Author: Austine Newman

— Following New GAC US$5.6 Million Budget Irregularities at MFDP During Tenure IPNEWS: Former Liberian Finance Minister Samuel Tweah faces a renewed risk of legal trouble and potential rearrest following a new General Auditing Commission (GAC) audit report exposing major budget irregularities during his tenure. The GAC audit specifically flags US$5.6 million in financial irregularities at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP). According to the GAC’s audit findings, the MFDP under Tweah’s administration engaged in unauthorized fiscal maneuvers. The Ministry unauthorizedly disbursed US$52.8 million in excess of the approved national budget limits to various government agencies—including the Ministries…

IPNEWS: The House of Representatives has agreed to invite Deputy Minister of Justice Cllr. Cora Hare and Minister of State Without Portfolio, Mamaka Bility to appear before its Leadership to provide updates on the work of the Presidential Technical Committee established to address the longstanding Ganta land dispute in Nimba County. The decision followed the reading of a communication from Nimba County Electoral District #2 Representative Nyahn G. Flomo on Monday, November 2, 2026, during the First Day Sitting of the Leadership of the Third Quarter of the Second Session of the 55th august body. In his communication dated October…

IPNEWS: Former Minister of Mines and Energy Wilmot Paye has raised serious concerns over the reported sale of Kitomo Mountain near Sanniquellie, Nimba County, to Cavilla Resource Company, warning that the transaction could undermine the county’s long-term economic interests if its natural resources are not properly managed. Mr. Paye concerns come amid reports that Cavilla Resource Company is expected to begin mining operations at the mountain soon, a development he believes requires greater public scrutiny and the involvement of Nimba County political leaders, business community and other stakeholders. The former minister questioned whether the reported transaction represents the best economic…

IPNEWS: The Government of Liberia’s ambitious plans to reform the mining sector, establish a domestic gold refinery, and create a National Minerals and Mining Company are facing questions over the participation of local mining stakeholders, particularly grassroots miners who depend on the sector for their livelihoods. Although the government has outlined several measures aimed at increasing revenue, promoting local processing, and strengthening the management of mineral resources, concerns raised by local gold miners suggest that the proposed reforms could face an important challenge if those directly involved in the industry are not adequately represented. Speaking on October 28, 2026, at…

By: Julius Konton IPNEWS: The Legal Aid Clinic Program of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC), with financial and institutional support from the General Board of Global Ministries, has secured the release of 63 pretrial detainees from Monrovia Central Prison following judicial proceedings conducted through the Magistrate Sitting Program during October 2026. The development represents a significant intervention in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to address prolonged pretrial detention, prison overcrowding, and barriers to legal representation, particularly among indigent citizens and foreign residents who lack the financial resources to secure private legal services. The 63 detainees were released…

IPNEWS: The Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Sekou A. Dukuly, has addressed the concerns of protesting Liberian businesses, outlining immediate and long-term measures to address congestion and delays at the Freeport of Monrovia. Speaking at a press briefing at his Freeport office, Dukuly admitted that the current capacity of the port is low, resulting in about 700 containers staying at the port for over 30 days – a situation he described as “not good” for commerce. Responding to demands from the business community, Dukuly said the NPA is working closely with port users including APM Terminals and…

—As Koffa Proposes Social Safety Fund IPNEWS: Several Liberians mainly Market Women and Students have hailed Former House Speaker and current Grand Kru County District #2 Representative, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, for his farsightedness over his proposed the establishment of a US$25 million National Social Safety Net Fund to provide immediate financial relief to vulnerable citizens in Liberia. First introduced in late 2025 and heavily pushed for inclusion in the 2026 national budget, the proposal has gained renewed urgency following recent World Bank reports showing a rise in extreme poverty despite overall economic growth. Koffa argues that the government cannot…