Author: Rural Reporters News Network

Monrovia, Liberia – August 5, 2025-The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), has successfully held the first 2025 National Kimberley Process (KP) Meeting, through its Office of Precious Minerals (OPM).According to a Mines and Energy official release, the gathering convened on August 1, 2025 at its Head office. The Director of Office of Precious Minerals – Rebecca Kumba Fallah, said as the implementing agency of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in the country, Mines and Energy Ministry holds this important roundtable twice a year after the International KP meetings which are the Intercessional and the Plenary of the global…

By Joy Mardea Moore with the Liberia Forest Media Watch Breaking Barriers in the Bush In a country where women have long battled against the odds to claim leadership space, Liberia continues to witness a growing wave of female empowerment across key sectors—most notably in governance, development, and now, the once male-dominated forestry industry. From Nobel Peace laureates Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee to the deliberate gender-inclusive policies of the Boakai administration, Liberian women are stepping boldly into roles once seen as unreachable. But while top-level appointments and public declarations grab headlines, it is the everyday experiences of women…

By: Peter Kollie| Lofa County Correspondent Salayea District, Lofa County – In a bold demonstration of youth-driven leadership and development, Edwin Lavelah, President of the Salayea Administrative District Youth Council, has outlined significant strides made under his administration—ranging from electricity access to skills training and infrastructure renewal. In an exclusive interview in Zorzor, Lavelah revealed that his leadership successfully secured solar panels and batteries valued at US$960.00, a donation made possible through the support of former Representative Clarence Massaquoi, now Chairperson of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), and James Papy Kwabo, Chief Executive Officer of the Alternative Youth Radio. “We…

By: Peter Kollie| Lofa County Correspondent Zorzor, Lofa County –Tuesday, August 5, 2025-In a passionate call to action, Ms. Rita Acquoigo, Coordinator of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), Lofa County Chapter, has encouraged youth leaders across the county to embrace constructive engagement and positive leadership in their respective communities. Speaking at a well-attended youth induction ceremony in Zorzor recently, Ms. Acquoigo stressed the importance of listening, learning, and leading with integrity. “Effective leadership begins with listening, identifying our institutional weaknesses, and working together to correct our mistakes,” she said. She urged youth leaders to rise above personal or political…

By Matthias F. Larbeindee with the Liberia Forest Media Watch Monrovia, Liberia – August 4, 2025–Lawmakers from Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties are raising serious alarms over what they describe as the increasing and unchecked influx of Burkinabé nationals into their constituencies, calling the situation a national security emergency. The lawmakers, participating on the July 31, 2025 of the Forest Hour Show held every Thursday on OK FM called on the central government to enhance border control, prosecute illegal entrants, and provide greater security presence in rural areas where tensions are rising between citizens and foreign settlers. Grand Gedeh County…

Matthias F. Larbeindee| Contributing Reporter Monrovia, Liberia – August 4, 2025 — Former Gbarpolu County Senator and one-time President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Armah Zulu Jallah, has issued a strong call to action, urging the Government of Liberia to repeal Executive Order No. 151 and to adopt a bold new vision for the country’s rubber industry, one that prioritizes smallholder farmers and value-added production. In a statement released in Monrovia on Sunday, Jallah expressed deep concern that Executive Order 151 grants undue advantage to large corporations, including foreign-owned firms, while sidelining local rubber farmers who, he emphasized, form…

By: Matthias F. Larbeindee| Contributing Reporter Monrovia, Liberia – August 4, 2025 — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched its 2025 Mid-Year Joint Statutory Meetings, bringing together regional monetary and financial institutions to deepen economic and financial integration across the sub-region. The meetings, which officially commenced on Monday, August 4, 2025, will run virtually through August 18. Convened by key ECOWAS monetary bodies, including the West African Monetary Agency (WAMA), the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), and the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), the sessions aim to advance collective strategies on monetary…

By Peter Kollie The 2025 National High School Football and Kickball Championship is reaching thrilling new heights, with action-packed fixtures scheduled this week in Margibi, Bong, River Gee, and Lofa Counties—keeping the spirit of youth sports alive across Liberia. On Monday and Tuesday, August 4–5, 2025, the spotlight will shine on Margibi and Bong Counties as County Championship matches kick off simultaneously, showcasing the talents of some of the best young athletes from across the regions. Meanwhile, in the southeastern county of River Gee, the stage is set for a decisive showdown. The County Finals will take place on Tuesday,…

By Ernest Kpehe Moibah Tubmanburg, Bomi County–July 29, 2025-In a race against time, two renowned civil society leaders in Bomi County have launched a desperate appeal for urgent medical assistance to save the life of a 29-year-old soccer enthusiast, Varney “Juniordoski” Sirleaf, who is battling a life-threatening illness. Moses Sah and Augustus Momo, both widely respected for their unwavering humanitarian work and community advocacy, issued a joint emotional plea, calling on government agencies, humanitarian organizations, businesses, sports lovers and compassionate Liberians worldwide to rally together and give Sirleaf a fighting chance to survive. “We Cannot Stand By and Watch Him…

By Peter Kollie Lofa County, Zorzor-In a major step toward strengthening early childhood learning across Liberia, the Ministry of Education has launched a 40-day Early Childhood Education (ECE) in-service teacher training program at the Zorzor Rural Teacher Training Institute (ZRTTI) in Lofa County. The training, which commenced on July 28, 2025, brings together 63 volunteer in-service teachers from Bong, Lofa, and Nimba counties, The intensive training session runs from Monday to Saturday. Upon completion, participants will receive a “C” certificate in Early Childhood Education, equipping them with essential skills to foster early learning. Assistant Minister for Teacher Education, Hon. Clifford…