and Mr. Michael C.G. George. In a statement issued Tuesday, CENTAL expressed concern over what it described as a “significant procedural and legal breach” in the appointment process. The organization highlighted that, according to Part II, Section 10, Sub-section 3 of the Amended PPCC Act of 2010, appointments to these positions must result from a competitive process overseen by the PPCC. The Act ...
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 President Boakai draws on personal experience to empathize with “abandoned kids,” as he launches “Street Child Project” President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has stressed the importance of addressing the plights of the hundreds of thousands of street children across the country, many of whom have been left abandoned by their immediate family members and ensuring their well-being. Drawing from his own experiences, he highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable youth and stressed the need to tackle root causes such as corruption and resource misuse. “I have been a victim, and I know how it pains when young people have nobody to look after them,” the President said when he officially launched the ‘Street Child Project’ recently in Monrovia. Birthed by a disabled mother, and a father that was for the most part never around, the President had a very tough childhood.  He believe that no child should lack the comfort and parents and the necessities of life why growing up as the society s...

Legislature Has 15 Days to Pass Recast Budget

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  Monrovia, Liberia - The clock is ticking for the 55th Legislature of Liberia as lawmakers face a crucial 15-day window to pass the draft recast budget for the 2024 fiscal year. The urgency is palpable, with the risk of a government shutdown looming large should they fail to act within the stipulated time frame. The Legislature must move swiftly to ensure that the government remains functional, avoiding what could spiral into a constitutional crisis. The lawmakers, who have just returned from their second break, are now tasked with addressing a series of time-sensitive issues, foremost among them the approval of the draft recast budget. This budget is essential for the continuation of government operations across various agencies and departments. Failure to pass the budget could paralyze these entities, halting essential services and programs nationwide. The 15-day deadline is enshrined in the “Certificate To Reconvene,” signed by the Legislature, and “The Proclamation for a Speci...

Liberia U.S. Ambassador Toner Visits Ministry of Labor, Pledges Partnership in Combating Human Trafficking

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  During the conversation, the US Ambassador asked the minister to share more information on other challenges facing the ministry related to trafficking in persons. Monrovia – New United States Ambassador accredited to Liberia, Mark Toner, has expressed interest in learning more about challenges being faced in prosecuting human trafficking cases in Liberia. economy, and notes the critical role of the Minister’s ministry in these efforts. He noted that labor rights are crucial for any functioning democracy and economic growth, stressing the need for strong labor laws to support growing investments and a stronger economy. He acknowledged the ministry’s fundamental role in these efforts. Ambassador Toner highlighted the critical nature of addressing trafficking in person to ensure Liberia’s progress. He, however, he indicated a desire to understand the historical context and past efforts in this regard.

Liberia National Police and Arms Commission Revoke Firearms Permits

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  The authorities clarified that only permits granted to diplomatic missions will remain valid. All other temporary licenses or permits are now revoked. Monrovia – The Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LINCA) have announced the immediate revocation of all firearm licenses across the country. In a joint statement, the LNP and LINCA stated that this measure is aimed at enhancing public safety and security throughout Liberia. They emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful environment for all citizens. According to the statement, under the provisions of the Firearm and Ammunition Control Act of 2015, all previously licensed firearms are now considered illegal due to a recent policy change. “All firearms that were legally possessed under previous licenses must be surrendered to the LNP’s Small Arms Unit at the central headquarters in Monrovia,” the joint statement read. The authorities clarified only permits granted to diploma...

Liberia: Over 100 Passengers Grounded at RIA Due to Brussels Airlines Hydraulic Issue

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  According to reliable information, Brussels Airlines has flown in aircraft mechanics and spare parts to address the issue, with plans to transport the stranded passengers to their destinations as soon as the problem is resolved Monrovia – FrontPage Africa has reliably learned the Roberts International Airport (RIA) witnessed disruptions on Wednesday night as Brussels Airlines flight SN241 faced technical difficulties, stranding 133 passengers. The issue, reportedly related to the aircraft’s hydraulic system, prevented the flight from departing as scheduled. Sources at the scene described a chaotic situation as passengers initially boarded the flight, only to be asked to disembark and return to the Passenger Terminal. Despite a brief attempt to resume boarding, it soon became clear that the flight would not depart. Both departing and transiting passengers were subsequently escorted off the plane and accommodated in two local hotels. According to reliable information, Brussels Airl...