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Montserrado Media Inc., New York, NY (2026)

09/20/2026

NPA Sets Up Technical Committee to Tackle Berth Congestion, Container Delays at Freeport

The National Port Authority (NPA) has established a Strategic Technical Committee to address worsening berth congestion, container delays and longer vessel waiting times at the Freeport of Monrovia.

The committee, headed by Mohammed Calico Lavalie, was appointed by NPA Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly amid growing concerns that congestion and limited port infrastructure are increasing costs for importers, customs brokers, shipping lines, businesses and consumers.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at NPA headquarters, Dukuly described the Freeport as a critical part of Liberia’s economy and warned that delays at the port are having wider financial consequences.

“Container dwell time has risen beyond acceptable thresholds. Yard occupancy is approaching levels that reduce operational flexibility, and truck turnaround times are lengthening.”

He added that delays in documentation and cargo release are increasing storage and demurrage charges.

“These costs do not end at the port. They travel to the importer, and they finish their journey in the pocket of the Liberian consumer.”

The meeting brought together the Consortium of Liberian Importers from China, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Liberia Revenue Authority, Truckers Union of Liberia, APM Terminals, Customs Brokers Association, shipping lines and NPA management.

Three Key Outcomes Announced

The NPA says the new committee will focus on identifying bottlenecks across the cargo chain, assigning responsibilities and timelines for corrective measures, and tracking performance.

Proposed interventions include a truck appointment system, extended clearance hours, improved document processing before vessels arrive, reduced duplicate inspections and faster removal of empty and overstayed containers.

Dukuly said the NPA has already intensified oversight of terminal operations and is working with APM Terminals, Customs, truckers and brokers to improve cargo movement.

Shipping stakeholders also warned that congestion could worsen as the Christmas import season approaches, with vessels reportedly experiencing prolonged delays while waiting to call at Monrovia.

APM Terminals Liberia said some improvements have already been recorded, including the ability to discharge more than 800 containers within 24 hours.

The company, however, stressed that the port is intended for transit rather than storage. It said the normal five-day free period for consignees has effectively been extended to 14 days in some cases because of clearance delays, placing additional pressure on limited yard space.

The latest intervention comes as calls intensify for port expansion and broader infrastructure improvements to match Liberia’s growing import and cargo traffic.

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09/20/2026

“Show Me One Project UP Initiated and Completed” — Acarous Gray Challenges Boakai Administration

Former Montserrado County lawmaker and senior Congress for Democratic Change figure Acarous Moses Gray has challenged the ruling Unity Party to identify major projects it says were both initiated and completed under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.

Gray argued that several projects currently being highlighted by the government, including the Tubman Boulevard overpass bridges, originated under former President George Manneh Weah.

“All the projects this government is currently doing and boasting about, including the overhead bridge, are George Weah projects.”

He added:

“Let the UP people show me one project, since they came to power, that they have initiated and completed — zero projects!”

There is historical basis for saying the overpass concept predates the Boakai administration. Former President Weah said in a 2021 annual message that an agreement had been signed with China for two overhead bridges at the SKD Boulevard and Congo Town intersections, and compensation processes had begun.

However, the projects did not move into physical construction during Weah’s tenure. President Boakai formally broke ground for the two China-aided overpasses on September 2, 2025, with construction scheduled through 2027.

Gray’s broader claim that all projects being implemented by the current government originated under Weah, and that the Boakai administration has completed “zero” projects of its own, is a political assertion and would require a project-by-project review to establish.

His remarks continue a growing political dispute over which administration should receive credit for projects conceived, financed, launched or completed across different governments.

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09/20/2026

“Senator Job Doesn’t Have Money” — Johnny Kpehe Explains Why Cash Handouts Have Reduced Since Election

B**g County Senator Johnny K. Kpehe has responded to constituents questioning why he no longer distributes money at the same level he did before becoming senator, saying his financial situation changed after entering full-time politics.

Speaking at a public gathering in Gbarnga on Saturday, September 19, 2026, Kpehe said some residents have reminded him that he used to give people more financial assistance before he was elected.

“A couple of times I see people telling me, J, my man, you used to come here and give people money when you were never a Senator, but this time you are not doing it.”

Kpehe said the difference is that his business activities are no longer directly connected to him in the way they were before he entered politics.

“Now my business and myself don’t have any relationship. My business is behind me discussing itself, and I’m here discussing my politics. I’ve got issues…”

His explanation has sparked a broader debate over what constituents should reasonably expect from elected officials. A senator’s formal responsibility is centered on lawmaking, representation and oversight, rather than personal cash distribution, and Liberian civic-governance guides list Kpehe as B**g County senator and chair of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports.

At the same time, Liberia’s political culture often places strong pressure on lawmakers to provide direct personal assistance to constituents, especially for emergencies, school fees, funerals and community activities. Recent reporting from B**g County shows that lawmakers are frequently judged not only on legislation and oversight, but also on visible financial and development support to communities.

So the bigger question may not simply be whether Kpehe should “go back to business,” but whether voters elected him primarily to give personal money or to use his office to help secure roads, schools, clinics, jobs and accountable public spending.

Kpehe’s comments leave voters with a political question to answer for themselves: Has the relationship between the senator and his constituents changed after the election, or should citizens judge him mainly by what he delivers through public office rather than personal handouts?

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09/20/2026

TRANSFORMATION OF CHARACTER BY THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

09/20/2026

Liberia Launches PATHWAYS Framework for Youth Development at UNGA Sidelines Event in New York

Liberia has launched a new PATHWAYS Framework aimed at expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening youth participation in peacebuilding, security and national development.

Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti launched the framework on September 18, 2026, during a high-level event held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The initiative brings together Liberia’s existing youth policies and the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ five-year strategic plan under a single vision, with the goal of ensuring that every young Liberian has a pathway to pursue their aspirations by 2035.

The framework focuses on six major areas: governance, evidence, youth pathways, sports, the creative economy and strategic investment.

Government officials say implementation will depend on strong institutions, reliable data and sustained investment capable of translating policy into practical opportunities for young people.

Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah called on local and international partners to support the initiative, describing it as a public commitment to Liberia’s youth backed by targets and timelines.

UN officials and development partners welcomed the framework and encouraged young Liberians to play an active role in building peaceful, inclusive and resilient communities. They also expressed support for Liberia’s broader Youth, Peace and Security agenda.

Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee urged young people to familiarize themselves with the framework and called for nationwide town hall meetings to broaden public understanding and participation.

She also encouraged the government to commit substantial domestic funding, arguing that stronger national investment could help attract additional support from international partners.

The launch, held under the theme “Rooting and Rising: Liberia’s Vision for Youth, Peace, and Security,” brought together government officials, UN representatives, youth leaders, civil society organizations and international partners.

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09/20/2026

ICE Deports Former Liberian Combatant Amos Massaquoi Over Alleged Civil War-Era Human Rights Abuses

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it has deported Amos Sheik Massaquoi, 55, to Liberia, citing allegations that he was involved in serious human rights abuses during Liberia’s civil wars.

According to ICE, Massaquoi was removed from the United States on August 11, 2026. The agency says he is believed to have ordered or participated in extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and detentions, forced labor, and the recruitment of child soldiers during Liberia’s conflicts between 1989 and 2003.

ICE further alleges that Massaquoi served as chief bodyguard to Maj. Gen. Daniel Chea, a former senior figure associated with Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia.

The U.S. agency also said Massaquoi received specialized military training at a military academy in China in 2004.

“If you are a confirmed human rights violator and you believe you can hide in the United States, you are mistaken,” ICE Chicago Field Office Director Frank Padula said, according to the agency’s statement.

ICE said it will continue pursuing individuals it believes committed serious abuses abroad and are subject to removal under U.S. immigration law.

The allegations described by ICE are serious, but the statement does not by itself establish criminal guilt in a Liberian court. It also does not indicate whether Massaquoi currently faces prosecution in Liberia.

His removal comes as Liberia continues to confront unresolved questions of accountability for crimes committed during the country’s civil wars, including ongoing calls for stronger war-crimes and transitional-justice mechanisms.

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09/20/2026

“No Thanks, Sir” — Samuel Tweah Criticizes VP Koung Over Jailed Activist, Calls Cybercrime Law “Illegal”

Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. has criticized Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung over the detention of political activist Jerry Nyantee Wrotto, arguing that the activist should never have been jailed over speech in the first place.

Tweah acknowledged Koung’s reported call for Wrotto’s release but said the need for such an intervention itself highlights what he sees as a deeper problem.

“That you have to call for his release is the problem. He should not be behind bars for free speech in the first place.”

Tweah also attacked Liberia’s recently approved Cybercrime Act, describing provisions dealing with online conduct as “illegal” and predicting that they would be overturned after the Unity Party leaves office. Liberia’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications currently lists the Cybercrime Act of 2025 among the country’s approved Acts.

He contrasted the law with earlier press-freedom reforms, pointing to Liberia’s endorsement of the Table Mountain Declaration and the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom, which repealed criminal libel against the President, sedition and criminal malevolence provisions in the Penal Law.

“This country that approved the Table Mountain Declaration under President Sirleaf and the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of press freedom under President Weah cannot be the same country that passes a draconian law on cyber bullying.”

Tweah further argued that political leaders should expect harsh public criticism, saying citizens must be able to pressure elected officials to deliver results.

He also called on Vice President Koung to urge President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to revisit the cybercrime legislation and raised broader allegations of judicial interference and political targeting by the administration. Those accusations reflect Tweah’s political position and are not established as fact by his statement.

Tweah concluded:

“Thank you for your stand on the jailed political activist, but no thanks sir.”

His remarks add to the growing debate over the balance between free expression, online abuse, public accountability and criminal regulation of conduct on social media in Liberia.

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09/19/2026

Indian Embassy, For Beach Liberia Lead Beach Cleanup and Coconut Tree Planting in Monrovia

The Embassy of India in Monrovia, in collaboration with For Beach Liberia and The Grove, has carried out a beach-cleaning and tree-planting exercise as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign.

The activity took place near the Embassy premises and brought together the Indian Ambassador, Embassy staff, environmental volunteers and community partners for a practical cleanup of the beachfront.

Participants also planted coconut saplings under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (Plant4Mother) initiative, combining environmental service with efforts to promote greener and more climate-resilient coastal communities.

Focus on Cleaner Beaches and Climate Resilience

The exercise highlighted the importance of protecting Liberia’s coastline from pollution and environmental degradation while encouraging communities to take greater responsibility for maintaining clean public spaces.

Dominique Tolbert, Co-owner of The Grove, emphasized the potential of Liberia’s beaches if they are properly cleaned, protected and preserved against environmental threats, including the effects of climate change.

For Beach Liberia said the initiative aligns with its broader work promoting clean beaches, tree planting, healthier communities and stronger coastal resilience.

The organization also expressed appreciation to the Embassy of India, The Grove and participating volunteers for supporting the environmental initiative.

The message from the activity was simple: keep Liberia’s coastline clean, green and protected for future generations.

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09/19/2026

Senator Kogar Calls for Nimba–Grand Bassa Unity at Janjay Baikpeh’s Funeral

Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar has called for stronger unity between the people of Nimba and Grand Bassa counties, saying their shared history, communities and cultural connections make them “one people.”

Speaking at the funeral service of former Grand Bassa County Superintendent Janjay Baikpeh, Kogar conveyed condolences on behalf of the people of Nimba and the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the political party Baikpeh served.

Kogar said the two counties have long been connected through their shared boundaries, railway, mountains and communities, with ethnic groups and families living across both areas.

He urged citizens to use Baikpeh’s passing as an opportunity to strengthen relationships, noting that the funeral had brought together people from different political backgrounds, including some who had reportedly not spoken to one another for years.

The senator appealed to Liberians not to wait until the death of a citizen before setting political disagreements aside and reconnecting.

“We may have political differences, but the love of Liberia should unite us.”

Kogar said political competition should not prevent Liberians from maintaining personal relationships, supporting one another and cooperating on issues affecting their communities.

He called for the unity displayed during Baikpeh’s funeral to continue beyond the period of mourning, particularly between the people of Nimba and Grand Bassa.

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09/19/2026

Paynesville Hosts Food Festival to Showcase Liberian Chefs and Culinary Talent

The Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) is hosting a food festival aimed at showcasing the skills and creativity of Liberian chefs while promoting local cuisine and culinary entrepreneurship.

The event features a cooking competition, with participating chefs expected to compete for attractive prizes and recognition.

Paynesville Mayor Robert Bestman says the festival is intended to become a regular city initiative, with plans to include funding for it in future municipal budgets.

The festival also provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience a variety of Liberian dishes while supporting local food businesses and emerging chefs.

According to Mayor Bestman, institutionalizing the event could help strengthen Paynesville’s cultural identity, create opportunities for food entrepreneurs and provide a recurring platform for culinary talent.

The initiative adds another community-focused activity to the city’s calendar, with organizers hoping it can grow into a larger annual celebration of Liberian food, culture and creativity.

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