Author: Mark Menginfia

In most countries in West Africa and the Sahel region, rural dwellers face severe energy poverty with over 70 percent estimated to have no access to electricity. This is despite the fact that access to energy remains a consequential component to achieving sustainable development and poverty reduction. “Solar is one of the foremost areas to explore in the provision of sustainable electricity services, achieving universal access, and enhancing electricity accessibility for households, schools, and clinics”, said Deweh E. Gray, Resident Representative of the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission in Togo, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the start of a…

Praia, Cabo Verde-The ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission, led by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, PhD, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, has commenced on 3rd march 2026, high-level engagements in Cabo Verde ahead of the forthcoming legislative and presidential elections. The mission kicked off with a briefing session at the ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Cabo Verde, hosted by Ms Kelly Lopes, followed by a courtesy call on H.E. Jorge do Livramento, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration, to introduce the mission and discuss the institutional framework and national preparedness for the electoral process. The delegation also visited the Multinational…

Monrovia- 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…

Cotonou, Republic of Benin-The communications officers of ECOWAS institutions and agencies have finalised 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 standardise communication practices, promote the effective use of various communication channels and strengthen internal and external information flows between ECOWAS institutions, specialised agencies, national representations and Member States.  The two documents, which were finalised…

Preparations for the 2026 Kpongama National Fisheries Investment Conference continue to gain significant national momentum, with strong collaboration and active participation from key government ministries and agencies committed to ensuring a successful and impactful event. The leadership of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable economic development. The Bank pledged to support efforts aimed at improving access to finance and stimulating private sector investment-critical drivers for growth and transformation within Liberia’s fisheries sector. Speaking at the 6th Steering Committee gathering Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, Dr. Musa…

Dead fish in river 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…

By Akoi M. Baysah, Jr. The Secretary General of the United Methodist University Alumni Association UMUAA Emmett P. Coker has been elected President of the Association following a decisive 193–51 victory at the Association’s 10th General Assembly. The election, held before alumni delegates and members, marked a significant transition in the leadership of the alumni body. Coker has pledged continuity, unity, and sustained development for both the Association and United Methodist University, its alma mater. He described the outcome of the elections as both humbling and historic. “I am deeply humbled, profoundly grateful, and sincerely thankful for this overwhelming mandate…

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., last Wednesday, received in audience a delegation from the Mother of Light Center at the Executive Mansion. The delegation comprised Mr. Abdullah Chahni, Madam Sharon Cooper, Bishop Guy-Paul Noujaim, Ms. Gabrielle Debaneh, Cllr. Charles Noujaim, and Mr. Sami Fahed. They were escorted to the Office of the President by Ambassador-at-Large Ora Richards and the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Honorable Gbeme Horace Kollie. The Mother of Light Center, founded in 2019, is a Catholic non-profit organization dedicated to serving the poor, the homeless, and vulnerable families. The Center has made significant humanitarian contributions…

Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh ABSTRACT In this article, I examine Liberia’s Yellow Machines as visible proof that taxation works. Drawing on Fiscal Exchange Theory, Tax Morale Theory, and Framing Theory, I argue that these machines demonstrate how taxpayer contributions translate into roads, jobs, market access, and real bread-and-butter benefits for Liberian families. Ultimately, the article reframes taxation not as a burden, but as a shared investment in national development. — INTRODUCTION: MORE THAN MACHINES For the first time in Liberia’s nearly 200-year history, the Government has procured a total of 285 heavy-duty earth-moving “yellow machines” at a negotiated cost of approximately US$22 million of taxpayers’…

Applaud Progress, Assure Strong Support Monrovia-Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah has led a high-powered Cabinet and Legislative delegation to tour Liberia’s new Destination Inspection (DI) Facility currently under construction at the Freeport of Monrovia. The inspection tour brought together members of the Ways and Means Committees of both Houses alongside key Cabinet officials to assess firsthand the progress, standards, and projected impact of the modern DI site, which is expected to be completed in August. Before inspecting the new construction site, the delegation toured the existing DI facility, where members observed current spatial and operational limitations. The contrast underscored the…