The Liberian Senate

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞 𝐂𝐒𝐀 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡

Monrovia— Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh is calling on the Liberian Senate to bring Civil Service Agency Director General Josiah Joekai before lawmakers over claims that he violated the National Code of Conduct.

In a communication dated May 28, 2026, to Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Konneh said the request stems from “serious and widely circulated” allegations that Joekai engaged in partisan political activity.

The Code of Conduct, under Part V, Section 5.1, prohibits all presidential appointees from taking part in partisan politics.

That includes holding party leadership positions, campaigning for office, working on campaign teams, and using state resources for political purposes.

“As a presidential appointee, the CSA Director General is fully bound by these provisions,” Senator Konneh stated.

He added that the CSA itself had recently dismissed civil servants for similar violations.

Konneh cited visual evidence allegedly showing Joekai wearing a T-shirt supporting a political movement backing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s potential 2029 re-election bid.

He warned that if confirmed, the act would breach the code and erode the political neutrality expected of integrity institutions like the CSA.

Following the communication, Grand Cape Mount County Senator Simeon B. Taylor moved that the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Autonomous Commissions review the matter and report back within one week.

The motion was overwhelmingly passed.

The committees are now set to examine the allegations and determine whether the CSA boss violated the law.

𝐍𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐰

Monrovia— Nimba County Senator Samuel Gongben Kogar has asked the Liberian Senate to summon the Ministers of Finance and Development Planning, Local Government, and Justice to explain why key parts of the country’s decentralization framework remain stalled.

In a communication dated May 28, 2026, addressed to Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senator Kogar requested that Plenary invite the ministers to clarify the status of the Local Government Fiscal Board and address obstacles to implementing the Revenue Sharing Act of 2022.

The Fiscal Board, Kogar said, is central to the government’s decentralization agenda under the Local Government Act of 2018.

He argued that the Act gives local communities a practical channel to participate in both policy-making and economic governance.

The Nimba County Lawmaker also highlighted the Revenue Sharing Law as the mechanism meant to ensure that communities hosting natural resources receive a fair share of the revenue they generate.

Kogar noted that he raised similar concerns during last year’s budget deliberations, particularly around the handling of the US$200 million signature bonus from the AML Third Amendment Agreement in the 2026 budget.

He said the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning did not apply the Revenue Sharing Law in the allocation process, citing the absence of the Fiscal Board as the reason.

“That justification has effectively hindered the implementation of the Revenue Sharing Law,” he told colleagues.

After Senator Kogar’s presentation, Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. of Nimba County moved for the ministers to appear before the Senate Committee of the Whole next Thursday. The motion was adopted.

If the hearing proceeds, it will be the latest attempt to push the executive branch to operationalize the Fiscal Board and enforce revenue-sharing provisions that have been law since 2022.

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰

MONROVIA – The Liberian Senate Committee on Maritime Affairs convened a public hearing on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, to review a proposed law intended to modernize Liberia’s maritime legal framework.

Held in the Senate Chamber and chaired by Senator Jonathan BoyCharles Sogbie , the hearing brought together Liberia Maritime Authority Commissioner-General Hon. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., maritime stakeholders, legal experts, and members of the public to discuss key provisions of the draft legislation.

Lawmakers said the review is aimed at ensuring Liberia’s maritime laws remain up to date, transparent, and responsive to changes in the global shipping industry.

Commissioner-General Lighe told the committee that the proposed law seeks to strengthen maritime governance, improve regulatory oversight, and reinforce Liberia’s position as one of the world’s leading ship registries.

He noted that the legislation also addresses emerging challenges in the sector while promoting economic growth and increasing revenue for the country.

Members of the Senate Committee assured participants that all recommendations and concerns raised during the hearing would be carefully reviewed before the committee submits its report and recommendations to the Senate plenary.

The public hearing forms part of the Senate’s constitutional mandate to scrutinize proposed legislation through consultation with stakeholders and the public before final passage.

The bill will now return to committee for further consideration.

Senate Maritime Committee holds public hearings today with heads of the Liberia Maritime Authority at 1:00 PM in the Senate Chambers.

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭, 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞

MONROVIA – A bill seeking to replace Liberia’s 2010 Investment Act with a modern framework that prioritizes Liberian participation and sustainable growth has been submitted to the Senate for consideration.

Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh II of River Gee County formally presented the Liberia Investment (Amendment and Restatement) Act of 2026 to Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence on May 11, 2026.

The proposed legislation aims to create a balanced legal structure that encourages responsible foreign direct investment while strengthening opportunities for Liberian-owned businesses.

According to the submission, the bill responds to emerging economic realities and aligns with Liberia’s national development priorities.

Key objectives of the bill include promoting sustainable economic growth, expanding Liberian participation in commerce and industry, and supporting industrialization, manufacturing, and domestic production.

It also seeks to strengthen national distribution and supply chains, promote fair competition, and increase employment and business opportunities for Liberians.

Other provisions focus on facilitating technology transfer and skills development, decentralizing economic activity across Liberia’s counties, and advancing the country’s long-term economic sovereignty and resilience.

The bill is guided by principles of transparency, accountability, fair competition, inclusive participation, consumer protection, and national economic security.

Senator Dopoh requested that the communication and accompanying bill be received for first reading and further legislative action. He noted the proposal’s relevance to ongoing national discussions on investment reform and Liberianization.

“I trust that the Honorable Senate will give this important legislative proposal its due consideration in the interest of strengthening the Liberian economy and expanding opportunities for the Liberian people,” Dopoh wrote.

The bill will now proceed through the Senate’s legislative process, beginning with a first reading and second reading during the next sitting of the Senate on Thursday May 28, 2026.

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𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐊𝐖𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘

Grand Kru County Senator, Numene T. H. Bartekwa, has called for the establishment and strengthening of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Liberia’s social service delivery sectors in order to improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens across the country.

In a communication dated May 26, 2026, and addressed to the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Senator Bartekwa acknowledged the growing challenges Liberians face in accessing basic social services, including safe drinking water, electricity, and Airport infrastructure development and management

According to the Grand Kru County lawmaker, the Government of Liberia alone cannot adequately provide all of the highly needed social services due to increasing economic and financial constraints.

He stressed that as a result of these difficulties, many Liberians continue to live under unbearable and deplorable conditions, especially in rural communities where access to essential services remains limited.
Senator Bartekwa noted that the involvement of the private sector through effective Public-Private Partnerships would help complement government efforts by bringing in additional resources, expertise, innovation, and investment needed to improve service delivery nationwide.

The Senator emphasized that PPP initiatives have proven successful in many countries around the world and could significantly contribute to Liberia’s national development agenda if properly implemented and monitored.
He further indicated that collaboration between the government and private institutions would accelerate infrastructure development, create employment opportunities, and improve the welfare of citizens.

Senator Bartekwa urged the Liberian Senate to take the matter seriously by engaging relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders to explore practical ways of strengthening partnerships that will directly benefit the people of Liberia.

The Grand Kru Lawmaker also stressed that improving social service delivery remains essential to national growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development, adding that the government must prioritize policies that will ease the daily burdens faced by citizens throughout the country.
The communication was forwarded to the Senate’s leadership for appropriate actions.

𝐍𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐁𝐎𝐋𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄’𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has disclosed that it is currently screening and monitoring sixteen foreign nationals from East African countries, including Ethiopia and Uganda, who recently entered Liberia.

Speaking Tuesday during a Joint Public Hearing involving NPHIL and the Ministry of Health before the Liberian Senate, NPHIL Acting Director-General, Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, clarified that none of the individuals has tested positive for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Dr. Camanor explained that the ongoing monitoring is part of precautionary public health measures aimed at preventing any possible outbreak in Liberia.

According to NPHIL Acting Director-General, Liberia remains on high alert due to recurring Ebola outbreaks and other hemorrhagic diseases reported in parts of Africa.

As a result, health authorities have intensified screening activities at major ports of entry, including airports and border crossings across the country.

In closing, Dr. Camanor assured members of the Liberian Senate that NPHIL continues to collaborate closely with neighboring countries, regional health authorities, the Ministry of Health, and international partners to strengthen cross-border surveillance systems and rapid response mechanisms to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Kpoto, informed Plenary that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Liberia, contrary to reports circulating on social media.

She noted that screening operations are ongoing at various entry points, while nationwide training programs for health workers are also underway.

Dr. Kpoto revealed that NPHIL and the Ministry of Health are planning to restructure Ebola Treatment Centers across the country as part of Liberia’s preparedness strategy.

She further stated that Liberia’s surveillance system is being strengthened through increased public awareness campaigns and active monitoring across all 98 health districts, each headed by District Health Officers.

According to the Minister, Liberia is presently 69% prepared to combat Ebola based on the World Health Organization (WHO) risk management analysis.

She emphasized that the country has the capacity to conduct contact tracing and laboratory testing, although additional laboratory materials and further training for health workers are still needed.

Dr. Kpoto disclosed that the total budget allocated for Ebola preparedness stands at US$4.2 million.

THE LIBERIAN SENATE Capitol Building. Capitol Hill

Monrovia, Liberia 26th Day Sitting, 3rd Session 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Agenda/Order of Business

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. DEVOTION

3. ROLL CALL

4. READING AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a. "Motion to reconsider." proffered by Senator Dabah M. Varpilah of Grand Cape Mount County (For Debate).

6. REPORT FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:

a. Briefing from the Standing Committee on Banking and Currency on the printing of additional Liberian Dollar Banknotes.

b. Briefing from the Joint Committee comprising the Committees on Maritime; Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims & Petitions and Foreign Affairs on the following:

➤ "International Convention on Liability and compensation for damage in connection with the carriage of Hazardous and Noxious substances by sea 2010 (2020 JIN Convention)"

➤ "United Nations Convention on the International Effect of Judicial sales of ship"

➤ "Resolution A 1152 (32)-Amendment to the convention on the International Maritime Organization (IMO), adopted 8, December 2021" and

➤ "The Liberia Maritime Law Title 21 of the Liberian Code of Law Revised, as Amended and Restated"

c. Report from the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims & Petitions on the confirmation hearings of the following:

➤ Hon. Cllr. Tarlo Wehyee - Labor Court Judge/Nimba County

➤ Hon. Emmanuel T. Nyenkan - Marshal/Supreme Court of Liberia.

➤ Hon. Blessing J. Morris - Deputy Marshal/Montserrado County.

➤ Hon. Jerry T. Mcintosh Deputy Marshal, 2nd Judicial Circuit/Grand Bassa County.

➤ Hon. Peter M. Weagba - Deputy Marshal, 3rd Judicial Circuit/Sinoe County.

➤ Hon. Advester Collor, Jr. Deputy Marshal, 4th Judicial Circuit/Maryland County.

➤ Hon. Momodu Massaquoi - Deputy Marshal, 5th Judicial Circuit/Grand Cape Mount County.

Hon. Bill Alonzo Gartor Deputy Marshal, 7th Judicial Circuit/Grand Gedeh County.

Hon. Nathan P. Suah Deputy Marshal, 8th Judicial Circuit/Nimba County.

Hon. Abraham O. Kollie Deputy Marshal, 9th Judicial Circuit/Bong County.

Hon. John F. Powoe Deputy Marshal, 10th Judicial Circuit/Lofa County.

Hon. Nimely Weah-Deputy Marshal, 11th Judicial Circuit/Bomi County.

➤ Hon. Robert B. Toe-Deputy Marshal, 12th Judicial Circuit/Grand Kru County.

➤ Hon. Henry K. Eric - Deputy Marshal, 13th Judicial Circuit/Margibi County.

➤ Hon. Jefferson S. Saydee Deputy Marshal, 14th Judicial Circuit/River Cess County.

➤ Hon, Toweah Geegbeh Deputy Marshal, 15th Judicial Circuit/River Gee County.

➤ Hon. Saymon P. Fahnbulleh Deputy Marshal, 16th Judicial Circuit/Gbarpolu County.

7. BUSINESS ON PRESIDENT'S DESK:

a. Communication from the President of Liberia on nominations made in Government.

b. Communication from Senator Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu County, requesting the urgent invitation to Health Authorities regarding EBOLA VIRUS preparedness.

c. Communication from Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh II, of River Gee County, submitting a bill for "An Act to Amend and Restate the Liberia Investment Act of 2010, to be known as the Liberia Investment (Amendment and Restatement) Act of 2026."

d. Communication from Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa of Grand Kru County, requesting the need for Public Private Partnership (PPP) in our Social Service Delivery Sectors.

e. Communication from Senator Nathaniel F. McGill of Margibi County, requesting leave of absence.

f. Communication from the Acting Minister of Education.

b. Appearance of the following before the Senate

➤ Hon. Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, Minister of Health on the status of the drugs revolving funds coupled with full listing of volunteer health workers per county and those placed on payroll.

8. AOB

9. ADJOURNMENT

Media Advisory:

At 1:00pm, the entire Senate will sit as a Committee of the Whole for one reason: The EU Deforestation Regulation, or EUDR.

Why does it matter? Because this EU law decides whether Liberia’s rubber, cocoa, palm oil, and timber can keep entering European markets. No compliance, no access. And Europe is a major buyer.

Those to appear are:

- EU Representatives explaining the rules and support available.

- Ministry of Agriculture and LACRA speaking for Liberia’s farmers and regulators.

- Firestone Liberia, representing one of the country’s biggest rubber producers.

- Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, looking at the economic stakes.

- Plus other key agriculture stakeholders