‘Non-Compliant’ Schools in Trouble -Gov’t Vows to Take Action, One Already Shunt Down

MONROVIA – In a flurry of activity, the Liberian government has announced a series of major reforms across key sectors, signaling its commitment to transformative change. From education to healthcare, energy, and governance, spokespersons say the moves are aimed to addressing longstanding challenges and propel the nation forward. Consistent with the move, the government has ordered the closure of the House of Prayer Institute for violating education regulations, while also launching initiatives to boost healthcare access, combat drug abuse, and strengthen democratic institutions. THE ANALYST’S George C Flomo reports.

The Government of Liberia has ordered the temporary closure of the House of Prayer Institute following the conclusion of an investigation by the Ministry of Education which uncovered multiple violations of the Education Reform Act.

Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah disclosed Thursday during the Ministry of Information regular press briefing that investigation revealed that the House of Prayer Institute has been operating illegally since its establishment in 2019, including its reopening in 2025, without a valid operational license or permit from the Ministry of Education.

The school was neither registered in the ministry’s database nor known to the relevant District Education Office, he said.

He further stated that school administrators lack the professional qualifications required by the Ministry of Education, while the learning facility was assessed and found to be unsuitable for the levels of education being offered.

The institution was also cited for failing to maintain basic regulatory documentation, including child safeguarding and protection mechanisms.

Minister Piah said the situation was worsened by the school’s decision to hire an entertainer whose performance, captured in a widely circulated video, was deemed inappropriate for children and inconsistent with acceptable standards for school-based activities.

“In light of these findings, the Ministry of Education has ordered the temporary closure of the House of Prayer Institute pending full compliance with all legal, administrative and safeguarding requirements necessary to qualify for an operational permit,” Piah said, adding that the proprietor will be fined in accordance with ministry regulations for the period of illegal operation.

In a separate education-related case, the minister disclosed that another school will be shut down following the brutalization of a student by an instructor.

He said the instructor, whose actions nearly resulted in the loss of the child’s life, is under police investigation and will be charged if sufficient evidence is established. The affected students, he noted, will be transferred to other institutions to ensure continuity of learning.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health, through the National Eye Health Program and in collaboration with Sightsavers, has established a National Eye Health Steering Committee to serve as the country’s top multisectoral leadership body for preventing blindness and promoting visual health.

The committee will ensure accountability, sustainability and coordinated implementation of the National Eye Health Strategy in line with the 2022–2033 National Eye Health Strategic Plan.

The committee will also mobilize and oversee domestic and external funding, harmonize national and sub-national eye health activities, and promote the integration of eye health across health, finance, education and social sectors.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health, through the National Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control Program, has rolled out AI-enabled digital X-ray systems for tuberculosis screening and diagnosis nationwide, with support from international and local partners.

The rollout coincides with a national training targeting nine facilities across seven counties, involving clinicians, biomedical engineers, laboratory staff, monitoring officers and social workers.

Speaking on behalf of the Health Minister, Dr. Anthony Fortune said the technology will enhance TB detection through faster screening, earlier diagnosis and timely linkage to treatment, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved communities.

In Nimba County, the County Health Team has dedicated a newly constructed Community Health Clinic in the Tie River Health District. Funded by the Government of Liberia with contributions from the local community, the new facility replaces a 30-year-old dilapidated structure and is expected to improve healthcare delivery for more than 6,000 residents.

On drug control efforts, Minister Piah announced that Liberia will officially launch its first National Anti-Drug Action Plan (2025–2030), a strategic roadmap designed to guide the national response to drug and substance abuse across all 15 counties. The plan focuses on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, harm reduction, law enforcement, interdiction and legal reforms.

Addressing public order, the Liberia National Police reaffirmed citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest but condemned violence and property destruction that occurred during a recent demonstration. Three individuals—Mulbah Morlu, Alvin Wesseh and Archie Pompom—have been identified as persons of interest and were requested to report to police headquarters to assist with ongoing investigations.

The Ministry of Health also dismissed social media claims that the E.J.S. Memorial Hospital was closed, clarifying that the hospital remains operational. Ongoing improvements include paving of the hospital yard to enhance accessibility and service delivery, with construction nearing completion.

In further health developments, a team of 20 foreign doctors specializing in various surgical disciplines has arrived in Liberia, with 12 already in-country and the remaining eight expected this week. The doctors, supported by the World Bank, will remain for at least 10 months to strengthen the country’s surgical workforce.

The ministry also confirmed the arrival of 42,720 doses of monkeypox vaccines aimed at preventing human-to-human transmission, particularly among frontline workers. Appreciation was extended to the United States government for its continued public health support.

On economic governance, the European Union has disbursed €21 million (approximately US$24.6 million) in direct budget support to Liberia as part of a three-year €56 million package.

The EU cited Liberia’s strong performance in public financial management, oversight and natural resource governance as the basis for the disbursement.

In infrastructure development, the Liberia Electricity Corporation has restored electricity to Bentol City and surrounding areas for the first time in over 40 years.

The project, implemented by a Liberian-owned company, reflects the government’s commitment to local capacity building and reliable power delivery.

The National Elections Commission has also begun comprehensive electoral reforms aimed at improving voter access and strengthening democratic governance, while the Liberia Business Registry has reduced business registration processing time from three weeks to three days through digital reforms.

Concluding the briefing, Minister Piah highlighted justice sector reforms under the Ministry of Justice, including juvenile diversion programs, expanded alternative dispute resolution, strengthened human rights compliance, and progress toward establishing a war and economic crimes court, all aligned with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.