Author: Rural Reporters News Network

By Ben TC BrooksSeveral citizens and residents have frowned on the sharp increase in charges at the government-run Fish Town Referral Hospital, in River Gee County.Locals report that some surgical procedures now carry price tags of up to LRD17,000, about US$85, a sum far beyond the reach of many families in the economically challenged region of the country.The surge in medical costs is prompting widespread anxiety and resentment, with several patients reportedly foregoing essential medical treatments and even emergency care for being unable to afford what they described as very exorbitant fees being charged by Fish Town Referral Hospital authorities.“I…

By Rocheford T. GardinerHarper – The Liberia National Police (LNP) on Tuesday launched a large-scale traffic regulation and inspection exercises in Maryland County, with LNP’s Chief of Traffic for the county, Moses Z. Theo disclosing that the initiative is an expansion of police regular duties.Theo told Rural Reporters News Network (RRNN) that the stepped-up enforcement exercises were necessary due to a significant increase in vehicular traffic in the area.He attributed this rise to Liberia’s southeastern region’s improved road conditions, which have made roads in that part of the country much more passable even during the peak of the rainy season,…

By Prince D. Copeland/ Contributor A heartbreaking tragedy struck on Tuesday, when an infant, a year and six months old female only identified as Forlay, drowned in a creek, in the New Settlement Community of Fish Town City, River Gee County.Vicky Toe, the grieving mother of the drowned child, told Rural Reporters News Network (RRNN) that she had left the baby in the care of her peers while she went to the market, and upon her return, she discovered the baby lying unresponsive in the creek, a stone’s throw away from their home.According to Toe, she immediately alerted community members and…

By Ben TC BrooksThe World Health Organization (WHO), in a bid to bolster Liberia’s efforts against neglected tropical diseases, has donated to the Ministry of Health (MoH’s) Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Unit, a Toyota Land Cruiser Hardtop truck.The vehicle was officially handed over at the MoH’s Congo Town offices recently, and it’s intended to facilitate outreach initiatives in remote and underserved regions where NTDs are especially widespread.Dr. Catherine Thomas-Cooper, Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, received the vehicle on behalf of Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Mapleh-Kpoto.She expressed appreciation for the WHO’s donation, emphasizing the crucial role transportation plays in combating Neglected…

By Ben TC BrooksMore than 125 communities in River Gee County are poised to benefit a motorized borehole drilling rig, solar lighting panels, and hundreds of chairs, River Gee’s Senator, Francis Saidy Dopoh II, has announced.A water-boring rig is a specialized piece of equipment used to drill boreholes into the ground to access underground water sources. These rigs are designed to dig deep holes typically ranging from 50 to 500 meters, depending on the geological conditions of the area. Once the borehole is drilled, it is lined with casing to prevent collapse and contamination, and a pump is installed to…

By Emmanuel KoffaA tragic motorbike accident has claimed the life of Lovetee Weah, a 21-year-old resident of Picnicess Community, Grand Kru County.The fatal motorcycle accident, which has sparked intense grief and mourning from family members, friends and loved ones of the deceased, occurred over the weekend at noon, while the 21-year-old was traveling from Po-River, Grand Kru, to visit family members in Picnicess on a vacation break.Eyewitness’ accounts obtained by Rural Reporters News Network (RRNN) indicate that three motorbikes collided under mysterious circumstances, while commuting via the route off the Topoh Community, Grand Kru County.Police in Grand Kru have launched…

DATI launches National Youth Leadership Training across Liberia By Rocheford T. GardinerCape Palmas, Liberia – The Dekontee Artists Theater Inc. (DATI), a prominent media-based organization dedicated to youth development, drama, and social awareness, has officially launched its month-long “National Youth Leadership Forum Project.”This initiative is set to gather youth leaders from all 15 counties of Liberia, empowering them with essential skills and fostering a nationwide network of informed and active young change-makers.The forum provides a crucial platform for youth representatives to share vital updates from their respective counties, offering a grassroots perspective on the challenges and successes facing communities across…

By Ben TC BrooksRiver Gee – Jay Doe Welah Jr., an ex-staff of the Ministry of Education (MoE) formerly assigned in River Gee County, has returned a sum of cash meant for his three months’ salary to the coffers of the Liberian government.Welah, Jr., who is currently a staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, serving in the position of Regional Coordinator, has disclosed that it was prudent to return the money, owing to the fact that he’s no longer an employee of the MoE and he should not be receiving remunerations from there.In a communication from Welah, Jr., which is…

By D. Abraham CooperIn a bid to enhance the capacity of faculty members of the Grand Gedeh University College (GGUC), the institution has launched a comprehensive development initiative for faculty members.Spearheaded by Dr. Eric Z.M. Gbotoe, the university’s president, the “Professor Enhancement & Effectiveness Training” program aims to strengthen the skills and expertise of its teaching staff.The month-long training, which began 7 July, is being conducted by Dr. Randy Nelson, a retired professor from the United States, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.Participants care expected to learn valuable strategies and techniques aimed at improving their…

A prominent citizen of River Gee County, Liberian journalist Ben TC Brooks, is urging lawmakers of his homeland to make what he terms a crucial decision on proposed bills aimed at establishing two institutions of higher learning in the county.Brooks, a native of Gbeapo electoral District #2, River Gee County, has meanwhile expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by lawmakers of the county, in promoting initiatives that address local educational needs.However, he emphasized the urgent need for River Gee’s current legislators to clearly articulate what he calls the county’s educational goals.“Should we support the transformation of the current Vocational Training…