AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Reform Dialogue: Liberia’s Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission convened a public policy dialogue on reviewing the 1986 Constitution, with Civil Service Agency DG Dr. Josiah Joekai Jr. presenting a paper assessing the Gloria Scott Committee report and arguing reforms are now urgent for modern governance and inclusion. Public Health Politics: U.S. Rep. Chris Smith urged the Liberian Senate to reject abortion provisions in a proposed public health bill, framing it as a threat to protections for unborn children and mothers. Anti-Corruption & Integrity: GLS Group reaffirmed integrity and said it is cooperating with authorities as investigations continue after a major cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport worth about US$19.2 million. UN Appointments: UN Secretary-General António Guterres named Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, taking over from Cristina Duarte. Youth & Skills: Liberia’s Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau stressed that development hinges on technical skills and human capital, opening a TVET capacity-building workshop in Monrovia. Regional Governance & Trade: ECOWAS ministers in Accra backed “mine together, process together” to push value addition of mineral wealth and industrialization across West Africa, including Liberia.

Drug Seizure Scrutiny: GLS Group says it’s cooperating fully with authorities after the US$19.2m cocaine interception at Roberts International Airport, warning it won’t comment on details while the investigation is active. Parliament Demands Answers: The House of Representatives summons LDEA, RIA management, Justice Ministry and Customs for June 16 over the seizure, including calls to disclose identities of six suspects in custody. Constitution Reform Push: The Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission host a public policy dialogue on reviewing Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, with Civil Service Agency DG Josiah Joekai Jr. presenting a paper on the Gloria Scott Committee report. Digital Credentials: United Methodist University rolls out QR-code embedded certificates to curb academic fraud and speed up verification for employers and institutions. Youth Leadership: UNDP opens YPLS Africa Cohort 13 in Monrovia, urging integrity-led, action-oriented leadership from young people. Health Policy Debate: U.S. Congressman Chris Smith urges the Liberian Senate to reject an 18-week abortion provision in a proposed public health bill. Regional/Global Note: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appoints Nigerian Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa.

UN Appointments: UN Secretary-General António Guterres named Nigeria’s Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, succeeding Cristina Duarte, with nearly 30 years of UN leadership and oversight of UNDP work across 46 African countries. Constitutional Reform Dialogue: Liberia’s Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission launched a national push to review the 1986 Constitution, with Civil Service Agency DG Josiah Joekai Jr. presenting a paper urging urgent reform. Parliament Oversight: Liberia’s House summoned LDEA, RIA management, Justice Ministry and Customs over the US$19.2m cocaine seizure, demanding disclosure of suspects and raising pressure on border control integrity. Health Policy Clash: A U.S. congressman urged the Liberian Senate to reject an abortion provision in a public health bill, framing it as a moral and safety issue. Education Integrity: United Methodist University introduced QR-code certificates to curb academic fraud and speed up credential verification. Governance & Youth: UNDP opened YPLS Africa Cohort 13 in Monrovia, calling for ethical, inclusive youth leadership to strengthen democratic institutions. Environment & Forest Monitoring: A Ghana-Liberia-linked “Akofena Project” trained community forest monitors to improve transparency and curb illegal forest activities.

Parliamentary Oversight: The House of Representatives has summoned Liberia’s Drug Enforcement Agency, Immigration Service, Customs, and Roberts International Airport officials over a US$19.2m cocaine seizure, demanding clarity on investigations and the status of suspects. Public Health Regulation: The Liberia Medical and Dental Council ordered the immediate closure of three private clinics in Sinkor and New Matadi after inspections reportedly found expired medicines and serious waste-handling and compliance violations. Constitutional Reform Push: Civil Service Agency Director-General Josiah F. Joekai Jr. presented a paper urging modernization of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, as the Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission host public policy dialogue on reform. Youth Leadership: UNDP opened YPLS Africa Cohort 13 in Monrovia, calling for ethical, inclusive youth leadership to strengthen democratic institutions. Human Rights & Justice: Three more defendants pleaded guilty in Liberia’s largest human trafficking trial, seeking clemency by claiming coercion and victimhood. Health Security: U.S. lawmakers urged Liberia’s Senate to reject an abortion provision in a public health bill, framing it as a moral and safety issue. Regional Governance: ECOWAS ministers backed a “mine together, process together” push to add value to minerals and boost industrialization across West Africa.

House Oversight: Liberia’s House summoned LDEA, RIA airport authorities, the Ministry of Justice and Customs over the US$19.2M cocaine seizure, demanding disclosure of six suspects in custody and more clarity on border security and investigations. Constitutional Reform: Civil Service Agency boss Dr. Josiah Joekai Jr. urged modernization of the 1986 Constitution, arguing outdated provisions no longer fit Liberia’s governance realities, as the Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission opened public dialogue. Health Regulation: The Liberia Medical and Dental Council ordered closure of Goodwill Clinic and two other private facilities in Sinkor and New Matadi for expired medicines, improper waste disposal, and other compliance breaches. Youth & Leadership: UNDP backed ethical youth leadership as YPLS Africa Cohort 13 opened in Monrovia, while the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center launched its Amujae Leadership Forum cohort. Agriculture & Jobs: Zeno Industries announced expanded investment in Liberia’s cocoa and coffee value chain, citing farmer empowerment and traceability. Public Service Delivery: Police at Pleebo barracks reported worsening living conditions, renewing calls for urgent repairs. Governance & Integrity: A constitutional reform paper and a renewed push for accountability also featured in Monrovia’s policy discussions.

House Oversight: Liberia’s House summoned LDEA, Immigration, Customs and airport authorities over a reported US$19M cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, pressing for clarity on border screening, investigations and prosecutions. Public Health Regulation: The Liberia Medical and Dental Council ordered the immediate closure of three private clinics in Sinkor and New Matadi after inspections found expired drugs, improper waste disposal and other violations. Human Rights & Families: Liberia’s Human Rights Defenders rejected the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ role in endorsing the “Strengthening Families” conference, warning against “foreign ideological agendas,” while the Inter-Religious Council says the event is non-doctrinal. Governance & Reform: Civil Service Agency DG Dr. Josiah Joekai Jr. called for modernizing the 1986 Constitution as a peace-and-development necessity. Justice Watch: In River Gee, LNP charged eight people over alleged witchcraft abuse and humiliation of a woman, renewing debate on community rights. Anti-Trafficking Trial: Liberia’s largest human trafficking case saw a defendant plead guilty and testify against co-accused as jurors are kept sequestered. Infrastructure & Power: EU-backed Light Up Southeast is nearing completion of Greenville electrification after 30 years without reliable power. Diplomacy: Liberia will preside over the UN Security Council in December 2026.

UN Security Council: Foreign Minister Sarah Beysolow Nyanti says President Boakai will chair the UNSC in December 2026, as Liberia prepares priorities for its rotating monthly presidency. Constitution Review: The Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission kick off a national dialogue on reviewing Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, calling for broad citizen input on governance, accountability, decentralization, and inclusion. Justice & Rights: Human rights officials warn corruption is undermining justice as UN-backed training targets prosecutors and investigators for new anti-corruption and economic crimes courts. War Crimes & Accountability: Boakai receives draft laws aimed at prosecuting atrocities from Liberia’s civil wars, but observers flag fights over funding and political will. Human Trafficking Trial: Liberia’s biggest trafficking case continues with dramatic courtroom moments, including a survivor identifying an alleged rapist and a defendant later pleading guilty and testifying against co-accused. Local Power & Development: Greenville, after 30+ years without electricity, is nearing connection under the EU-funded Light Up Southeast program. Transport Concession Clash: Senators trade barbs over the LMTI deal, with claims the agreement is not finalized and revenue-sharing and enforcement terms are contentious. Youth & Democracy: Liberia prepares to host Africa’s first youth democracy conference July 1–5, with regional partners already lining up support. Finance & Payments: CBL and Afreximbank hold a seminar to strengthen correspondent banking and cross-border payments for Liberian banks.

Constitutional Reform Talks: The Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission have opened a two-day public dialogue on whether Liberia should amend or comprehensively revise the 1986 Constitution, aiming to build national consensus on governance, decentralization, inclusion, and accountability. Electoral Administration: The Senate confirmed Jonathan K. Weedor as NEC chair, a key step as Liberia moves toward the 2029 election cycle. Local Governance Push: President Boakai renewed calls for decentralization and rural development beyond Monrovia, stressing stronger local institutions and responsive governance. Elections Communications: NEC began regional consultations on its draft communications strategy and protocol to improve transparency and public access to electoral information. Anti-Corruption & Accountability: President Boakai reinstated LACRA DG Christopher Sankolo after LACC cleared him of corruption allegations. Justice System: Liberia’s Supreme Court reopened the jury tampering inquiry in the Samuel D. Tweah Jr. case, ordering the investigation to proceed in open court. Security & Drugs: LDEA seized 198 compressed plates of cocaine worth about US$19.2m at RIA, warning traffickers Liberia is not a transit point. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Lawmakers set up a committee to investigate LTMI’s license plate operations after complaints about temporary “plank” plates and concession concerns. Health & Social Protection: Government assigned an ambulance to Oum El Nour rehab center to strengthen emergency referrals, while CSOs and traditional leaders rallied to intensify prevention of gender-based violence. Finance & Trade: CBL and Afreximbank held a seminar on correspondent banking and cross-border payments to cut costs and improve settlement systems.

NEC Leadership: The Liberian Senate confirmed Jonathan K. Weedor as National Elections Commission chair, with one dissenting vote, as the 2029 election cycle begins to take shape. Legislative Oversight: The House set up a committee to review the Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated (LTMI) concession after complaints about temporary “plank” plates and service delivery. Judicial Process: Liberia’s Supreme Court reopened the Tweah jury-tampering inquiry, ordering the investigation to proceed in open court after a prior stay. Governance Integrity: The Governance Commission launched Liberia’s first National Integrity Index to score public institutions on integrity and accountability. Energy & Regulation: LPRA signed an MOU with Ghana’s petroleum regulator to strengthen licensing, contract oversight, and local content capacity. Public Health Policy: The House voted to establish a Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus to boost preventive care and immunization coverage. Security & Justice: LDEA seized US$19.2m worth of cocaine at RIA, while a major human trafficking trial moved into jury selection. Environment & Transport: EPA and partners validated a cleaner fuels and vehicle strategy workshop, linking it to the ARREST Agenda. Local Impact: Residents in Monrovia’s Lakpazee Zoo Road community demanded drainage fixes after flooding tied to a new road. Economy & Jobs: Liberia endorsed three MCC concept notes—electricity, workforce development, and mining governance—while a US$60m coffee partnership with JR Farms was reported as set to expand farms and jobs.

Senate Leadership & Elections: The Liberian Senate confirmed Jonathan K. Weedor as the new NEC Chairperson, with 23 senators voting in favor, as he pledged an independent, nonpartisan commission focused on integrity, transparency, and timely voter service. Transport & Concessions: The House set up a committee to review the LTMI concession after complaints over substandard license plates and temporary “plank” plates, while the Senate ordered a closed-door review of LMTI operations amid concerns over contract rollout and plate access. Environment & Transport Standards: Liberia’s EPA, with UNEP and UNDP, wrapped a workshop on cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, linking emission controls to the government’s AAID environmental sustainability agenda. Anti-Corruption Watch: The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission began assessing an ANC petition challenging the MRU Center project in Foya, Lofa, over alleged procurement and financing irregularities. Justice System: Jury selection began in Liberia’s largest human trafficking trial, involving 57 alleged victims, as prosecutors seek nearly US$200,000 in restitution. Security & Drugs: LDEA seized a US$19.2 million cocaine shipment at RIA, hidden in cargo boxes bound for export. Youth & Governance: UNDP opened YPLS Africa Cohort 13 in Monrovia, calling for ethical, inclusive, action-oriented leadership from young people. International Labor Policy: Kuwait updated domestic worker recruitment rules, restricting hiring to 10 approved countries and banning 27 others, including Liberia. Sports (Monrovia): Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars fell 3–1 to Liberia in a heated friendly at SKD Stadium, with tensions rising late in the match.

Human Trafficking Trial: Liberia’s largest human trafficking case begins with jury selection at Criminal Court “A,” as defendants plead not guilty and prosecutors seek nearly US$200,000 in restitution for alleged victims lured with promises of jobs abroad. Local Governance Crackdown: Monrovia’s city authorities move to curb illegal construction, demolishing 16 properties and sealing 29, with more enforcement actions and notices issued. Constitutional Reform Dialogue: The Governance Commission urges public participation in constitutional reform talks in Monrovia City Hall (June 10–11), revisiting amendments after earlier referendum outcomes. Telecom Rule-of-Law Fight: Telecommunications experts and stakeholders question LTA’s approval of the Numtel Liberia/Numbase joint venture, arguing it may clash with a legislatively ratified telecom concession. Development Finance: The World Bank approves US$55.8M for reforms tied to jobs, public financial management, private sector development, and social protection. Health Policy in Parliament: The House approves a Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus, with plans for a financing roadmap and a trust fund bill. Youth Leadership: YPLS Africa launches its 13th cohort in Liberia, pushing ethical governance and youth-led transformation. Sports Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars complete final training in Monrovia ahead of the friendly versus Liberia, with 5,000 free tickets distributed by state institutions.

World Bank Financing: Liberia’s government signed US$125M deals for digital integration (WARDIP 2), emergency solar power (RESPITE additional financing), and road asset management (SECRAMP additional financing), with Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan stressing electricity, connectivity, and regional integration. Energy & Power: President Boakai dedicated a 20-megawatt solar plant at Mount Coffee under RESPITE, reigniting debate over chronic outages and high power costs. Elections & Economy: A push is growing to make the 2029 election about economic performance and prosperity delivery, not just party rivalry. Governance & Courts: The Civil Law Court ordered the Bernard Estate to transfer 10 Sinkor lots to Dr. C. Nelson Oniyama after finding he fully paid US$132,000; lawyers say an appeal will follow. Health Aid Transparency: Human Rights Watch says U.S. health agreements with Liberia and others are tied to “troubling conditions,” including access to health data and pathogen samples, and criticizes secrecy. Anti-Corruption & Procurement: GIABA workshop highlights procurement transparency as a key defense against money laundering and corruption. Youth Leadership: Over 50 young leaders begin YPLS Africa’s 13th cohort in Liberia, urging ethical governance and democratic renewal. Wildlife Crime: EU-supported taskforce seizes 735kg of pangolin scales, arresting two suspects in Monrovia. Legal Procedure Debate: A bar letter campaign renews arguments over whether Circuit Courts can hear declaratory judgment constitutional challenges. Regional Security: Liberia urges ECOWAS to create a task force to tackle illicit drug trafficking. Sports & Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars arrive in Monrovia for the return friendly against Liberia at SKD Stadium.

World Bank Deal for Liberia: Liberia signed US$125 million financing with the World Bank to push energy, digital connectivity, and road upgrades—covering WARDIP 2, RESPITE additional solar support, and SECRAMP corridor works. Energy & Power: The same week, President Boakai dedicated a 20-megawatt Mount Coffee solar plant, feeding the broader push to cut chronic electricity shortages. Petroleum Governance: NOCAL agreed to apply to the LPRA for reconnaissance licenses, ending a public standoff over who can authorize offshore survey activities—an important step for legal clarity in the oil sector. Elections Law Challenge: The LPP sued the NEC, asking a Montserrado court to declare unconstitutional the 2% threshold/deregistration provision that could bar parties from the 2029 race. Public Finance Reforms: Deputy Minister Anthony Myers urged deeper public financial management reforms, focusing on spending controls and accountability. Education Workforce: The Ministry of Education plans to add 1,000 volunteer teachers to the government payroll, while accredited schools reportedly rose past 2,000 after geo-mapping. Anti-Illicit Finance: FIA launched a nationwide awareness campaign to strengthen AML/CFT compliance in Liberia’s real estate sector.

Youth & Culture: Sen. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence hosted a youth cultural showcase in Buchanan, including translation of the national anthem into Bassa, pushing local language pride. Education Payroll & Accreditation: The Ministry of Education plans to add 1,000 qualified volunteer teachers to the government payroll, while geo-mapping helped accredited schools rise from about 800 to over 2,000 nationwide. Energy & Digital Push: President Boakai signed World Bank deals worth US$125m for digital connectivity, renewable energy and roads, alongside commissioning a 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee. Tax & Governance: Liberia Revenue Authority and South Korea’s tax service signed three agreements to boost tax information sharing and digital modernization. Business & Policy Enforcement: LIBA urged strict enforcement of the Liberianization policy, starting with distribution-sector compliance. Security & Justice: LNP in Bong sent five alleged armed robbery suspects to court within a week. Environment Finance: Liberia welcomed US$232.5m in new GEF funding for climate and biodiversity projects. Trade & Value: Commentary argues Liberia’s export surge must shift from raw volume to higher value products. EU Deforestation Fight: A reported government clash over the EU deforestation law is framed as threatening farmers and market access.

Tax & Digital Governance: Liberia Revenue Authority and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements in Seoul to deepen tax information exchange, recovery of tax claims, and digital modernization—aimed at tackling offshore evasion and improving taxpayer services. Energy & Public Finance: President Boakai dedicated a 20-megawatt Mount Coffee solar facility and Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected solar PV plant, cutting power costs from 28¢ to 3¢ and easing pressure on the national budget. Trade & Diplomacy: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200M in Q1 2026, driven by iron ore and resumed rubber shipments under China’s zero-tariff policy for African partners. Local Governance & Oversight: A major EU deforestation rule sparked a public clash between Liberia’s agriculture trade regulator and the Ministry of Agriculture, raising fears of market exclusion and economic fallout for small farmers. Education Access: Salvation Army Polytechnic University cut tuition by 50% to widen higher education access amid economic strain. Sports (Monrovia spotlight): Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars beat Liberia 1-0 in Bo and head to Monrovia for the return leg on June 9, with new coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa unveiled. Health Security (regional pressure): Coverage across the region keeps Ebola preparedness in focus, including claims of low risk but heightened screening and lab readiness.

Energy & Infrastructure: President Boakai dedicated a 20-megawatt grid-connected solar PV plant at Mount Coffee, cutting power costs from 28¢ to 3¢ and signaling a push to stabilize Liberia’s electricity supply. Trade & Diplomacy: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200 million in Q1 2026, driven by iron ore and renewed natural rubber shipments under China’s zero-tariff policy for African partners. Governance & Accountability: A Monrovia training with Liberia National Police and the Press Union of Liberia targets misinformation and improves police-media coordination, including plans to protect accredited reporters. Public Policy Conflict: A reported EU deforestation regulation sparked a serious clash between Liberia’s agriculture ministry and the LACRA traceability body, raising fears of market exclusion for small farmers. Sports & National Mood: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars edged Liberia 1-0 in Bo ahead of Tuesday’s return leg in Monrovia, with the match framed as a test of squad depth and momentum. Health Security: Regional coverage highlights Ebola preparedness concerns across Africa, with renewed emphasis on surveillance, lab capacity, and rapid response.