GoL Gives Updates on Justice, Security, Economy -Min. Sando outlines reforms, investigations

By George C. Flomo

MONROVIA – As public scrutiny intensifies around governance, accountability, and service delivery, the government continues to use regular press briefings as a platform to clarify policy positions and address emerging national concerns. This week’s briefing touched on issues ranging from administrative justice and criminal investigations to gender reform, regional financial cooperation, and international maritime policy. The scope of the update reflects the breadth of challenges confronting the state, as well as the government’s effort to project coherence across multiple sectors. By consolidating information from justice, security, social protection, and international engagement, the briefing sought to reassure the public and partners that institutional processes remain active. At the center of the update was an emphasis on due process, regional collaboration, and adherence to established legal frameworks.

The Ministry of Information has provided updates on a range of governance, justice, security, economic, and international policy issues, with Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs Hon. Daniel O. Sando outlining recent investigations, reforms, and regional engagements undertaken by the Government of Liberia.

Speaking during the Ministry’s regular press briefing last Thursday, Sando disclosed that the investigation into the Presidential Rights Donation and related administrative justice concerns within the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR) has been completed.

According to Sando, the investigation found no criminal wrongdoing, but instead identified internal communication and coordination gaps that contributed to public controversy. He explained that an internal document that fueled debate was released without authorization by a member of the Bureau’s senior management.

Sando said the findings established that the Assistant Director for Operations acted on management instructions and did not act unlawfully. As a result, he noted, the panel of investigators recommended the official’s immediate reinstatement, describing the decision as part of the government’s effort to uphold administrative justice and protect public servants from reputational harm when due process confirms no misconduct.

On social protection and gender reform, Sando announced that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with support from the World Bank, has convened its second National Policy Dialogue focused on accelerating legal reforms for the protection of women and girls.

He said the dialogue centered on building consensus and developing a roadmap for the passage of the Women and Girls Protection Bill currently before the National Legislature. Participants included lawmakers, government officials, development partners, civil society actors, and advocates, reflecting broad national and international support.

According to Sando, the dialogue forms part of a broader reform agenda that includes legislation on the prohibition of female genital mutilation, legal aid reforms, and electoral amendments, aligning with the government’s human capital development priorities.

Addressing regional and international cooperation, Sando disclosed that a high-level delegation from the International Organization for Migration recently met with the Minister of Gender to discuss a proposed cross-border women empowerment initiative targeting vulnerable border communities. He said the initiative aims to promote skills development, economic inclusion, and regional collaboration for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

On security matters, Sando revealed that the Liberia National Police has formally charged a suspect in connection with an alleged fraudulent overseas travel scheme. He said the suspect faces multiple charges, including theft, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and human trafficking, after allegedly collecting US$10,000 from victims using fake police clearance and medical certificates.

According to police investigations cited by Sando, one victim was transported to Egypt, where he remained for approximately three months before being rescued and returned by family members. Sando said the case underscores the need for public vigilance against unauthorized individuals offering overseas travel services.

Regionally, Sando informed the public that Liberia is hosting a high-level joint statutory meeting of ECOWAS financial institutions from February 11 to 13, bringing together central bank governors, finance ministers, regulators, and technical experts to discuss regional financial stability and integration.

He said discussions include cross-border banking supervision, risk assessment, regulatory harmonization, and preparations for the ECOWAS single currency, with contributions from international partners such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

On justice sector reforms, Sando announced that the Ministry of Justice is convening a three-day quarterly training workshop in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, aimed at strengthening prosecutorial capacity among county attorneys, administrators, and prosecutors nationwide.

Addressing international maritime concerns, Sando clarified the government’s position on greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, dismissing reports that Liberia intends to impose a carbon levy on vessels beginning March 1, 2026.

He emphasized that Liberia remains committed to the international legal framework of the International Maritime Organization, which holds exclusive responsibility for regulating emissions from international shipping. According to Sando, unilateral national measures would be inappropriate and disruptive to global maritime governance.

Sando said the government will continue to support globally agreed, uniform, and equitable measures that take into account the development realities of countries like Liberia, while maintaining transparency and adherence to established international norms.