AGP Executive Report

Liberia–Turkey Diplomacy: President Joseph Boakai met Türkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul to discuss bilateral ties and regional issues, with Erdoğan also congratulating Liberia on its UN Security Council election. Roads & Currency Moves: Boakai has asked lawmakers to amend and restate the National Road Fund Act to improve road-user charging and oversight, while the House approved the Central Bank’s request to print L$79 billion to replace damaged notes and boost cash supply. Justice & Rights: The suspended INCHR commissioner Cllr. T. Dempster Brown alleges his office was forcibly entered during his suspension, and Leymah Gbowee’s Peace Through Fair Play camp sparked a dispute with senators over whether children could address lawmakers. Health & Security: LMHRA seized counterfeit medicines worth about L$400,000 in Bong County, and Liberia’s drug case continues as a key witness testified about a US$19.2M cocaine shipment. Governance & Capacity: The Witness Protection Agency sent finance officials for regional IFRS and risk transparency training, as Liberia pushes stronger financial reporting.

Boakai Road Fund Bill: President Joseph Boakai has asked lawmakers to amend and restate the 2016 National Road Fund Act, aiming to improve road-user charging, oversight, and fair funding distribution. Currency Update: The House has approved the Central Bank of Liberia to print L$79 billion to replace deteriorated notes, boost cash availability, and protect payment system integrity. Drug Case in Court: Liberia’s drug probe continues in the US$19.2M cocaine matter, with a key investigator saying Paul King coordinated a shipment intercepted at Roberts International Airport. Human Rights Tension: A suspended INCHR commissioner alleges his office was forcibly entered while he is under suspension. Health Crisis at Phebe: Women in Suakoko protested the ongoing go-slow at Phebe Hospital, demanding reopening and action over management concerns. Counterfeit Medicines Seized: LMHRA seized counterfeit and substandard drugs worth about L$400,000 in Bong County. Governance & Transparency: LEITI’s MSG met to plan the next EITI reports, focusing on emerging transparency issues like beneficial ownership and anti-corruption. Energy Progress: Liberia reported 86% renewable generation and progress under the Mission-300 Energy Compact, while noting delays and financing gaps. Public Communication: PUL urged officials to stop “attack dog” politics and insults in public information. Sports: Determine Girls and Shaita Angels meet for the LFA Women’s League title decider, with CAF-linked prize money at stake. Diplomacy: Erdoğan met Boakai in Istanbul to discuss ties and regional issues.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: President Boakai met Turkey’s Erdogan to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues, with Liberia’s UN Security Council election highlighted. Roads & Finance: Boakai asked lawmakers to ratify a US$30m BADEA loan for the Salayea–Konia Road project, while the House approved CBL to print L$79b to replace damaged banknotes and ease cash shortages. Drug Case Under Scrutiny: A preliminary hearing heard that Paul King allegedly coordinated a US$19.2m cocaine shipment through Roberts International Airport; meanwhile INCHR urged speedy prosecution, warning delays could weaken public confidence. Governance & Rights: A suspended INCHR commissioner alleged his office was forcibly entered; INCHR also called for faster justice in the drug case. Public Health: LMHRA seized counterfeit medicines worth about L$400,000 in Bong; Phebe Hospital’s crisis deepened as women protested over the ongoing health workers’ go-slow. Energy & Training: Liberia reported 86% renewable generation progress under Mission-300, and LWSC began a five-week IFRS training for finance staff. Sports & Society: Sinoe County marked its 179th homecoming in Greenville, while women’s football heads to a title decider as Determine Girls face Shaita Angels.

Tax Reform Watch: Liberia Revenue Authority chief James Dorbor Jallah urged transparent, consistent rollout of the Tax Expenditure Management Act of 2025, saying it will tighten oversight of tax incentives and protect government revenue. Road Funding: President Boakai submitted a US$30M BADEA financing agreement to lawmakers for the Salayea–Konia Road project, pending ratification. Justice Speed: The Independent National Commission on Human Rights called for faster prosecution in the US$19M drug case and urged action on a Health Equity Fund Bill. Rubber Policy: RPAL and RDFI want the raw rubber export ban turned into permanent law to boost local processing and jobs. Currency Update: The House approved CBL’s plan to print up to L$79B to replace worn banknotes and ease cash shortages. Healthcare Support: China donated essential medicines to JFK Medical Center, while the U.S. Embassy reviewed USAID’s impact on community radio. Integrity Push: UNDP backed a national dialogue on strengthening Liberia’s integrity and accountability systems. Digital Safety: LTA brought cybersecurity awareness to Maryland County to warn citizens against online fraud. Local Concerns: Nimba University’s low engineering and geo-sciences graduate output raised alarm ahead of mining-sector needs.

Healthcare Support: The Lofa County Association of Georgia donated 25 mattresses to Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital, easing a pressing shortage and strengthening diaspora ties. Nimba Accountability & Tradition: At the funeral of former Nimba County Superintendent Nelson Korquoi, Senator Samuel G. Kogar sparked debate after saying any GAC audit liabilities tied to Korquoi should be waived so he can “rest in peace.” Fire Safety in Finance: Authorities are investigating a July 7 fire that gutted Diaconia Microfinance’s Ganta office, destroying documents and disrupting operations. Anti-Corruption Reset: A national dialogue called for a stronger integrity and accountability overhaul, while CENTAL’s SCORE report warns corruption remains deeply entrenched despite reforms. Public Sector Pay Pressure: Opposition leader Dr. Clarence Moniba urged the government to reflect salary and working-condition fixes in the 2027 budget. Currency Oversight: The CBL defended its plan to print about L$79 billion as currency replacement and liquidity management, as lawmakers review the proposal. Environment & Regulation: EPA secured US$100,000 lab equipment and a US$800,000 headquarters purchase to boost local testing and enforcement. Blue Economy Push: NaFFA launched an Open Media House and a five-year communication strategy, plus a fisheries call center to improve public access and reporting. Governance Watch: PUL warned agencies against using official platforms as “attack dogs” in political fights. Regional Security: US-Iran tensions kept Strait of Hormuz traffic near a standstill, with Liberia-flagged shipping among vessels affected.

US-Iran Tensions and Shipping Risk: The US says it has begun additional strikes on Iran to “further degrade” threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on commercial vessels, as Trump declares the ceasefire “over” and oil prices jump; Iran retaliates with strikes reported across Gulf states, while a Qatari LNG tanker remains at risk and salvage efforts continue. Liberia’s Maritime Role: New reporting highlights how Liberia became a major shipping power largely through its open ship registry, with Liberian-flagged tankers named among vessels targeted near Hormuz. Senate vs Executive: Liberia’s Senate summons Civil Service Agency DG Josiah Joekai and Rural and Renewable Energy Agency DG Samuel Nagbe over alleged disrespectful remarks, raising fresh concerns about coordination as the ARREST agenda moves forward. Mining Law Reform: Joint legislative committees complete phase-two public hearings on proposed reforms to Liberia’s Mining and Minerals Law, aiming for stronger governance and modernization. Tax Waiver Crackdown: Liberia Revenue Authority launches the Tax Expenditure Management Act of 2025, warning the customs tax waiver gap reached US$353.3M in 2025. Local Development and Health: LSEZA signs a contract for a Liberia Packaging Solutions Center; CHESS-Liberia and PACTS expand community healthcare support; and the Chinese Embassy donates medicines to JFK Medical Center. Drug Case Updates: A former RIA staffer, Anthony Deinuka, denies any link to the US$19.2M cocaine probe as court proceedings continue.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The U.S. launched precision strikes on 80+ Iranian targets after attacks on three tankers, while Iran retaliated with strikes claimed on Bahrain and Kuwait; Trump says the ceasefire is “over,” and oil prices jumped as shipping risks rise. Liberia Courtroom Update: Liberia’s $19M cocaine case hit a procedural snag when a court rejected photocopied charge sheets, forcing prosecutors to return with certified originals. Drug Case in Focus: Paul J. King pleaded not guilty in Monrovia after returning voluntarily from the U.S., as the investigation continues. Anti-Illegal Mining: Liberia’s Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) has started operations to curb illicit mining and improve sector enforcement. Power Costs: LERC cut LIBENERGY’s tariff by 12% and slashed new single-phase connection fees to US$40, effective Aug. 1. Sports Funding Reform: Youth and Sports overhauled County Meet financing with a decentralized digital fundraising model. Justice for Trafficking: Liberia’s largest human trafficking trial ended in convictions for all defendants. Local Business & Infrastructure: LSEZA signed a contract for a Liberia Packaging Solutions Center to boost local value addition.

Liberia Justice & Drugs: Monrovia’s courts continue the US$19.2M Roberts International Airport cocaine case, with Paul King’s preliminary examination delayed after prosecutors failed to produce the original case file; the matter is set to continue July 8. Senate Oversight: Nimba Senator Samuel Kogar questioned why the probe shifted from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency to the Liberia National Police, asking what role the National Security Council played. Public Health & Nutrition: Liberia and partners launched a US$3M child nutrition project for the “first 1,000 days,” targeting River Cess, Montserrado, and Grand Kru, with support for health workers and nutrition supplies. Local Governance & Flooding: Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah criticized Monrovia City Corporation and Paynesville police over weak enforcement against garbage dumping, while the House scheduled EPA and other agencies to explain recurring Main Street flooding. Infrastructure: ArcelorMittal Liberia rehabilitated 167km of rural roads across Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa to improve access to markets and services. International Shockwave: The US-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz escalated again, with US strikes hitting 80+ targets and Iran retaliating, pushing oil prices higher and raising shipping risks.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran-linked attacks struck a Qatari LNG carrier and a Saudi-flagged tanker near Oman, with reports of fires and structural damage, while oil prices jumped and the US revoked an Iran oil license. Liberia Justice: Liberia’s largest trafficking trial ended with convictions for all defendants after fast jury deliberations, closing a case under intense scrutiny over alleged bribery attempts. Digital Payments: BanffPay (Liberia) secured a Central Bank of Liberia PSP license and says it will launch the country’s first unified Pay-In/Pay-Out API. Press Freedom: Liberia slipped in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, landing in a “problematic” category amid ongoing concerns over threats to journalists. Energy Court Clash: LEC executives face contempt proceedings over unpaid debt, with possible fines or sanctions. Health & Nutrition: China-backed “First 1,000 Days” neonatal nutrition project launched in Liberia with UNICEF support. Sports Governance: LFA expelled FC Fassell CEO Cassell Kuoh for taking a football dispute to civil court instead of internal mechanisms. Ebola Watch: WHO and Africa CDC are racing to contain a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda.

Digital Payments: BanffPay (Liberia) wins a Central Bank PSP license and says it will launch the country’s first unified Pay-In/Pay-Out API, aiming to simplify how businesses and institutions move money. Electricity & Courts: Liberia’s Debt Court issues a contempt order against LEC and officials in a long-running US$415k dispute, escalating a national security standoff over unpaid payments. Drug Case Under Scrutiny: Defense lawyers press for a preliminary hearing for Paul J. King in the US$19.2m cocaine bust, while public questions grow over whether the State has fully tested its own theory. Health Crisis: Phebe Hospital services reportedly shut down after workers protest unpaid arrears; police arrest union leaders, leaving patients stranded. Road Safety Alarm: A deadly Suakoko Highway crash highlights Liberia’s worsening road deaths, with calls for urgent funding and stronger safety action. Governance & Elections: NEC holds final consultations on a communications strategy to boost electoral trust and media accountability. Environment & Logging/Forests: SDI and a forest body threaten EPA with a lawsuit over alleged violations tied to Golden Veroleum Liberia. Agriculture Policy Clash: Rubber farmers urge Boakai to amend an export ban order, warning it could squeeze smallholders. Education & Scholarships: India’s embassy honors 20 Liberian ICCR scholars, including doctoral awardees. Border Infrastructure: Liberia Immigration reports the Kablaken checkpoint on the Côte d’Ivoire border is in ruins, disrupting operations.

Anti-Corruption & Justice: Liberia’s Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) says it is “legally prepared” to win its indicted cases, pointing to recent court procedural wins that could shape future corruption prosecutions. Drugs & Security: Liberia National Police and Joint Security have charged seven suspects, including Global Logistics Services (GLS) and its operations manager, over the US$19.2m cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, while investigators say cartel cells tried to bribe security and interfere with the cargo seizure. Women, Peace & Security: Liberia validated its Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, moving from earlier phases toward official launch after partner and civil society input. Governance & Digital Services: UNDP handed ICT equipment to the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) to boost data handling and continuity, and the NEC held final consultations on its communications strategy ahead of elections. Border Operations: The Kablaken Immigration Checkpoint on the Liberia–Côte d’Ivoire border is in ruins, forcing officers to work from makeshift sites and weakening border security. Local Development & Youth: LACE and LPRC signed a corporate partnership to expand community development, while 110 Bong students began free digital literacy and ICT training.

Drug Enforcement: Liberia’s LDEA says it arrested a 46-year-old Nigerian, Agbata Frank, and seized Tramadol and marijuana worth about L$296,400 in River Gee after a court-authorized search. Local Politics: Bong County Rep. Prince Koinah renewed support for the Unity Party’s ARREST Agenda, urging scholarship beneficiaries to stay focused and calling education and youth empowerment key to development. Gender-Based Violence: Police in Gbarnga opened an investigation into the death of Lorpu Kollie, allegedly assaulted by her husband in Kollietawola; her daughter says she died after treatment. Infrastructure Oversight: House Committee chair Ernest Manseah demanded transparency as President Boakai broke ground for the 1.9km Japan Freeway expansion, promising legislative monitoring. Education & Agriculture: Maryland County Superintendent Nathaniel Toe outlined plans to subsidize farmers and boost education, warning against the “60-40” land arrangement that hands large plots to foreigners. Regional Security: Nigeria’s COAS Waidi Shaibu pushed for stronger West African military cooperation at the Third African Land Forces Forum in Port Harcourt, with Liberia among participants. Shipping Costs: CMA CGM announced July 2026 peak season surcharges affecting routes that include Liberia.

Strait of Hormuz Shipping: A convoy of at least five commercial vessels, including a Liberian-flag crude tanker, transited via an Omani route as Iran’s patrols and radio warnings continue to shape passage decisions. Liberia Infrastructure: President Joseph Boakai broke ground for a 1.9km extension of the Japan Freeway from the Freeport of Monrovia to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, calling it a “lifeline” for trade and mobility. Anti-Drug Accountability: Questions are mounting over Liberia’s US$19.2m airport cocaine probe, with critics saying investigators are focusing on people while overlooking security weaknesses at Roberts International Airport. Governance & Capacity: LEITI held an internal capacity-building workshop for staff across presentation, administration, procurement and communications. Diplomacy: Australia appointed career diplomat Keara Shaw as High Commissioner to Ghana with non-resident accreditation including Liberia. Health Training: Eight lab professionals from Liberia and other African countries completed a JICA-NMIMR infectious disease skills course in Ghana. Regional Development: A report on Africa’s maritime competitiveness notes Liberia’s large open ship registry, while Morocco’s strength is tied to port and logistics capacity.

Liberia–U.S. Ties: Maryland signed a sister-state MOU with Liberia, formalizing the first such partnership between a U.S. state and the West African nation and aiming to turn shared history into new cooperation. Infrastructure: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai broke ground for the 1.9km extension of the Japan Freeway from the Freeport of Monrovia to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, calling it a “lifeline” for trade and daily mobility. Anti-Drug Pressure: Questions are mounting over the Liberia airport cocaine probe after a US$19.2m seizure, with critics saying investigators are looking everywhere except the airport’s internal security weaknesses. Governance Debate: Senator Crayton O. Duncan of Sinoe defended officials’ wealth and blamed foreigners for corruption, reigniting scrutiny over domestic accountability and past conflicts of interest. Extractives Capacity: LEITI held an internal capacity-building workshop to strengthen staff skills in presentation, administration, procurement and communications.

Senate & Corruption Debate: Senator Crayton O. Duncan of Sinoe County sparked backlash after blaming international partners for Liberia’s corruption, reigniting questions about domestic accountability and his own past logging-linked conduct. Drug Probe Scrutiny: Fresh details keep circling Liberia’s US$19.2 million airport cocaine case, with investigators revisiting the background and release circumstances of a key suspect, Michael U.S. Brown, as lawmakers demand arrests. Infrastructure Push: President Boakai broke ground for the 1.9km Japan Freeway extension from the Freeport of Monrovia to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, calling it a vital trade lifeline. Governance & Learning: LEITI held an internal capacity workshop; NALSP signed with Tamma Corporation to roll out a digital Scholar platform in high schools. Finance & Inclusion: The CBL kicked off consultations for the second phase of its National Financial Education Campaign. Diplomacy: Maryland signed Liberia’s first formal sister-state MOU with the U.S. state. Community & Faith: A Catholic sister highlights education as nation-building in rural Liberia.

Drug Probe Accountability: Liberia’s US$19.2M airport cocaine case keeps widening, with fresh public questions over why investigators focus on suspects while airport security weaknesses remain under scrutiny, as authorities also seek a key person of interest, Michael U.S. Brown, who was previously arrested and released under controversial circumstances. Infrastructure & Power: President Boakai broke ground for a 1.9km Japan Freeway extension linking Monrovia’s Freeport to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, while lawmakers ratified a US$57M loan to expand solar generation and add battery storage at Mount Coffee to stabilize the grid. Governance & Services: The Senate moved to summon officials over Liberia’s National ID card issuance suspension after banking and telecoms disruptions, and the House upheld a court ruling on the West Point market while pushing reconciliation talks. Youth & Education: LEITI held internal capacity training; NALSP and Tamma Corporation signed an MoU to roll out a digital learning platform in high schools; LWSC launched short-term employment for young graduates. Women, Peace & Security: Liberia validated its Third Women, Peace and Security Action Plan for 2031, aiming to strengthen women’s roles in peacebuilding and security.