AGP Executive Report

Ebola Shock Hits the Region: Liberia’s Ministry of Health issued a fresh Ebola alert after a new outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province, as WHO raised the crisis to an international concern and reported a fast-rising death toll tied to a “super-spreader” funeral event—prompting renewed screening and public anxiety even as officials say no confirmed cases are in Liberia. Roads Under Scrutiny: The General Auditing Commission flagged governance and quality failures in the US$116m Roberts International Airport (RIA) Road Project, citing missing completion proof, payment variances, safety works not installed, and a long extension. Power Safety Tragedy: A Jungle Energy Power surge in Gbarnga killed two children and destroyed homes, reigniting questions about grid reliability and maintenance. Consumer Pressure on Water Prices: Commerce Ministry met water producers after sachet prices jumped, warning firms and pushing a cap to protect buyers. Mining Deal Moves: OFAC clearance clears a major hurdle for Africa Metallic Resources’ Putu iron ore acquisition. City Sanitation Push: Monrovia City Corporation rolled out new waste-management rules under a PPP plan starting July 1.

Food Security Push: LIFADCO has started selling large quantities of locally produced rice in Ganta—5,000 bags released now, with another 7,000 planned for June—aimed at cutting Liberia’s dependence on imported rice. Public Sector Benefits: CSA, IBLL and NICOL sealed a deal to make vehicle insurance easier for government employees via a six-month credit plan with salary deductions. Education & Skills: Liberia’s first student-led Chemistry Symposium in Gbarnga drew 750+ high schoolers, with hands-on experiments meant to turn classroom theory into real problem-solving. Health Watch: Liberia’s Ministry of Health issued a fresh Ebola alert tied to a new outbreak in eastern DRC, as WHO declared the situation a global health emergency of international concern—raising fresh questions about readiness. Environment Enforcement: EPA launched a police-backed crackdown on noise pollution, with fines and speaker confiscations for churches, mosques, bars, nightclubs and street parties. Local Economy & Community: In Ganta, rice sales expand; in Gbarnga, a tragic house fire killed two children, while River Gee saw two suspected drug dealers arrested with narcotics seized.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: Liberia’s Ministry of Health issued a fresh Ebola alert after a new outbreak was reported in DR Congo’s Ituri province, as WHO declared the situation a public health emergency of “international concern” and warned it could grow beyond current counts—prompting entry bans and heightened regional scrutiny even as officials say no confirmed cases are in Liberia. Trade Readiness Push: UNDP and ECOWAS wrapped a three-day AfCFTA Trade in Services regulatory audit workshop in Monrovia, certifying 63 participants and positioning Liberia to update its services commitments and databases. Co-ops for Growth: CDA and UNIDO ended a week-long Cluster Development Approach workshop in Ganta, training cooperative leaders on governance, quality control, and market linkages to boost smallholder incomes. Maritime Women’s Spotlight: Ex-NaFAA DG Emma Glassco is set as Special Guest of Honor for Liberia’s International Day for Women in Maritime celebration. Local Politics Watch: Unity Party faces fresh questions over its proposed HQ project after a high-profile fundraising drive. Security & Health on the Ground: LDEA River Gee arrested two suspected drug dealers and seized narcotics worth over L$144,000.

Public Health Emergency: WHO has declared the Congo Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning it’s “international concern” but not a pandemic—while Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says he’s in “panic mode” due to lack of medicines and vaccines. Cross-Border Risk: The outbreak is centered in DRC’s Ituri mining areas (Mongwalu and Rwampara) with hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, and it has already reached Uganda, raising fears of wider spread. Health System Pressure: Africa CDC links 65 deaths to the outbreak and says insecurity, population movement, and gaps in contact tracing could worsen the situation. Liberia Policy Tension: Liberia is also facing a governance test in health and data—civil society is challenging the carbon market policy, while a separate controversy grows around AREPT summoning former finance minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. over alleged diversion of US$20.5m in rice subsidy funds. Energy & Industry Push: On the business side, Liberia signed a US$26m deal to build its first electrical manufacturing plant, aiming to cut reliance on imported power equipment.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths reported and a confirmed case detected in Kinshasa—raising fears of wider spread. Health officials say the outbreak began in late April in Ituri’s mining areas (Mongwalu and Rwampara), and it has already crossed into Uganda after a death in Kampala. Cross-border Risk: Africa CDC warns that conflict, mining-linked movement, and gaps in contact tracing could push the virus beyond the epicenter. Liberia Watch: In parallel, Liberia’s governance headlines keep coming: AREPT has summoned former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. over an alleged US$20.5m rice subsidy diversion, just days after an acquittal in a separate case. Regional Business & Policy: Liberia also signed a US$26m deal to build its first electrical manufacturing plant, while lawmakers push for scrutiny of trade systems like CTN amid claims of added costs.

Ebola Alert in Congo: DR Congo’s Ituri province is battling a fast-moving Ebola outbreak, with Africa CDC linking 65 deaths and reporting 246 suspected cases (and earlier figures cited 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths), mostly around mining towns Mongwalu and Rwampara—and health officials warn cross-border spread risk is rising due to movement and insecurity. Liberia Accountability Watch: Just days after a jury acquitted former finance minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr., Liberia’s AREPT has summoned him again over alleged diversion of US$20.5m in rice subsidy funds from Sep 2021–Oct 2022. Trade & Ports Under Scrutiny: Liberia’s House is set to investigate the Cargo Tracking Number (CTN) system, with lawmakers citing US$225 per shipment costs and claims of delays and added compliance burdens. Energy/Industry Push: Liberia signed a US$26m deal with Kenya’s Thames Electrical to build the country’s first electrical manufacturing plant—aimed at cutting import delays and boosting local supply of key grid components. Regional Diplomacy: Morocco announced a phased cooperation agenda with Liberia focused on water security, agriculture, maritime ties, and cultural diplomacy.

Ebola Alert: DR Congo’s Ituri province is battling a fast-moving Ebola outbreak, with Africa CDC linking 87 deaths to 336 suspected cases so far, after the virus was confirmed in mining towns Mongwalu and Rwampara and a case reportedly crossed into Uganda—and officials warn the lack of a vaccine and fragile local conditions could accelerate spread. Anti-Corruption Reload: Liberia’s former finance minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. was summoned again by AREPT in a fresh US$20.5m rice subsidy probe, days after an acquittal, reigniting scrutiny of payments made between Sep 2021–Oct 2022. Energy & Industry: Liberia signed a US$26m deal to build its first electrical manufacturing plant with Kenya’s Thames Electrical, aiming to cut import dependence for transformers, meters and switchgear. Trade & Ports: Lawmakers moved to investigate Liberia’s Cargo Tracking Number (CTN) system, citing US$225 per shipment costs and delays. Health Funding: The US is offering US$290m for early infectious-disease outbreak response.

Maritime Disruption: A rare tanker crossing through the Strait of Hormuz has been reported, with a Liberia-flagged vessel (Karolos) moving toward India after the war-linked effective closure that has stranded hundreds of ships and tightened energy flows. Bilateral Push: Liberia’s ties with Morocco got a boost through a phased cooperation agenda spanning water security, agriculture, maritime work, and cultural diplomacy. Health Shock: DR Congo’s new Ebola outbreak is confirmed by Africa CDC, linking 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases in Ituri, with risks rising due to proximity to Uganda/South Sudan and insecurity. Food Security Funding: The World Bank-backed GAFSP launched a US$163m call for proposals to support smallholder farmers as hunger worsens amid conflict, climate shocks, and higher input costs. Liberia Accountability: AREPT has summoned former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. over alleged diversion of US$20.5m in rice subsidy funds. Energy & Industry: Liberia signed a US$26m deal with Thames Electrical to build the country’s first electrical manufacturing plant, aiming to cut import dependence and speed up power expansion. Digital Sovereignty Tension: Liberia is also facing criticism for outsourcing parts of its National Identification Registry while claiming digital sovereignty. Trade Oversight: Lawmakers are set to probe Liberia’s Cargo Tracking Number system over alleged added costs and delays. Regional Spotlight: India announced Liberia’s participation in the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi (May 31) and the inaugural Big Cat Alliance summit (May 29–June 1). Public Safety Watch: Reports warn that high-strength Indian tapentadol is fueling West Africa’s opioid crisis and being mixed into “kush,” with Liberia already declared affected.

Liberia–Kenya Power Push: Liberia signed a US$26m deal with Kenya-based Thames Electrical Limited to build the country’s first electrical manufacturing plant—aimed at cutting import delays and boosting local supply of transformers, switchgears and smart meters. Digital Sovereignty Tension: Civil society is raising alarms after Liberia reportedly turned to an Austrian firm to fix the National Identification Registry, challenging the government’s push for digital sovereignty. Anti-Corruption Watch: AREPT has summoned former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. over alleged diversion of US$20.5m in rice subsidy funds, days after an acquittal in a separate case. Trade & Compliance Pressure: Lawmakers are set to probe Liberia’s Cargo Tracking Number (CTN) system after complaints of added costs and port delays. Food Security Shock: Elephant raids in Grand Cape Mount destroyed crops, intensifying fears of hunger before the rainy season. Regional Health Alert: Africa CDC confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri, with 65 deaths already reported. Global Context: WHO says the Pandemic Agreement still needs another year to finalize key rules.

India-Africa Diplomacy: India will host the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit and the inaugural International Big Cat Alliance Summit in New Delhi from May 29–June 1, with IAFS-IV set for May 31 under “IA SPIRIT,” spotlighting trade, digital infrastructure, AI, climate action, and education. Rice Subsidy Probe: Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. has been summoned by AREPT over allegations tied to a US$20.5m rice subsidy fund (Sep 2021–Oct 2022). Food Security Shock: Elephants destroyed cassava, plantain, rice and other crops in Laar Town, Porkpa District, Grand Cape Mount, raising fresh hunger fears ahead of the rainy season. Vocational Push: LOIC Bong County is graduating 223 students today, supported by county assistance and new partnerships. Trade Friction: Lawmakers summoned LRA and Commerce over the US$225m trade compliance/Cargo Tracking Number system, alleging added costs and delays. Health Crisis: AFP reports Indian tapentadol opioids are still flooding West Africa and being mixed into “kush,” worsening Liberia’s declared emergency. Senate Oversight: The Senate opened with plans to scrutinize concession compliance and rising costs of essentials, including Bea Mountain and ArcelorMittal.

Road Sector Oversight: Liberia’s Senate is probing a reported US$9m shortfall in 2025 roadfunds collections, even as officials earlier cited a US$55m surplus, with lawmakers warning some contractors are still unpaid and projects around Monrovia are stalled. Trade Compliance Under Scrutiny: Lawmakers have summoned the LRA and Ministry of Commerce over the CTN cargo tracking system, alleging it adds about US$225 per shipment and increases delays and clearance costs. Public Health Alarm: AFP reports Indian-made tapentadol opioids are flooding West Africa—sold in kiosks and informal pharmacies—and being mixed into “kush,” with Liberia already declaring a national emergency. Banking Leadership: Bloom Bank Africa Liberia’s MD Olalekan Balogun was appointed Treasurer of WABA, boosting regional banking coordination. Regional Policy Push: WATAF and TJNA urged ECOWAS tax reforms aimed at strengthening revenue and tackling illicit financial flows. Mining Enforcement: Liberia’s Mines Ministry says it arrested two Indians and a Liberian in Grand Cape Mount and seized three excavators in an anti-illegal mining crackdown.

Opioid Shockwave: An AFP investigation says Indian pharma firms are exporting millions of tapentadol tablets into West Africa despite a promised crackdown, and health officials warn the pills are now being mixed into “kush,” already declared a national emergency in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Mining Crackdown: Liberia’s Mines and Energy Ministry says it has arrested a Liberian and two Indians in Grand Cape Mount and seized three excavators for illegal mining with no authorization. Energy Push: President Boakai signed a US$26m MOU to build Liberia’s first electrical manufacturing plant in partnership with Kenya’s Thames Electrical, aiming to cut reliance on imported power equipment. Trade Rules for Growth: Liberia opened an AfCFTA workshop on regulatory audits for trade in services, with UNDP stressing reforms to unlock jobs and competitiveness. Fisheries Transparency: Ghana moved toward FiTI implementation, with Liberia and Sierra Leone also in the pipeline—transparency is being framed as the fix for weak data and opaque licensing.

Senate Compliance Push: Liberia’s Senate has reopened the spotlight on major concession deals, ordering immediate investigations into Bea Mountain Mining and ArcelorMittal Liberia, with lawmakers also demanding a full accounting of financial commitments and social projects. Anti-Illegal Mining Crackdown: The Ministry of Mines and Energy says it has arrested two Indian nationals and a Liberian in Grand Cape Mount, seizing three excavators and warning “Liberia is no longer an open gate” for operators without permits. Energy Industrial Leap: President Boakai signed a US$26m MOU to build Liberia’s first electrical manufacturing plant in partnership with Kenya’s Thames Electrical, aiming to produce transformers, meters and switchgear locally. AfCFTA Trade in Services: Liberia hosted an AfCFTA regulatory audit workshop in Monrovia with ECOWAS and UNDP, focusing on how services trade can unlock jobs and investment. World Bank Project Check: Government and the World Bank reviewed a US$1.13bn portfolio across 18 projects, assessing progress and bottlenecks. Local Enforcement: Commerce officials ordered building material dealers along key Monrovia corridors to clear sidewalks and streets to restore pedestrian movement.

Food Security Push: The World Bank’s GAFSP has opened a US$163m grants call for smallholder farmers in the world’s poorest countries, aiming to boost food security, climate resilience, and livelihoods as acute hunger stays near record highs and aid declines. AfCFTA Readiness: UNDP says AfCFTA could reshape Liberia’s economy, but only if regulators and institutions reform to strengthen the services sector—workshops in Monrovia are focused on using the trade-in-services regulatory audit to drive policy changes. Carbon Market Risk: Liberia’s new Carbon Market Authority to trade forest credits is drawing international pressure to move fast, but critics warn weak oversight and “carbon cowboys” could repeat timber-sector scandals and squeeze communities through intermediaries. Governance & Accountability: Liberia’s GAC issued an adverse compliance audit on LPRA, citing major weaknesses in financial reporting and operations. Labor Tension Watch: Liberia’s Labour Minister ordered Firestone to pause a redundancy plan involving a senior union official amid fears of industrial unrest. Environment Under Scrutiny: Reports of alleged chemical pollution in the Mafa River and Marvoe Creek are escalating into a public health alarm.

Africa–France Deal Push: President William Ruto used the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi to argue for partnerships built on sovereign equality—no dependency, no charity, no extraction—while calling for reforms to the global financial system and investment in transport, energy transition, and youth skills. Regional Tax Agenda: In Abuja, WATAF and TJNA brought ECOWAS lawmakers together to push West Africa toward stronger domestic revenue, tax harmonisation, and tighter controls on illicit financial flows. AfCFTA for Services: UNDP says AfCFTA can transform Liberia’s economy, but only if Liberia upgrades regulatory and institutional readiness for trade in services. Health Funding Warning: A report highlights how donor exits—citing USAID—can quickly expose fragility in Africa’s health systems. Liberia Governance Watch: GAC issued an adverse compliance audit on LPRA, flagging major weaknesses in financial reporting and operations. Environment Under Pressure: Residents and former PUL leaders are raising alarms over alleged pollution of the Mafa River and Marvoe Creek tied to mining, demanding urgent action. Energy & Courts: Barclayville is set for electrification by Dec 2026, while Bong County’s judiciary plans two new magisterial courts to expand access to justice. Business Integrity: QNET denies allegations of kidnapping and a travel scam in Monrovia, urging the public to watch for fraudsters misusing its name.

Broadcast Upgrade: President Boakai has commissioned a US$5.5m China-aid refurbished and expanded Liberia Broadcasting System complex, with new studios and satellite capacity meant to restore LBS as a world-class broadcaster. Labor Tension: Liberia’s Labour Minister has ordered Firestone to suspend a proposed redundancy exercise targeting union co-chair Winston Ford, pending review after worker objections raised unrest concerns. Environmental Alarm: Cape Mount residents and former PUL leader Abraham Massaley are calling for an emergency response over alleged pollution of the Mafa River and Marvoe Creek tied to Bea Mountain Mining, citing health fears. Infrastructure Push: The World Bank has committed to finance Liberia’s Legacy Economic Corridor, aiming to connect Grand Bassa, Bong and Nimba and boost trade, farming and mining access. Trade Rules: Liberia hosted an AfCFTA trade-in-services regulatory audit workshop to help translate regional commitments into local policy reforms. Energy Access: AfDB backed a $11.3m renewable energy certificate facility that includes Liberia, targeting mini-grids and new electricity connections. Sports & Youth: Kenya’s Africa Forward Summit spotlighted sports diplomacy, while Liberia’s youth football push continues ahead of overseas preseason plans.