AGP Executive Report

Opposition Unity Talks: Liberia’s opposition leaders, led by former President George Weah, agreed to form a steering committee to build a framework for sustained collaboration ahead of the 2029 elections—without forming an electoral alliance or a ticket. Witness Protection Push: The Witness Protection Agency (WPA) is seeking stronger legislative backing after years of limited functionality, with a focus on fixing access gaps beyond Monrovia. Open Government Drive: The Independent Information Commission and CENTAL stepped up Freedom of Information Act enforcement, targeting compliance by key public bodies including NIR, LISGIS, LACE and LWSC. Maritime & Trade: Transworld Shipping Lines signed to buy the vessel “Valsamitis” for US$11.75m, while Ghana’s maritime authority called for tougher seafarer assessment and certification standards across the region. Business & Jobs: Liberia Agricultural Company commissioned new school buses and a heavy-duty truck to expand education support for thousands of students around its plantations. Digital GBV Reporting: CHI and My Watchman launched confidential digital reporting for sexual and gender-based violence in New Kru Town.

Education & Youth: A debate is growing in Liberia over whether students who failed WASSCE should still be allowed to graduate, with calls to look beyond the exam to teaching quality, early support, and whether any exam process flaws exist. Sports & National Pride: President Joseph Boakai paid tribute to former Lone Star player and coach Josiah Nils Johnson (“JNJ”), pledging support for pressing challenges facing Liberia’s sports development. Maritime & Trade: Transworld Shipping Lines signed an MOA to buy the vessel “Valsamitis” for US$11.75m, signaling continued investment in shipping capacity. Entrepreneurship: BYU’s BUILD conference highlighted African business growth, with Liberia’s Soku Laundry Soap Enterprise winning a management competition aimed at expanding markets and jobs. Justice & Governance: Liberia’s drug-cases spotlight intensified as a state witness alleged links involving Jewel Howard-Taylor, a proposed protection arrangement, and a wider political plot. Energy & Business: ELTEL dragged Liberia Electricity Corporation and the Finance Ministry to the Supreme Court over a US$355k judgment balance, seeking enforcement after a Debt Court setback. Women & Health: UNFPA urged Liberia to accelerate action on women’s and girls’ health and gender-based violence as aid pressures rise. Digital Inclusion: LTA is moving to bring telecom consumer support closer to the public through a new Buchanan center.

Maritime Trade & Investment: Transworld Shipping Lines (Monrovia seller Greenland Marine Ltd.) signed an MOA to buy the vessel “Valsamitis” for US$11.75m, a reminder of Liberia’s role in regional shipping deals. Entrepreneurship & Jobs: A Liberian soap maker, Soku Laundry Soap Enterprise, won a BYU BUILD business plan competition in Johannesburg, aiming to expand markets and hire more young people. Maritime Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority urged tougher seafarer assessment and certification standards, with a one-week regional training that included Liberia, to keep crews competent for global trade. Shipping Security: Reports of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz again flagged Liberia-flagged tankers among vessels hit, raising risks for oil transport and insurance costs. Financial Inclusion & Credit: The Central Bank of Liberia and Banking Institute of Liberia stepped up training on the enhanced collateral registry to boost movable-asset lending for more borrowers. Energy & Power Sector: Swedish firm ELTEL dragged LEC and the Finance Ministry to Liberia’s Supreme Court over a US$355,106 judgment balance, seeking enforcement. Governance & Justice: President Boakai replaced the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General in a fast leadership reshuffle, amid political tension around the Rehab Junction area. Women, Youth & Social Protection: UNFPA urged Liberia to accelerate progress on women and girls’ health and GBV as development assistance tightens. Education & Skills: STRIVE’s vocational push at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center is expanding practical electricity training for job-ready youth. Agribusiness & Community Support: Liberia Agricultural Company commissioned new school buses and a heavy-duty truck to cut student travel time and improve plantation operations. Business & Economy Policy: An op-ed argues Liberia’s NPL crisis needs statutory “fresh start” mechanisms and shared lender accountability, not just blame on borrowers.

Justice & Drug Case: A state witness in the Jewel Howard-Taylor cocaine-trafficking proceedings alleged a Dubai-linked network sought protection from senior officials and drew Howard-Taylor into discussions tied to a proposed political deal and a plot targeting George Weah’s administration. Court & Governance: Liberia’s Justice Ministry leadership is in transition after Boakai replaced the Justice Minister and Solicitor General, a move critics link to the politically charged Rehab Junction events. War Crimes Court Push: A new survey says nine in 10 Liberians want a War and Economic Crimes Court, and most say they won’t vote for lawmakers who oppose it. Banking & Credit Access: The Central Bank and Banking Institute are training lenders on an enhanced collateral registry to expand movable-asset financing and improve credit decisions. Energy & Skills: STRIVE is strengthening Liberia’s TVET electricity curriculum at MVTC to boost job-ready electrical skills. Education & Jobs: Liberia Agricultural Company commissioned new school buses and a truck to improve transport for thousands of students. Women & GBV Reporting: CHI and My Watchman launched confidential digital GBV reporting and referral support in New Kru Town.

IMO Net-Zero Talks: The International Maritime Organization wrapped another working-group session on ship emissions, with the Net-Zero Framework largely holding but the U.S. and oil-producing states still pushing to weaken carbon pricing and defer key votes to late 2026. Liberia Justice & Drugs: A state witness in the Jewel Howard-Taylor case alleged a cocaine network sought Liberia as a transit hub, linked Howard-Taylor to protection discussions, and described a wider political plot involving former President George Weah. Justice Reshuffle: Hours after Weah’s return, President Boakai replaced the Justice Minister, Solicitor General, and named new leadership—amid fresh questions about fairness and political interference. Credit for More Liberians: The CBL and Banking Institute of Liberia stepped up training on an enhanced collateral registry to expand movable asset financing and widen access to credit. Local Business & Services: Liberia Agricultural Company commissioned new school buses and a truck to cut students’ travel time and reduce downtime. Women & Health: UNFPA urged faster action on women’s and girls’ health and GBV as development assistance declines. Energy & Courts: ELTEL dragged LEC and the finance minister to the Supreme Court over a US$355k judgment payment dispute. Maritime Safety: Reports highlighted attacks in the Strait of Hormuz involving Liberia-flagged vessels, raising security concerns for shipping.

Justice & Accountability: Liberia’s justice reshuffle is underway as President Boakai replaces the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, with the new leadership inheriting high-stakes drug cases and public fears of “selective justice.” War Crimes Court Push: A new FrontPage Africa/New Narratives survey says 9 in 10 Liberians want a War and Economic Crimes Court, and most won’t vote for lawmakers who oppose it—while the war crimes court office chief urges a special legislative session before the UN General Assembly. NPL Reform Debate: An op-ed argues Liberia’s NPL crisis needs statutory “fresh start” debt relief and shared lender accountability, not just blame on borrowers. Banking & Credit Access: The CBL and Banking Institute of Liberia are training loan officers on the enhanced collateral registry to expand movable asset financing and improve transparency. Telecom & Digital Services: LTA is rolling out consumer support closer to the people, including a new center in Buchanan, as it pushes broader digital inclusion. GBV Reporting Tech: CHI and My Watchman launch confidential digital GBV reporting in New Kru Town, aiming to connect survivors to services faster. Energy & Skills: STRIVE is strengthening Liberia’s TVET electricity curriculum for job-ready youth, while Senator Biney breaks ground for Gedetarbo electrification after a long wait. Business & Procurement: Accelerate360 is pushing SMEs to better access public procurement opportunities. Governance Flashpoint: Rehab Junction market-stall demolitions are drawing criticism as politically charged, following the Weah homecoming. Maritime & Security: Liberia-flagged ships are among those targeted in Strait of Hormuz attacks, raising renewed shipping safety concerns.

CBI & Financial Crime Training: Liberia was among 13 ITEC member countries sending 30 officers to a weeklong Central Bureau of Investigation course in Ghaziabad focused on investigating and prosecuting economic offences, including cross-border financial crimes. Revenue Watch: Liberia Revenue Authority says it collected US$954.7m in FY2026 so far, aiming to cross US$1bn before end-September as it rolls out electronic fiscal devices to cut leakages and boost compliance. Insurance & Business Growth: SUNU Assurances Liberia opened a new office in Sinkor, positioning it as closer, more accessible service for individuals and businesses. Justice Under Pressure: President Boakai replaced the Minister of Justice/Attorney General and Solicitor General amid the wider drug-crisis fallout, while lawyers warn a major US$19.2m cocaine indictment could collapse in court. Mining Enforcement: Government launched the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) to crack down on illicit mining, citing large annual losses and environmental damage. Elections Reform: NEC unveiled a US$75m 2026–2030 strategic plan for electoral reform, digital transformation, and public confidence ahead of 2029 polls. Health Risk: WHO urged scaling up Ebola response in DRC as deaths surpass 3,000, warning transmission chains still aren’t fully tracked.

Justice Shake-Up: President Boakai has replaced Liberia’s Justice Minister and Attorney General N. Oswald Tweh with Betty M. Lamin-Blamo, and named Abrahim Boimah Sillah Sr. as Solicitor General—moves coming amid intense scrutiny over the drug crisis and cocaine investigations. Drug Case Under Fire: Lawyers warn the US$19.2m RIA cocaine indictment could collapse in court over alleged procedural and constitutional defects. Security & Accountability: Armed robbers raided the CRC-MOPP office in Maryland County, stealing cash meant for workers’ salaries and documents, raising questions about how the gang got inside and how much was actually taken. Mining Crackdown: Government launched a nationwide enforcement drive against illegal mining via the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT), citing major losses from mineral smuggling and environmental damage. Elections Reform: NEC unveiled a US$75m, 2026–2030 strategic plan focused on institutional reform, digital transformation, and restoring public confidence ahead of 2029 polls. Revenue Push: Liberia Revenue Authority says it collected US$954.7m in FY2026 so far, aiming to cross US$1bn before month-end. Business & Finance: CBL launched an enhanced collateral registry to expand secured lending and improve access to credit. Insurance Expansion: SUNU Assurances Liberia opened a new office in Sinkor, signaling continued growth in the local insurance market. Labour Compliance: Nimba Labour ordered Ganta United Methodist Hospital to pay salary arrears and raise pay to Liberia’s US$143 minimum wage standard. Gold Update: Zodiac Gold reported first trenching results confirming a second 1.8km near-surface gold trend at its Todi project in Liberia.

Ebola Watch: WHO chief Tedros says the DRC’s Ebola response must be scaled up as deaths pass 3,000, warning that transmission chains are still not fully identified and urging faster funding for the government-led plan. Maritime Security: In the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on commercial shipping continue; UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed two seafarers killed in a tanker incident, as the wider U.S.-Iran standoff threatens global energy routes. U.S. Health Aid Cuts: Liberia is among countries facing steep U.S. health funding reductions through 2030, with co-financing demands that may not match local priorities. Public Finance: Liberia’s Auditor General and General Auditing Commission issued clean/unqualified opinions on the 2025 Consolidated Fund accounts, while urging lawmakers to act on audit recommendations. Governance & Accountability: Chief Justice orders Judiciary staff to surrender unauthorized use of JUD plates on private vehicles, calling it illegal. Mining & Environment: EPA moves against ArcelorMittal-Liberia over pollution impacts in Nimba, including fines and monitoring requirements. Business & Trade: Liberia’s CBL launches an enhanced collateral registry to expand secured lending, while Liberia also pushes local participation in development projects and strengthens maritime cooperation to grow the blue economy. Energy & Policy: Government advances a national carbon market policy, aiming to turn forests into climate finance while managing community-rights risks. Local Crime: Armed robbers raid CRC-MOPP’s shared office in Maryland County, stealing over US$438,000 and injuring security personnel. Mining Investment: Zodiac Gold reports trenching results confirming a second 1.8km gold trend at its Todi project in Liberia.

Public Finance Watch: Liberia’s Auditor General issued an unqualified opinion on the 2025 Consolidated Fund accounts, saying receipts and payments were fairly presented, while urging lawmakers to act on audit recommendations. Judiciary Integrity: Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay ordered all Judiciary staff using official JUD plates on private vehicles to surrender them immediately, calling the practice illegal and criminal. Drug Case Pressure: Opposition leader Alexander B. Cummings demanded a swift, transparent and impartial prosecution in the Jewel Howard-Taylor narcotics matter, warning against selective justice. Mining & Environment: EPA fined ArcelorMittal Liberia US$400,000 and ordered extra monitoring after pollution claims in Nimba farming areas, renewing concerns over community livelihoods. Carbon Market Push: President Boakai received Liberia’s validated National Carbon Market Policy, aiming to turn forests into climate finance while avoiding governance and community-rights disputes. Credit & Growth Tools: CBL rolled out an enhanced Collateral Registry to unlock secured lending and expand business credit. Community Development Fund: Government advanced implementation of a US$5m annual Community Development Fund under AML’s Third MDA after stakeholder consultations. Youth & Climate Accountability: Local youth groups wrapped LCOY 2026 with a National Youth Statement pushing measurable NDC 3.0 implementation and a seat in policy talks. Elections Planning: NEC set to launch its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan to strengthen election readiness between electoral cycles.

Strait of Hormuz Shipping Risk: Two Saudi and Liberia-flagged crude tankers (Sidr and Senegal Prosperity) were hit by “unknown projectiles” in near-simultaneous attacks, raising fresh oil-market jitters as US-Iran tensions flare. CBL Credit Boost: The Central Bank of Liberia launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry to digitize movable and immovable property registration, aiming to expand secured lending and unlock finance for businesses. Health Crisis—Malnutrition: Health workers warn misinformation, fees at public facilities, and aid cuts are driving a sharp rise in severely malnourished babies, with many infants missing registration and treatment. Drug War Accountability: Liberia’s youth group backs major cocaine seizures and calls for tougher action against trafficking networks, while political figures demand independent, conflict-free investigations. Energy for Growth: President Boakai suspended import tariffs on qualifying off-grid solar products to cut costs, attract private investment, and speed rural electrification. Diplomacy & Regional Security: Liberia wrapped up its UN Security Council E10 coordination role and hosted the closing ceremony of ECOWAS maritime exercise Operation Anouanze IV. ECOWAS Economic Reform: Liberian economist Dehpue Yenpea Zuo took over as ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, pledging reforms to strengthen trade and food security. Education & Scholarships: British Embassy Liberia announced 5 Chevening Scholars for fully funded UK study. Judicial Milestone: Charlyne Brumskine became the first Liberian woman appointed as a judge on the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.

CBL Credit Boost: The Central Bank of Liberia launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry System to expand secured lending by letting lenders verify movable and immovable assets digitally and link to national databases, with bankers saying it can cut collateral risk and unlock more credit. Energy for Growth: President Boakai suspended import tariffs on qualifying off-grid solar products to lower costs for rural electrification and spur private investment. Health Under Pressure: Health workers warn misinformation, fees, and aid cuts are driving a rise in severely malnourished babies, while another report highlights Liberia’s huge kidney disease burden and limited dialysis capacity. Ebola Update: Liberia’s health authorities reported 6,100 Ebola infections and 2,950 deaths from the May-declared outbreak, as cases continue to strain systems. Governance & Justice: Liberia marks 23 years of peace as victims push for prosecutions, reparations, and a war and economic crimes court. Trade & Regional Integration: Liberia’s ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dehpue Yenpea Zuo, took office pledging reforms for regional trade and food security. Sports Funding Gap: Liberia’s senior women’s handball team heads to Burkina Faso without government funding, relying on private support.

Healthcare Expansion: Liberia is upgrading the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital in Tappita, Nimba—new housing for staff, plus plans for an emergency room, ICU and more duplexes—to push specialized care beyond Monrovia. Financial Inclusion: The World Bank launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry System in Monrovia to help businesses unlock credit using a wider range of assets, aiming to ease the long-standing collateral bottleneck. Transparency Under Pressure: The Liberia Telecommunications Authority chairman, Clarence Massaquoi, is refusing to disclose revenue generated from a telecommunications monitoring arrangement, despite mounting public and media demands. Justice and Accountability: As Liberia marks 23 years of peace, survivors and advocates renewed calls for prosecutions, reparations and a war and economic crimes court—while reporting that justice remains unfinished. Public Health Crisis: New reporting says about 800,000 Liberians likely have kidney disease; most cases are preventable, but weak screening and high costs are overwhelming the country’s only public dialysis center. Environment & Jobs: Grand Gedeh’s near-total forest cover has been rapidly lost since 2020 as cacao farms expand, driven by cross-border pressure from Côte d’Ivoire. Drug War Debate: Opposition parties and civil voices are intensifying pressure for credible, impartial action in Liberia’s cocaine and drug trafficking investigations.

Financial Inclusion & Credit: Liberia launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry System to help businesses unlock financing using a wider range of assets, aiming to ease the long-standing collateral barrier. Public Finance & Transparency: Pressure is mounting on LTA chairman Clarence Massaquoi to disclose revenue generated from a telecommunications monitoring arrangement, after Boakai suspended the original setup and the LTA took temporary control. Healthcare Expansion: Government dedicated housing for staff and broke ground for an emergency room, ICU and more duplexes at Jackson F. Doe Hospital in Tappita, pushing specialized care beyond Monrovia. Drug Case & Due Process: Opposition leader Alexander Cummings demanded a speedy, fair trial for jailed former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor, accusing government of selective justice in the narcotics probe. Legal/Business Dispute: Liberia’s Supreme Court cleared the way to enforce a judgment in the Urban Marketing–Tubman Estate dispute after dismissing an appeal over missed procedural steps. Trade & Shipping Policy: Liberia backed a Panama-Liberia proposal ahead of IMO talks, while global negotiators resumed on shipping’s Net-Zero Framework and carbon pricing. Aid & Rights: Sweden ends its Liberia aid presence, a major blow to women’s rights and healthcare programs. Health Crisis: Reporting highlights that 800,000 Liberians live with kidney disease, with most cases preventable but early detection and dialysis capacity lagging. Regional Business: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit tourism business associations across West Africa, including Liberia.

CBL Credit Boost: Liberia’s Central Bank launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry System to help lenders and borrowers register and verify assets faster, aiming to expand secured lending for entrepreneurs, small businesses and farmers. Court Clears Urban Marketing Path: Liberia’s Supreme Court dismissed an appeal in the Urban Marketing Group damages dispute, clearing the way for the trial court to enforce its November 28, 2025 judgment. Drug Case Timeline: Jewel Howard-Taylor’s cocaine trafficking preliminary hearing was pushed to Wednesday, Sept. 2, after the Ministry of Justice sought a continuance, as questions grow over the state’s timeline. Due Process in Focus: A Supreme Court correction removed US$50,000 damages awards against Martin K.N. Kollie and Alex Williams, while keeping Ecobank Liberia’s US$250,000 special damages award in place. Digital Payments for Trade: A feature highlights how digital payment interoperability is changing cross-border commerce for Liberian women traders, reducing the need to carry cash. Recruitment Outreach: The AFL held a public awareness engagement in Bentol on its recruitment process, urging applicants to use official channels and warning against misinformation.

Liberia Finance & Credit: The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry System to help lenders and borrowers register and verify collateral faster, aiming to expand secured lending for MSMEs, farmers, and entrepreneurs. Liberia Courts & Business Risk: Liberia’s Supreme Court recalled and corrected part of a damages ruling in the LISGIS deputy boss vs Ecobank matter, cancelling US$50,000 awards against Martin K.N. Kollie and Alex Williams while keeping Ecobank’s US$250,000 special damages in place. Liberia Energy & Procurement: President Joseph Boakai warned officials against bypassing public procurement rules, stressing “value for money” and safeguards to protect state resources. Liberia Oil & Investment: Liberia opened the 2026 oil licensing prequalification/offshore blocks process, inviting qualified global investors. Digital Payments for Trade: A spotlight on cross-border traders shows how digital payments and interoperability are reducing cash risks and speeding up commerce for women entrepreneurs in Liberia. Regional Sports & Economy: NPA Anchors signed Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Kanu as Liberia’s top-flight clubs keep building squads ahead of the 2026/27 season.