AGP Executive Report

Liberian Music: Nimba gospel artist Morris Kings drew applause in Abidjan at a showcase celebrating Dan music, carrying Liberian sounds across the border. Living Legacy: In Buchanan, Saya Doe Sio unveiled a memorial bust of her mother, Annie T. Doe, at the academy founded in her honor, celebrating a legacy of education, faith and service. Faith and Education: The Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary marked 50 years of training Christian leaders, honoring its resilience through the country’s civil wars. Schools Under Strain: More than 1,500 pupils at a Gbarnga public school compete for scarce chairs, with some forced to learn on the floor. Meanwhile, flooding in Monrovia is disrupting schooling and daily life for thousands of families. Women’s Livelihoods: Grand Cape Mount beneficiaries of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project say a three-month repayment period is too short for some small businesses, and others report delayed or partial grants. K’Pelle Roots: Liberian American artist Kat Graham’s new album draws on her Kpelle heritage, bringing together global voices and themes of peace, justice and resilience.

Climate & Community: Monrovia’s worsening floods have affected nearly 20,000 families, disrupted schooling and caused seven deaths, as heavier rains combine with clogged drains and construction on wetlands. Education: More than 1,500 pupils at Gbarnga’s Chief Compound Public School compete for seats; many study on bare floors, prompting calls for urgent support. Women’s Livelihoods: Grand Cape Mount beneficiaries say three months is too short to repay grants that helped fund businesses, school fees and household needs. Faith & Learning: Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary is marking 50 years of training Christian leaders, celebrating its resilience through the country’s civil wars. Liberian Heritage: Actress and musician Kat Graham’s new collectible album, K’Pelle: One World One Song, draws on her Liberian Kpelle roots and explores global themes of peace and hope. Regional Culture: Sierra Leone and Guinea are planning joint tourism and heritage initiatives, including culinary exchanges and possible UNESCO nominations.

Liberian Roots in Music: Kat Graham’s collectible album K’Pelle: One World, One Song draws on her family’s Kpelle heritage in Liberia, pairing music from around the world with themes of peace, justice and resilience. Civic Education: Electoral stakeholders in Buchanan are calling for year-round voter education, with outreach through schools, radio, community meetings and local languages to better reach young people and rural communities. Tourism and Culture: Sierra Leone and Guinea plan joint heritage and tourism initiatives, including culinary exchanges and a boat race that could welcome teams from Liberia. War-Time Memory: In a survey of 100 Nimba residents, 90% backed a War and Economic Crimes Court, saying accountability and truth matter to victims and families.

Liberian Roots in Music: Actress and singer Kat Graham has opened presales for a collectible edition of K’Pelle: One World, One Song, an album inspired by her K’Pelle heritage and bringing together artists and themes from around the world. War Court Support: A FrontPage Africa/New Narratives survey found 90% of 100 Nimba residents support a War and Economic Crimes Court, citing the need for justice and answers for victims’ families. Girls’ and Women’s Rights: Partners in Liberia’s EU-funded Spotlight Initiative have launched a joint monitoring group to track whether programmes are improving the lives of women and girls and addressing violence and harmful practices. Education: Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan says public spending must reach classrooms, calling for closer tracking of how education funds are used. Screen Time: Liberian fans joined audiences across West Africa in celebrating Temi Nkem’s Big Brother Naija win, the fifth time a woman has claimed the show’s title.

EU Spotlight 2.0: Liberia’s women-focused Spotlight Initiative 2.0 has launched a Participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting working group in Monrovia to strengthen accountability and use results to improve life for women and girls. Education & Skills: ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) trained 38 teachers and administrators in Yekepa on digital literacy and tools like Microsoft applications and Copilot, while the Kweshie Tetteh Foundation in Bong donated a DSTV package and 55-inch TV plus 87 scholarships to help students access learning content and stay in school. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Kwapai Africa trained 55 urban farmers, women, youth and persons with disabilities in climate-smart gardening, composting, pest control, and food preservation to boost resilience and incomes. Culture & Entertainment: Monrovia celebrated Temi Nkem’s win of Big Brother Naija Season 11 (“Show Ya Sef”), with fans across Liberia tracking the finale via view centers and DStv. Civic Life: NEC began early civic and voter education planning for the 2029 elections, pushing for continuous, inclusive voter learning beyond election season. Governance Watch: Civil society and mining-affected communities renewed calls for stronger mining laws and transparency, warning weak enforcement could repeat “growth without development.” Justice & Rights: The Gompa Magisterial Court release of former Ganta Mayor Amos Suah followed a contempt case, as Liberia’s judiciary defended the ruling’s independence.

Ebola Alert: Kenya confirmed its first Bundibugyo Ebola case after a passenger flew from Uganda to Nairobi and died 58 hours later, with officials tracing dozens of contacts as Congo’s outbreak keeps surging. Digital Skills for Growth: KAAL urged more knowledge-sharing and digital capacity building to boost Liberia’s capital markets, while AML trained 38 educators in digital literacy and Copilot use to modernize teaching. Bridging Communities: NKECEF broke ground on a US$25K Mehnseah Bridge in Nimba to connect farmers and traders, and Kwapai Africa trained 55 urban residents in climate-smart agriculture for better food and income. Mining Governance Push: NGOs and mining-affected communities called for stronger, more transparent mining laws, warning Liberia’s “growth without development” cycle could repeat. Elections & Inclusion: NEC and partners ramped up civic and voter education planning for 2029, as civil society groups pushed for electoral reforms that better include women and other underrepresented groups. Culture & Spotlight: Monrovia celebrated Temi Nkem’s Big Brother Naija Season 11 win, while India marked Gandhi Jayanti with a peace message and medicine donations to Liberia’s Group of 77 Disabled Centre. Public Health & Safety Buzz: A Paynesville cook-shop seller denied a viral “feces-in-food” allegation amid public outrage. Justice & Accountability: The Ministry of Justice warned that effective rule-of-law work depends on adequate funding, as court and governance debates continue.

Judiciary Watch: Liberia’s Supreme Court clarified a Gompa City contempt ruling against former mayor Amos N. G. Suah, saying the 30-day sentence was based on his radio comments—not ethnicity—after public debate tied it to Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay. Jobs & Accountability: Opposition leader Alexander B. Cummings challenged the Boakai administration’s claim of 70,000 jobs, asking where the jobs are and how ordinary people are benefiting. Inclusive Electoral Reform: CSOs, women’s groups, NEC, UN Women and partners met at One UN House to push electoral reform and temporary special measures that boost women and other underrepresented groups. Civic Rights & FOI: Liberia’s Independent Information Commission took Freedom of Information outreach to communities and AMEU, urging citizens to actively request public records. Education & Skills: AIIST University College appealed to lawmakers for budget support to expand digital skills, scholarships and training. Health & Food Security: Green Cities launched a €375k NOURISH Family Farms project for 600 smallholders (360 women) in Nimba and Montserrado. Child Protection: WONGOSOL demanded protection for a 17-year-old girl whose widely shared video raised allegations, warning against exposing minors on social media. Diaspora Culture & Service: NIDOL marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day with a day of service, including support to orphanage homes across Liberia.

Climate & Women’s Rights: A Women’s Climate Assembly is calling for climate reparations and ecofeminist resistance, spotlighting how African women defend land, forests, water and food systems as impacts worsen. Immigration & Human Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allows Trump to resume rapid deportations to third countries where migrants have no ties, with Liberians named among those affected. Public Health: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is intensifying, with hundreds of children dying since the May 15 start, as cases and deaths keep climbing. Social Protection: The World Bank praises Liberia’s National Social Protection Policy 2026–2030, urging Liberia to increase domestic financing so support can last beyond short-term aid. Food Security & Farming: Green Cities and partners launch a €375,000 NOURISH Family Farms project for 600 smallholder farmers in Nimba and Montserrado, pushing organic inputs and resilient harvests. Child Protection: WONGOSOL demands protection for a 17-year-old girl after a widely shared social media video, warning against exposing minors and violating dignity. Governance & Skills: Liberia moves to map TVET institutions to better match training with jobs, while the NTA plans to extend services toward River Cess and Sinoe. Diaspora & Politics: Three Liberians in the U.S. face charges tied to alleged illegal voting in Minnesota. Culture & Community: India marks Gandhi Jayanti in Monrovia with a new Gandhi bust, linking non-violence to support for persons with disabilities.

War Crimes Court Push: A new Grand Bassa County survey finds overwhelming support for Liberia’s War and Economic Crimes Court, with residents backing it and saying they may not vote for lawmakers who oppose it. Gender & Justice: A US$3 million Gender Promotion Initiative 2.0 targets women’s leadership in Liberia’s peacebuilding and justice processes, arguing women must be seen as decision-makers, not only victims. Mining Accountability: Civil society and mining-affected communities are demanding stronger reforms in Liberia’s mining sector, warning that weak enforcement and low transparency could repeat “growth without development.” Critical Minerals Watch: Integrity Watch Liberia urges the government to verify mineral potential and publish key findings before major deals, warning against another resource-curse cycle. Food & Livelihood Strain: Monrovia residents say unemployment and rising prices are pushing more families into begging and charity for basics like food, school fees, and healthcare. Media & Revenue: The Liberia Revenue Authority praises the media for helping build a culture of tax compliance through public education and transparency. Health Access Gap: A Liberian surgeon plans a December mission to operate, train emergency care providers, and screen market women for cancer, aiming to reduce specialist shortages. Religion & Morality: A Holiness Revival Movement calls for a return to biblical teachings of righteousness and preparation for eternity.

Mining & Accountability: Liberia’s CSOs and mining-affected communities are pushing for stronger reforms, warning that weak enforcement and limited transparency could turn critical-minerals deals into another “resource curse,” with Integrity Watch Liberia urging government to publish mineral survey findings and verify deposits before major commitments. Human-Wildlife Conflict: In Western Liberia, residents say elephants are destroying farms and driving food insecurity, linking the crisis to habitat loss from logging and mining and calling for solutions that protect both people and wildlife. Gender & Justice: Gender advocates want a government gender inclusion scorecard to close gaps between policy and implementation, while a new US$3m initiative targets women’s leadership in peacebuilding and the War and Economic Crimes Court process. Rights & Law: A death-penalty repeal bill gains momentum as at least 15 lawmakers back abolition, and Liberia’s Judiciary rejects claims of tribal influence in a Gompa City contempt case. Culture & Learning: Liberia celebrates World Tourism Day 2026 with new digital tourism tools, and 20 young Liberians receive Morocco scholarships. Health & Community: A Liberian American surgeon plans a December mission to operate, train emergency care teams, and screen market women for cancer. Everyday Hardship: With prices rising faster than wages, more poor Liberians turn to begging as families struggle with food, school fees, and healthcare.

War Crimes Court Push: A new US$3m Gender Promotion Initiative 2.0 backs women’s groups to ensure women and girls lead Liberia’s peacebuilding and justice push, after concerns they’ve been sidelined in War and Economic Crimes Court preparations. Human Rights & Justice: Grand Bassa residents overwhelmingly support establishing a war and economic crimes court, with many saying they won’t vote for lawmakers opposing it. Death Penalty Reform: At least 15 lawmakers back a bill to repeal Liberia’s death penalty provisions, as civil society urges full abolition. Mining & Accountability: CSOs and mining-affected communities demand stronger mining reforms and safeguards, warning Liberia risks “growth without development” if enforcement and transparency stay weak. Critical Minerals Watch: Integrity Watch Liberia urges government to verify mineral potential and publish key survey findings before major deals. Daily Life Pressure: Monrovia residents report rising hardship as food and fuel costs outpace wages, pushing some into begging. Health & Skills: A Liberian American surgeon plans a December mission to operate, train emergency care workers, and screen market women for cancer. Culture & Heritage: President Boakai proposes a Liberia–Ghana Cultural Heritage and Historical Recovery cooperation framework.

Liberia’s Justice & Gender Push: Gender advocates are urging government to publish a gender inclusion scorecard to track how ministries and agencies implement the National Gender Policy, after concerns that women and gender focal persons are left out of key decision meetings. War Crimes Court Momentum: A new US$3m Gender Promotion Initiative 2.0 is backing women’s groups so women and girls can play a stronger role in Liberia’s peacebuilding and the War and Economic Crimes Court process. Human Rights Reform: At least 15 lawmakers have joined a bill to repeal Liberia’s death penalty provisions, as civil society presses for full abolition. Mining Accountability: CSOs and mining-affected communities are demanding stronger reforms and transparency in Liberia’s mining sector, warning against “growth without development.” Critical Minerals Caution: Integrity Watch Liberia says government must verify mineral potential and publish non-confidential survey findings before major deals. Health & Skills: A Liberian American surgeon is set to bring a team home for surgeries, training, and cancer screening—aiming for lasting partnerships, not one-off visits. Food Pressure: Reports from Monrovia show more poor families turning to begging as prices outpace income. Diaspora & Heritage: President Boakai proposes a Liberia–Ghana Cultural Heritage and Historical Recovery framework to digitize archives, rehabilitate sites, and expand joint exhibitions and education. Tourism & Environment: Ireland funds a three-year mangrove and coastal resilience project in Liberia’s southeast, targeting livelihoods with women in leadership.

War Crimes Court & Gender Inclusion: A new US$3m push says women have been sidelined in Liberia’s War and Economic Crimes Court preparations, urging women’s groups to lead peacebuilding, justice and decision-making. Local Justice Demand: A Grand Bassa survey found overwhelming support for the War Crimes Court, with many residents saying they wouldn’t back lawmakers opposing it. Death Penalty Repeal Momentum: At least 15 lawmakers back a bill to abolish Liberia’s death penalty, as civil society presses for alignment with human rights commitments. Mining Sector Reforms: CSOs and mining-affected communities demand stronger mining reforms and safeguards, warning Liberia could repeat “growth without development.” Critical Minerals Caution: Integrity Watch urges government to verify mineral wealth and publish key survey findings before major deals. Food & Livelihood Strain: With prices outpacing income, more poor Liberians turn to begging as families struggle with food, school fees and healthcare. Diaspora & Development Planning: A development-focused reflection argues Liberia must translate plans into measurable results citizens can track across administrations. Education & Youth: 20 Liberians win Morocco scholarships; Liberia also marks 20 years of school feeding reaching 95,000 children. Health & Community Support: A Liberian American surgeon plans a December mission to operate, train emergency care teams, and screen market women for cancer. Media & Accountability: The Liberia Revenue Authority praises media for helping build a culture of tax compliance.

Human-Wildlife Conflict: Western Liberia communities say elephants are destroying farms as habitat loss, logging and unregulated mining push wildlife into villages, worsening food insecurity. Cultural Diplomacy: President Boakai proposes a Liberia–Ghana Cultural Heritage and Historical Recovery framework to digitize archives, rehabilitate sites, and expand joint exhibitions and education. Education & Youth Support: Mary’s Meals marks 20 years in Liberia, now feeding 95,000 children across 600+ schools, while the CYTO Movement delivers school supplies to struggling families in the southeast. Women & Peacebuilding: A new project argues women have been sidelined in war crimes court preparations and peacebuilding, calling for women-led investigations and justice roles. Health & Care Access: GREJOF marks World Alzheimer’s-Dementia Day with calls for earlier diagnosis and public awareness. Institution Building: University of Liberia adjunct faculty elects its first president, and Liberia Immigration Service runs integrity-focused capacity training for senior officers. Trade & Development: Liberia–China trade rises 16% year-on-year, and Ireland pledges €1.5m for community-led mangrove conservation and coastal resilience in Sinoe and Maryland.

Media & Accountability: World Bank Liberia Country Manager Georgia Wallen urged journalists at the Press Union of Liberia anniversary to go beyond official numbers and headline events, and to verify facts as AI and social media speed up information. School Feeding & Youth Support: Mary’s Meals marked 20 years in Liberia, now feeding over 95,000 children across 600+ learning places, with volunteers preparing meals to boost attendance and learning. TVET & Leadership: AITB DG Abraham Billy completed ALU’s Public Sector Fellowship in Kigali, earning recognition for empathetic, citizen-centered leadership. Sports & Politics: Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Kruah publicly distanced the Lone Star campaign from partisan comments by the ruling party’s mobilization chair, stressing unity. Health & Skills: Liberia Pharmacy Board CEO Dr. Menmon Dunah pushed for more postgraduate training for pharmacists to strengthen specialized healthcare services. Land Rights Advocacy: CSOs rallied for stronger political will and funding to accelerate the Land Rights Act. Diaspora & Tax Compliance: LRA reaffirmed its commitment to diaspora engagement for tax compliance and investment. Education Relief: CYTO Movement delivered school supplies to struggling families in southeastern Liberia, including thousands of copybooks, sneakers and jackets. Justice & Memory: A project spotlighted the need for women’s stronger role in war crimes court preparations and broader peacebuilding.

Back-to-School Support: CYTO Movement, through President Boakai’s initiative, distributed school bags, copybooks, pens, sneakers and jackets to families in Grand Gedeh, Sinoe, Maryland, River Gee and Grand Kru—reaching over 800 students in Barclayville, Grand Kru. Health & Awareness: Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation (GREJOF) marked World Alzheimer’s-Dementia Day by urging early dementia diagnosis and public awareness, warning families not to dismiss memory changes as “normal ageing.” Justice & Rights: In the U.S., the Justice Department announced indictments of 10 foreign nationals—including people from Liberia—accused of illegal voting in Minnesota, while the Supreme Court temporarily cleared “third-country” deportations as legal challenges continue. Liberia’s Long Aftermath: Ten years after Ebola was declared over, survivors and families say trauma, health effects and unmet support still linger across communities. Child Nutrition Alarm: Experts warn acute childhood malnutrition in Liberia has nearly tripled as aid cuts and rising prices squeeze households and clinics face shortages. Education System Upgrade: Liberia’s Ministry of Education is pushing for a real-time education data system to track schools, teachers and students faster. Diaspora & Investment: President Boakai called for a regularly updated national diaspora database to match Liberians abroad with investment and development opportunities at home. China Ties: Liberia-China trade rose sharply, with China’s zero-tariff treatment and new export efforts like dried chili peppers boosting business. Vocational Pathways: ACD Vocational Training Institute in Gbarnga highlights a self-financed model that has trained hundreds—especially women—through school uniform production and literacy programs. Regional Cooperation: Liberia signed a military cooperation protocol with Egypt covering training, intelligence, logistics and professional exchanges.