Deputy MICAT Chief Defends Government -Rebukes Freeman, Cephus’ Stinging Attacks

By George C Flomo 

MONROVIA – The Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Daniel O. Sando, on Tuesday strongly defended the Boakai administration against recent criticisms by former Solicitor General Sayma Syrenius Cephus and Movement for Progressive Change (MPC) Political Leader Simeon Freeman.

Speaking at MICAT’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Minister Sando described the assertions by Mr. Cephus that Liberia is sinking into hardship, hunger, and economic paralysis as “unfounded, untrue, and misleading.”

He said nobody needs to lecture the Unity Party establishment about what is happening in the country. He said Cephus and Freeman’s description of the prevailing social and economic situation in the country is false.

Under Cephus’s Coalition for Democratic regime, Sando insisted, people had money but couldn’t find a bag of rice to buy.

“That was economic destitution. Today, this government has reduced the price of rice from $16.50 to $14 and expanded access to essential services. Yet Mr. Cephus would have you believe the country is sinking,” Sando indicated.

Sando highlighted several achievements of the Boakai administration, including regular electricity supply through the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), which he contrasted with what he called the “Christmas light” situation under the previous administration.

He also spoke of connection of new communities to Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) services, salary top-ups for over 28,000 civil servants to address harmonization issues, and health insurance coverage for 5,000 police officers who previously struggled to cover hospital expenses.

The GoL spokesman also recounted the repayment of debts, including $16 million to the Central Bank of Liberia, which he said was borrowed by the previous government to cover salaries.

On the international stage, Sando emphasized Liberia’s election to the United Nations Security Council and recognition by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), contrasting this with what he described as past “sanction shame, disgrace, and neglect.”

“From sanction to MCC compact eligibility, the signs of progress are visible. In just a few days, a U.S. delegation will arrive in Liberia to engage government, partners, and the private sector on potential MCC support,” he stated.

Turning to MPC Political Leader Simeon Freeman, Sando dismissed his criticisms as lacking substance and rooted in political opportunism.

He recalled Freeman’s silence during the previous administration, suggesting it was motivated by fear, but noted his sudden return to vocal opposition under the Boakai government.

 “He goes to the radio professing to know everything, but his own records are appalling. The only place he ever worked is with DStv, and we all know how easily DStv service collapses when it rains. How can such a man claim to lecture government?” Sando quipped.

He further criticized Freeman for labeling MICAT’s work as a “waste of public resources,” noting that the ministry’s role in accrediting media institutions and safeguarding press freedom is constitutionally enshrined.

 “Liberia has moved forward under the Kamara Press Freedom Act. Yet, while enjoying these rights, Mr. Freeman wants to mislead the public. Let me be clear: no amount of loose talk will distract us from informing the Liberian people about their government’s progress,” Sando concluded.

Former Solicitor General Cephus has recently resurfaced as a strong critic of the Boakai administration, often using radio and social media platforms to voice concerns about governance and the economy.

Simeon Freeman, known for his flamboyant style and controversial political commentaries, has also been a longstanding critic of successive Liberian governments.

Sando’s sharp rebuttals reflect the administration’s growing sensitivity to political criticism as it approaches its first year in office.

ArcelorMittal Liberia has deepened its support for sports in the country with the signing of a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Liberia Marathon Trust.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed on Tuesday at the company’s Monrovia offices, commits ArcelorMittal to contribute more than US $30,000 annually as a grand sponsor of the Liberia Marathon. The agreement marks a new phase in the long-standing partnership between the two institutions, aimed at promoting athletics and fostering national unity through sport.

ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Commitment

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Marcus Wleh, Head of Sustainability and External Relations at ArcelorMittal Liberia, described the sponsorship as the continuation of a fruitful collaboration with the Liberia Marathon Trust.

“We are committing ourselves for three years to the marathon as a proud and prime sponsor,” Wleh said.
“We look forward to hosting a very successful event once the date and time are confirmed. Beyond this, we are also exploring ways to support activities in our three operational counties—Grand Bassa, Bong, and Nimba.”

He disclosed that many ArcelorMittal staff, including himself, will participate in this year’s race, noting that the company is proud to contribute to such an important national event.

Liberia Marathon Trust’s Response

Charles Cooper, Board Chairman of the Liberia Marathon Trust, hailed the agreement as a major boost for the growth of the marathon, which has been held annually since 2011.

“We are very pleased to be signing this MOU, which secures a three-year sponsorship commitment,” Cooper said.

“This means we can begin preparations much earlier—supporting athletes, promoting the marathon, and reaching out to our international partners with enough time for them to plan to fly in for the event.”

He described ArcelorMittal Liberia’s sponsorship as a “substantial commitment” that would enable the marathon to expand its reach and impact.

Theme for 2025 Marathon

Cooper also announced the theme for this year’s marathon: “Healthy Cities and Healthy Lives.” He said the theme reflects the organization’s vision of using sports as a platform to promote wellness and vibrant communities across Liberia.

ArcelorMittal Liberia has been an active supporter of sports development in the country, with its most notable involvement in the National County Sports Meet, Liberia’s largest sporting festival.

In 2022, the company served as the prime sponsor of the tournament, contributing US $275,000, the largest single sponsorship in the event’s history. Of this amount, US $250,000 was directed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the organization of the games, while Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties—where the company operates—received targeted allocations. Observers described the move as a significant moment in the growth of corporate contributions to Liberian sports.

The sponsorship continued into the 2023–2024 edition, when ArcelorMittal contributed between US $80,000 and US $125,000 despite operational challenges. The funding supported the organization of the tournament, county-level preparations, and incentives for winning teams. Beyond the County Meet, the company has also provided smaller awards to grassroots teams, including River Gee and Rivercess counties, under its youth development initiatives.

The County Meet has long been viewed as a national platform for unity and reconciliation, and ArcelorMittal’s sustained sponsorship has played a role in ensuring its continuity and expansion. Analysts note that this form of corporate support reflects a broader trend of private sector involvement in national events that promote social development.