Author: Rural Reporters News Network
By Paul M. Kanneh & Joy Mardea Moore The Government of Liberia in collaboration with development partners has officially launched the Third National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS). NSDS is a five-year roadmap expected to guide the country’s statistical development agenda from 2026 to 2030. The strategy was formally launched on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, marking a significant milestone in Liberia’s commitment to strengthening its national statistical system. The new NSDS builds on the achievements of the first phase (2016–2021) and the second phase (2021–2026), reinforcing the government’s resolve to promote…
By: Keith Morrison | Contributing Writer Monrovia, Liberia |February 19, 2026|An internationally acclaimed assessment team under the UNDP–Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) is conducting a comprehensive capacity needs assessment at the National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC-Liberia). The exercise is aimed at evaluating the Commission’s technical expertise, staff performance, operational systems, key functional areas, and institutional challenges across its various departments as well as sections. The assessment is also examining the work of magisterial offices, external relations, and engagement with civil society, transparency mechanisms, and other core components of the Commission’s operations. Supported by UNDP-Liberia national consultant, Dala Kokoyah, Jr.,…
By: Emmanuel Koffa | Grand Kru Correspondent Barclayville City, Grand Kru County |February 18, 2026| Tension reportedly gripped the headquarters of the Liberia National Police in Grand Kru County early Wednesday morning after an alleged assault on the county’s Operations Commander and a subsequent late-night protest at the station. Police say the situation began around 10:00 p.m. at the Wakpaken Junction in Barclayville when Superintendent Truman David Barclay Jr., Officer in Charge of Operations, confronted a driver accused of reckless driving. According to authorities, the driver of a white vehicle—believed to be linked to a LoneStar Cell MTN worker—was operating…
By: D Abraham Cooper, Sr.| Grand Gedeh county correspondent Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh |Feb. 18, 2026| Residents of Grand Gedeh County are threatening “unspecified actions” as local outrage boils over regarding a reported 500-acre land grant to Burkinabé nationals. It can be recalled that on October 18, 2025, Grand Gedeh officials finalized a major thirty-year lease agreement with Burkinabé national Boubou Sebu, securing 500 acreage plot in the B’hai administrative district solely for cocoa farming for USD 600,000. The growing unrest follows a Rural Reporter Online News investigation alleging that the massive land deal had been orchestrated by Grand…
By: Keith Morrison | Contributing Writer Paris, France| February 17, 2026 |On 16 February 2026, H.E. Ambassador Yorlay, accompanied by members of his delegation, held a productive meeting with Mr. Fabien Canu, Director General of the National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP), at the Institute’s headquarters in Paris. The meeting focused on identifying potential areas of sports cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Liberia and the Government of the French Republic. Particular attention was given to strengthening collaboration through Liberia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, INSEP, and other leading French sports institutions. Mr. Canu warmly welcomed…
By: Peter Kollie | Lofa Correspondent Tinsue Town, Lofa County |February 17, 2026 |The Liberia Feed Yourself Agriculture Initiative – INC has put smiles on the faces of 137 farmers’ school-going children in Tinsue Town, following the expansion of its scholarship and educational support program. The initiative, which focuses on boosting food security through sustainable agriculture, education, and community empowerment, brought together community members, parents, students, and government representatives to celebrate its growing impact. Investment Growth and Scholarship Support During the program, the organization presented its investment update covering 2023 to 2025. The report highlighted major progress in crop and…
By: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr. |Gbarpolu Correspondent Bombom Town, Gbarpolu |Feb. 17, 2026| The affected communities in Gungbaya Chiefdom, Bopolu District, have expressed serious concerns over the relocation plans presented by BAO CHICO Mining Company, emphasizing the need for revisions to address issues such as graveyards, butchery, and healthcare services. Dean Elder Morris Haward, speaking on behalf of the community, urged the company to fulfill its obligations; including building a vocational school, and to engage with traditional leaders in the decision-making process. ”We want to develop the minds of our young people so they can protect our area,” Elder…
By: Emmanuel Koffa |Grand Kru Correspondent Bettu Town, Sasstown District |Feb. 16, 2026|A routine fishing expedition turned tragic over the weekend when a 47-year-old fisherman, Kunwon Sieh, drowned in the sea near Bettu Town in Sasstown District, Grand Kru County. Local authorities confirmed that the incident occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026. District Commander Patrol Officer Prince Yancey said he responded to the scene at approximately 10:00 p.m. (2200hrs) following reports from community members. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Sieh lying along the shoreline. He was dressed in a black T-shirt and black jeans trousers. Community…
By: J. Mason Kollie |Lofa Correspondent Barkedu Town, Lofa County |Feb. 16, 2026| Two Muslim Communities located in the Quardu Gboni district received 1,000 bags of cement to support infrastructure enhancement in both Barkedu and Tusu towns. On February 15, 2026, a total of 1,000 bags of cement was presented Quardu Gboni District for onward presentation to both Barkedu and Tusu respectively for the sole purpose of upgrading their respective mosques. Accordingly, 600 bags goes to Barkedu Central mosque while 400 bags is for Tusu town mosque for renovation purposes The cement and other materials are to be used to…
By: Emmanuel Koffa |Grand Kru Correspondent Barclayville City, Grand Kru County |Feb. 16, 2026|What began as a triumphant campaign at the National County Sports Meet has now shifted into a tense standoff, as outstanding payments to players and vendors threaten to overshadow Grand Kru’s successful run to the football finals. County Development Officer Joe Sekpeh has publicly acknowledged the county’s financial obligations, revealing that despite significant backing during the tournament, several players and service providers remain unpaid. The county is reportedly awaiting a balance of US$5,000 from the Ministry of Youth & Sports, along with an additional US$5,000 said to…
