Author: Chester Smith

IPNEWS: There are moments in a nation’s democratic journey where reflection becomes just as important as action. This week in Monrovia, the National Elections Commission (NEC) embraced such a moment, one defined by honesty, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building a stronger electoral future for Liberia. On 2 March, the NEC, supported by UNDP through the Liberia Electoral Support Project with funding from the European Union, Sweden and Ireland, convened a high-level workshop unlike any other. Not to launch a new initiative. Not to announce a policy shift, but to look inward to review what has been learned, what…

—- Discusses Ongoing Capitol Arson Trail, Others On Monday, June 2, 2025, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Mark C. Toner, paid a courtesy visit to former President Goerge Weah at his Jamaica Resort Office in Monrovia. The meeting was a significant diplomatic engagement that included the following details: Ambassador Toner was accompanied by Stephen C. MacLeod, the Senior Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. Former President Weah was joined by his Senior Advisor and Chief Special Envoy, Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr.. The officials discussed a range of national and international issues. Specifically, they addressed the political situation on Capitol Hill. Ambassador Toner emphasized that the United…

IPNEWS: Mines and Energy Minister R. Matenokay Tingban on Tuesday defended the government’s renewal of the ArcelorMittal Liberia concession, calling the projected US$3.5 billion investment a transformative milestone for the country’s mining sector and a major boost for economic growth. Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing after returning from the 2026 Mining Indaba Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, Tingban said the amended concession agreement, recently ratified by the Legislature, will significantly expand iron ore production, increase government revenue, and accelerate infrastructure development along Liberia’s key mining corridor. “This is not just a contract; it is a…

IPNEWS: Revolutionary National Youth League – CDC Demands Immediate Discipline and Statutory Investigation into US$80M Public Corruption by LPRC Managing Director, Amos Tweh. The Revolutionary National Youth League (RNYL) of the Congress for Democratic Change has received volumes of documents into serious financial irregularities exceeding US$80 million at the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) under the leadership of the Managing Director Amos Tweh who is also the Secretary General of the ruling Unity Party. These documents and public media outlets suggest that revenues reportedly generated from petroleum importers have not been fully reported or remitted to the Government’s Consolidated Account,…

IPNEWS: In a shocking display of weakness from a supposed NATO partner, socialist Spain has slammed the door on American forces, refusing to let joint bases at Rota and Morón support critical refueling operations for the decisive U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran’s terrorist regime. Defense Minister Margarita Robles declared “absolutely none” assistance would be provided, citing vague appeals to “international law” while the mullahs’ nuclear ambitions and proxy attacks on allies demand action. Flight tracking confirms the result: Nine KC-135 Stratotankers—vital for extending U.S. airpower—were forced to depart Spanish soil, heading straight to reliable partners. Thank God for Germany. Berlin has…

IPNEWS: Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, is scheduled to address the House of Representatives in a special plenary session this Thursday, March 5, 2026. The Special Plenary Session with Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, is scheduled Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Plenary Hall, Capitol Building, Monrovia. Madam Sirleaf’s Legislative address and interactive lecture, follows a formal invitation from Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon. Madam Sirleaf, Africa’s first democratically elected female president, will deliver a lecture titled “Leadership and Governance”. The discussion is expected to focus on: Madam Sirleaf described the invitation as a historic first that signals institutional cooperation and democratic continuity. Her security…

IPNEWS: Koima Weyaja Town, Tawer District- Residents across more than six communities along the Mavor Creek in Grand Cape Mount County are confronting a severe drinking water crisis. They alleged that the Bea Mountain Mining Company has polluted their water source again. ‎The situation echoed prior incidents in 2016 and 2022 when residents of Jinkoder faced similar contamination and relocation fears. Eyewitnesses say the pollution has triggered a major fish die-off in the Mavor Creek and Mafa River, with aquatic life perishing due to alleged chemical waste, including cyanide, allegedly released by the mining company. ‎The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has…

IPNEWS: The communications officers of ECOWAS institutions and agencies have finalized the new inter-institutional communication strategy (2026-2030) and ECOWAS’ information and communication policy. The new ECOWAS communication strategy defines a structured and strategic approach aimed at effectively communicating the Community’s vision, mandate, priorities and achievements across West Africa, in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050. The information and communication policy, for its part, aims to standardize communication practices, promote the effective use of various communication channels and strengthen internal and external information flows between ECOWAS institutions, specialized agencies, national representations and Member States. The two documents, which were finalized during a…

‎IPNEWS: The Ministry of Youth & Sports on Thursday welcomed H.E. Yin Chengwu, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China at the ministry.‎‎ Led by Amb. Yin Chengwu, the delegation visited Minister Atty. Cornelia Kruah and Deputies. During the meeting, the China Ambassador to Liberia reiterated continued support for youth development.‎‎ Amb. Chengwu underscored his government readiness and unweaving commitment for investing in Liberia’s young people noting that it is a central pillar of national growth and shared prosperity.‎‎ For her part, Youth and Sports Minister Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah expressed gratitude for China’s enduring collaboration with Liberia especially…

IPNEWS: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in close consultation with the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), has issued the March 3, 2026 price circular establishing new petroleum product ceilings for both wholesale and retail markets. Under the new circular, fuel prices for gasoline (PMS) and fuel oil (AGO) will remain unchanged in U.S. dollar terms. Retail pump prices are set at US$4.02 (LD 755) for gasoline and US$4.33 (LD 810) for fuel oil, reflecting prevailing exchange rate adjustments (CBL rate: LD 187.00 = US$1). The prices indicated are reflective of last month’s average Platts. In a meeting with importers…