Residents of River Cess are forced to cross the Jo River on a slippery log after a US$90,000 government-funded bridge project was abandoned. The contractor dismantled the old community bridge, took more than half the project funds, and never began construction, leaving families divided, children unable to reach school, and farmers struggling to get their…
By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: At the Commission, Lansanah worked through 2 presidential elections, disputed results, political pressure, and one of the closest presidential races in Liberia’s recent history when President Joseph Boakai defeated former President George Weah by fewer than 21,000 votes. Advocates said the fact that the country accepted…
A woman named Saybah Kollie died after undergoing surgery at Stockton Creek Health Center in Caldwell, where a man posing as a doctor operated on her without any medical qualifications. Despite being asked to provide a license in 2022, the Liberia Medical and Dental Council failed to stop him from practicing, exposing Liberians to grave…
By Tetee Gebro, health and gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary CALDWELL, Monrovia — Saybah Kollie collapsed on a Sunday morning in early April, two days after her son’s second birthday. Her husband, Blama Kamara, and the community chairman rushed her to the closest clinic. Over the next few weeks, Saybah’s family said, she suffered at…
By Eric Opa Doue with New Narratives Summary: BODOWHEA, River Cess County — Every time Cecelia Garseedah thinks about visiting her parents, she must first decide whether the journey is worth risking her life. Her parents live on the opposite side of the Jo River. She must cross a dangerous bridge of two log to…
Liberia has nearly US$300 million in climate adaptation funding approved by international donors, but receiving and using the money will depend on the Boakai administration’s ability to implement reforms, strengthen public institutions and manage the funds transparently. The opportunity could help protect vulnerable communities, improve infrastructure and build resilience against flooding, coastal erosion and other…
By Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon, climate correspondent with New Narratives Summary Last year, the Boakai government made an ambitious promise to its people and the world: Liberia would cut emissions of the so-called “greenhouse” gasses that are causing climate change, by 64 percent by 2035, and make the radical adaptation efforts needed to protect the forests, farmers…
People in Victoria’s community told her that her daughter was a dragon. For a time Victoria believed them. Even pastors told her a snake had been sent on her daughter. She tried fasting, praying, spiritual interventions — all of it. ‘Many days, I used to cry over her,’ Victoria said. ‘When you see someone who…
During the raid, EPA officials found evidence that the mine was operating without proper authorization and using cyanide, a highly toxic chemical banned in Liberia due to its devastating impact on water sources and human health. The agency described the situation as “unacceptable,” stressing that such practices not only endanger local communities but also undermine…
By Tetee Gebro, gender and health correspondent with New Narratives Summary MOUNT BARCLAY, Montserrado County — Victoria remembers the moment when her joy at delivering a baby girl turned to fear. The baby came early, at Victoria’s home. She did not cry. The midwife turned her upside down, trying everything to get a sound out of her….
Liberia’s economy has stabilized in recent years, with growth accelerating to over 4.6% in 2025 and inflation easing due to stronger fiscal discipline and monetary management. The government’s reforms have narrowed deficits and improved external balances, while mining, agriculture, and infrastructure spending continue to drive expansion. However, the country’s future hinges on securing sustainable financing…
By Anthony Stephens, senior justice correspondent with New Narratives Summary: SINKOR, Monrovia -Victims and survivors of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church massacre, one of the bloodiest atrocities of Liberia’s 14-year civil conflict, had expected that by the time of their 36th commemoration, the court to try those accused of war crimes would be preparing to get…
By Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon, reporter with New Narratives Summary Liberia’s economy has shown real signs of improvement. Inflation has come down. The government has narrowed its budget deficit. Growth has picked up. But according to a new report from the African Development Bank, stability by itself won’t be enough to carry Liberia forward. The report is the…
By Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon, climate and environment reporter with New Narratives Summary GEORGE MOKO TOWN, Montserrado County – When the Environmental Protection Agency Executive Director Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo stepped onto the sprawling mining site here in Todee District, he was stunned by what he saw. Before him lay acres of freshly cleared forest, excavators still at…
By Anthony Stephens, senior justice correspondent with New Narratives Summary: Victims of Liberia’s largest human trafficking case and anti-human trafficking advocates say they were “shocked and disappointed” by Supreme Court Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. appointment of a lawyer whom numerous victims have accused of “being on the payroll” to protect human traffickers in the country….
“We have had so many dialogues,” agriculture entrepreneur Nyamah Dunbar told lawmakers, government officials, and development partners gathered in Monrovia last month for the launch of the consultation findings. Echoing her sisters in the survey, she declared: “I am ready for action.” Joyclyn Wea reports in this social media Video. To read more about this…
The grandmother’s fight for justice exposes the paralysis of Liberia’s judicial system: despite hundreds of reported cases of rape, only two convictions have been secured in six years. Survivors are left without justice, while perpetrators walk free, eroding public trust and leaving families devastated. Tetee Gebro reports in this social media Video. To read more…
The story highlights how gambling is pulling young men away from Liberia’s rural farms, leaving fields untended and harvests diminished. Many farmers complain that instead of working, laborers spend their days at betting shops, chasing quick wins. This shift drains vital manpower from agriculture, undermines food production, and deepens poverty in communities that depend on…
By Tetee Gebro, gender and health correspondent with New Narratives Summary: TODEE DISTRICT, Montserrado County — The first time they came, they brought L$18,000 (US$100). The second time the family brought a lapa, a traditional cloth. When the family, whose 24-year-old son had been accused by multiple witnesses of raping the 57-year-old grandmother in broad daylight in front…
By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary Liberian women said they are tired of explaining their problems. After years of consultations, meetings, and promises, many of the 160 respondents to a new nationwide consultation across Liberia’s 15 counties said the country’s leaders already know what they need: affordable healthcare, better roads, support for…
“The defendants deceived their victims, recruited them, harbored them, exploited them, sexually abused them and took money from them as registration fees,” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie said during his more than two-hour reading of a 36-page judgment. “These are all critical elements of trafficking in persons. And it is the considered judgment of this court…
