GoL Begins Updates of 2025 Progress Report -MICAT Underscores Litany of Developments of the Year

By George C Flomo

MONROVIA – The Ministry of Information, Cultural and Affairs (MICA) on Tuesday hosted its regular press briefing, dominated by a strong response from Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs, Hon. Daniel O. Sando, to recent criticisms from Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, as well as major progress reports from several government institutions as the country winds down calendar year 2025.

Sando Fires Back at Senator Snowe

Deputy Minister Sando used the platform to address what he termed as “persistent mischaracterizations” from some members of the Legislature, pointing specifically to Senator Snowe’s public criticisms regarding the Unity Party’s planned December 6 program and recent political developments.

 Sando noted that the senator had previously argued that building political party headquarters “does not put food on people’s tables,” yet donated US$10,000 during the CDC’s groundbreaking ceremony for its own headquarters.

 “If his argument is that party headquarters don’t put food on the table, then he should have used that US$10,000 to provide bread and butter for the people of Bomi. What a contradiction,” Sando said.

 He challenged the senator to point to any significant employment created during the six years he supported the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), accusing him of “fasting and praying for the government to fall” rather than acknowledging progress.

 Sando also questioned Snowe’s silence during the years when the road leading to Bomi was in deplorable condition.

 “If he cannot acknowledge what this government is doing, the least he can do is keep quiet… If you can’t stand the heat, don’t get in the kitchen,” he added.

 President Boakai Hosts Cabinet Meeting in Bomi

 Deputy Minister Sando reported that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. is currently chairing a high-level Cabinet meeting in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, focused heavily on job creation, national emergency response, labor market review, youth employment, and infrastructure outlook.

 Key agenda areas include:

Job creation and sector labor analysis. Investment pipeline review by the National Investment Commission and Ministry of Finance. Youth-skills and employment programs across Agriculture, Public Works, Education, Commerce, and Youth & Sports. Financing options for livelihood initiatives. Infrastructure projects tied to youth employment

 National response to substance abuse involving DEA, Health, and Youth & Sports. Liberia’s preparedness for its seat on the UN Security Council (non-permanent membership)

 LACC Reports Strong Compliance and Anti-Corruption Gains

 The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) presented its January–November 2025 performance report, highlighting: Asset Declaration, 81.8% compliance rate, 2,366 officials declared assets, 18.2% non-compliance (528 officials) and 55 declarations verified (2018–2024 cycle).

 Investigations & Prosecutions

 44 cases handled, 20 completed, 7 indictments issued, including cases involving: Former NOCAL President, Liberia Telecommunications Authority, LRRRC, Gbarpolu Yellow Machines, National WASH Commission, Lofa University.

 2 convictions and 1 acquittal

 Over US$6.5 million and L$17.9 million implicated, Awareness & Prevention, 70 social accountability exercises, 70 volunteers trained and deployed across six counties, 30 investigative journalists trained and Anti-corruption awareness in 12 counties

 LACC’s 2026 strategic priorities include establishing a specialized Anti-Corruption Court, digitizing asset declaration, expanding whistleblower mechanisms, and strengthening inter-agency intelligence collaboration.

 Rural Renewable Energy Agency Reports 2025 Achievements

 The Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) announced significant progress in energy access and electrification projects:

 Major Achievements 343 km of distribution lines installed, 112 transformers installed, 5,569 service connections completed,1.8 MW Lofa diesel plant at 93% completion.

 4 MWp solar system with storage—25% installation completed, 49,441 solar home systems distributed nationwide, Health Facilities Electrification (World Bank Support), 85 of 90 rural health facilities electrified,.94% project completion, 468 solar streetlights installed in four rural cities.

 Hydropower & Solar Projects (AfDB/EU Support)

 9.34 MW hydropower plant civil works mobilized, Access road completed, 7.41 million additional financing secured, Buchanan, Greenville, Barclayville electrification projects ongoing, Completion timelines range from March 2026 to October 2026.

 Liberia Re-Elected to IMO Category A After 28 Years

 Liberia secured a historic return to Category A of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the first time since 1995, with 141 votes.

 This aligns Liberia with major maritime powers, including Greece, Norway, the USA, China, and Japan.

 Ambassador Kpadeh, who represented Liberia, highlighted expected benefits such as:

 Improved maritime security and training, Enhanced port operations, Potential reduction in consumer prices, Stronger influence on global maritime policies.

 LACE Highlights Strong Nationwide Infrastructure Delivery

 The Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) reported major achievements under the FY2025 national budget, executing community-driven projects across all 15 counties.

 Key Projects

 Completion of the Totota box culvert in Montserrado, Renovation of Yansa Public School in Bomi, Multiple health centers across Nimba and other counties, ECOWAS-funded Waterside Cross-border Market nearing dedication:

 ArcelorMittal-supported hospital projects in Zakata and Buchanan;  District Development Projects (DDP) Funded through legislative support, completed works include: School blocks and classroom renovations, Roads, bridges, culverts, Public buildings, youth centers, guest houses, Markets, water systems, and community radio stations.

LACE reported that over 70% of projects focused on education, health, and infrastructure.