Author: Chester Smith

IPNEWS: Barely seven months following the controversial removal of former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, the authoritative Independent Probe Newspaper, has gathered that rumors of an imminent removal of House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon are true, as a growing rebellion within the Liberian House of Representatives has led to 48 lawmakers endorsing a resolution to oust him. The plot originally began with a core group of 22 aggrieved lawmakers from the “Majority Bloc”. Their numbers have now surged to 48 representatives pushing for his removal. The disgruntled lawmakers have threatened to deny Speaker Koon a legislative quorum and boycott key…

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the Ministry of Health have reassured Liberians that the country remains prepared and vigilant against any possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The assurance was provided Tuesday during a Joint Public Hearing before the Liberian Senate, where health authorities updated lawmakers on the country’s level of preparedness amid ongoing Ebola outbreaks reported in some African countries. Speaking at the hearing, NPHIL Acting Director-General, Dr. Sia Wata Camanor disclosed that the institution is currently screening and monitoring sixteen foreign nationals from East African countries, including Ethiopia and Uganda, who recently arrived…

The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has welcomed the submission of a draft legislation seeking to establish a specialized National Anti-Corruption Court in Liberia, describing the move as a major step toward strengthening accountability and ending impunity for corruption. In a press statement issued Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Monrovia, CENTAL praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for forwarding two landmark justice and anti-corruption bills to the Legislature. The bills include an Act establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court and another creating the National Anti-Corruption Court. According to CENTAL, the establishment of the anti-corruption court will help…

IPNEWS: The Managing Director of the National Transit Authority (NTA), Hon. Edmund Forh, has announced a series of major reforms aimed at modernizing Liberia’s public transportation system. The initiatives include the procurement of new buses and cargo trucks, the introduction of an electronic ticketing system, and the rehabilitation of transport terminals across the country. Speaking Tuesday at a Ministry of Information press briefing, Forh said the reforms are part of the NTA’s broader rebranding and modernization agenda designed to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery. He disclosed that the authority is currently procuring additional vehicles to strengthen public transport services…

IPNEWS: The Grand Master of Masons, Most Worshipful Brother Willis J. Allen, current Officer-in-Charge of Activa International Insurance Company, has been elected Vice President of the Liberia Insurance Association (LIA). Mr. Allen concurrently serves as the Managing Officer-in-Charge at Activa Insurance Liberia. Beyond his corporate and industry roles, Mr. Allen serves as the Chief Scout of the Republic of Liberia for the Liberia Scout Association. The Liberia Insurance Association (LIA) acts as the primary governing umbrella body for all local insurance and reinsurance operations. It functions closely alongside state regulatory bodies to deepen national insurance penetration and expand financial inclusion…

IPNEWS: South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, was has been sentenced to an effective five years in prison on April 16, 2026, by the KuGompo City (formerly East London) Magistrate’s Court. The criminal conviction and subsequent sentence stem from a 2018 political rally incident where Malema unlawfully possessed and discharged a semi-automatic rifle into the air. Despite the prison term, Magistrate Twanet Olivier granted Malema leave to appeal the sentence, allowing him to remain out of jail on a warning while the appeals process unfolds. The court handed down penalties across five distinct charges under the Firearms…

Paris Saint-Germain retained their UEFA Champions League title after defeating Arsenal 2-1 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw that could not be separated after 120 minutes of pulsating football.  The French champions showed remarkable resilience to recover from an early setback before holding their nerve in a tense shootout to successfully defend the European crown. Arsenal made the perfect start when Kai Havertz capitalised on a defensive lapse to put the Gunners ahead in the sixth minute. The German forward surged into the penalty area and rifled a superb finish beneath the crossbar beyond goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. The early goal stunned PSG, but the holders gradually wrestled control of proceedings through the creativity of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Vitinha. Despite dominating possession and creating several promising openings, PSG struggled to break down Arsenal’s disciplined defence during the first half. Fabian Ruiz went closest for the Parisians, while David Raya remained largely untroubled as Arsenal carried their slender advantage into the interval. Dembele Penalty The momentum shifted after the restart as PSG increased the pressure. Arsenal’s resistance was finally broken in the 65th minute after a VAR review confirmed a penalty for a foul by Cristhian Mosquera. Dembele stepped up confidently and drilled his spot-kick low into the corner, leaving Raya with no chance and bringing PSG level at 1-1. The equaliser transformed the contest into a gripping battle. PSG pushed relentlessly for a winner, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia striking the post and Vitinha narrowly missing the target with a powerful long-range effort. Arsenal, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the break and introduced Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Eberechi Eze in search of a decisive goal. Neither side could find the breakthrough during regulation time, sending the final into extra time. Chances remained scarce in the additional 30 minutes as fatigue began to take its toll. Martin Zubimendi came agonisingly close to winning it for Arsenal in the dying moments, only for a PSG defender to make a crucial block from close range.

IPNEWS: Liberia’s opposition party, the Alternative National Congress (ANC), has called on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to launch a criminal investigation into the reported construction of a US$10 million villa in the home village of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The controversy surrounds a massive structure that was initially reported to be a private residence for President Boakai. The building was allegedly constructed by a company said to be owned by one of the President’s nephews, raising concerns about transparency, procurement practices, and the source of funding for the project. According to the ANC, no public disclosure was made regarding…

IPNEWS: The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has intensified efforts to modernize tax administration and strengthen domestic revenue mobilization as Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah leads a high-level delegation to the Republic of Korea for strategic engagements with the National Tax Service (NTS) of Korea. The weeklong visit, undertaken at the invitation of the Korean National Tax Service, is aimed at advancing a major institutional partnership focused on strengthening tax administration, enhancing international cooperation, and improving domestic revenue mobilization through technical assistance, knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and capacity development. The National Tax Service of Korea is internationally recognized for its advanced digital…

IPNEWS: More than 200 women political aspirants from across Liberia’s 15 counties convened in Paynesville on 27 May 2026 for the National Networking and Experience-Sharing Forum for Women Political Aspirants. The forum aimed to strengthen women’s political leadership and participation ahead of the 2029 elections. Organized by Sister Aid Liberia in partnership with UN Women Liberia under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, the forum brought together aspiring women leaders, elected officials, former candidates, appointed leaders, women’s networks, and electoral stakeholders. The event promoted peer learning, mentorship, networking, and practical dialogue on advancing women’s political participation in Liberia. The Liberia Electoral Support…