Author: Chester Smith
IPNEWS: Fresh signs of division are emerging within Liberia’s ruling Unity Party, with growing warnings that the party could split into two rival camps if urgent steps are not taken to restore internal cohesion. Political commentator Vandallah Patrick has cautioned that the governing party is “breaking into two pieces,” a development he says could damage the political image of President Joseph Boakai and weaken the administration ahead of the next electoral cycle. According to insiders, the emerging split centers around two powerful factions—one aligned with Vice President Jeremiah Koung and another believed to be rallying around Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan.…
IPNEWS: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has received a proposed National Health Insurance Bill from the Ministry of Health, marking a significant step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Liberia. The bill was formally presented by Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, who outlined the government’s vision for establishing a sustainable national health insurance system that would improve access to quality healthcare services for all Liberians, regardless of their economic status. Presenting the proposal at the Executive Mansion, Dr. Kpoto requested President Boakai’s endorsement of the bill and asked that it be transmitted to the National Legislature for consideration and…
IPNEWS: Former Mines and Energy Minister and ex-Unity Party Chairman Wilmot Paye has launched a fierce public attack against elements within the ruling Unity Party government, accusing them of deliberately targeting and attempting to politically destroy him as internal tensions deepen. Speaking in a radio interview this week, Paye claimed there is a calculated effort within government circles to push him aside so others can freely carry out what he described as questionable actions without resistance. “They wanted me out of the way so they can do what they want to do, but I will fight,” Paye declared. The former…
IPNEWS: Liberia has issued an official travel advisory for travelers coming from or transiting through the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda due to an active Ebola virus disease outbreak. This move comes days following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the Liberian Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) implemented strict health guidelines. Now all travelers from or transiting through the DRC and Uganda must undergo strict entry screenings at all Liberian ports. Under this new restriction, Health officials will screen…
IPNEWS: The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) has officially unveiled a newly constructed Police Safety Booth valued at US$1,500 for the Paynesville City Police at the busy ELWA Junction, demonstrating its commitment to community development and public safety in Liberia. The dedication ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at ELWA Junction in Paynesville City, outside Monrovia. The event brought together government officials, international partners, local stakeholders, community leaders, and senior members of the Eastern Star. Speaking during the ceremony, Worthy Brother Shakar Jhamnani, Chairman of the Grand Charity Committee, provided an overview of the project and highlighted…
IPNEWS: The Executive Secretary of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), Mr. Jules Tapsoba, has underscored the importance of the ongoing negotiations on the United Nations Tax Convention as a strategic opportunity for African countries to contribute to the development of a more inclusive and equitable international tax system that supports domestic revenue mobilisation and sustainable development. Mr. Tapsoba made this statement on 22 June during his opening remarks at a webinar organised by Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA) and CCFD-Terre Solidaire on the theme: “Strengthening the Mobilisation of Francophone Civil Society Organisations in Africa Around the United Nations Tax…
IPNEWS: The Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and the World Bank Group have concluded a roundtable discussion on June 15, 2026, to review implementation progress and tackle waste management challenges under the US$40 million Liberia Urban Resilience Project (LURP). The World Bank delegation praised several key milestones achieved under the project including the Large-scale community tool distributions facilitated localized, community-led drainage cleaning to reduce flood risks across Greater Monrovia. Recently the MCC launched an active website, integrated GIS technology, and deployed a live performance dashboard to track institutional metrics. The Intensive revenue enhancement training was conducted to improve internal skills and…
Members of the University of Liberia Credit Union (ULCU) have taken a landmark step toward expanding financial services and accelerating development at the University of Liberia’s Fendell Campus by committing a portion of their annual dividends to the construction of a proposed US$1.5 million Cooperative Development Banking complex facility. The decision was unanimously endorsed by members during the Credit Union’s 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) concluded Saturday at the University of Liberia’s Fendell Campus. The ambitious project is expected to transform the financial landscape of the University community and surrounding areas by providing banking and other financial services to University…
IPNEWS: The United States Government has lauded the Government of Liberia, especially the Liberia Drugs Agency for recent $19 million drug bust in Liberia. A statement from the U.S. Embassy near Monrovia says the drug bust is a critical success driven by “excellent communication” and swift joint action between international law enforcement agencies. The U.S. Embassy statement also notes that the United States international narcotics agency actively assisted Liberian authorities during the operation, which resulted in intercepting approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA). The official stance and actions surrounding the seizure reveal key perspectives on regional…
IPNEWS: The Republic of Gunea and China have broken ground for a $1 billion alumina refinery in Boffa, Guinea. This 1.2-million-ton per year capacity project marks the company’s first overseas alumina plant and aims to strengthen the raw material supply chain for China’s aluminum industry. Located in Boffa, Guinea, the refinery has a capacity of 1.2 million metric tons of alumina annually, with a approximately $1 billion, developed by Chalco Hong Kong, expected to take 3 to 4 years on construction. The Al A wholly-owned project subsidiary is being established in Guinea to oversee the investment and operations. The Guinean…