By Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon, New Narratives climate and environment reporter Summary For decades, noise in Liberia has functioned almost like an unwritten right. Churches and mosques broadcast sermons across entire neighborhoods before the sun is even up. Nightclubs shake communities deep into the night. Generators roar through blackouts. Street parties spill into public space with little regard…
Ex-President Sirleaf Lashes Lawmakers in Capitol Speech, Calls Low Representation of Women Embarrassing
Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says Liberia should be ashamed that women occupy only 11 of the 103 seats in the National Legislature — warning that the imbalance is slowing the country’s development and peacebuilding efforts. Women’s rights advocates welcomed her remarks, saying the low representation reflects the continued dominance of male political power…
With Nowhere to House Juveniles an 8-Year-Old Rape Victim Must Live in Same Community as Her Alleged Attacker
In Monrovia, a mother says she is living in fear after the boy accused of raping herdaughter was released and returned to their community — exposing major gaps inLiberia’s justice system. In this collaboration with New Narratives Tetee Gebro has areport. The story was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the “Investigating Liberia” project. Funding…
Dispute Between War Crimes Court Office and Justice Minister Spills Into Public View Casting Cloud Over Court
A dispute between the head of the office of Liberia’s war and economics crimes court and senior government officials – including the Justice Minister – has spilled into public view, clouding progress towards Liberia’s efforts to prosecute those most responsible for war crimes committed in the country. In this collaboration with New Narratives, senior justice…
Liberia Turns to Austrian Firm to Rescue Troubled National ID System as Activists Flag Security Concerns
Liberia’s national ID system has struggled for years — delays, breakdowns, and security concerns. Now, the government is turning to an Austrian firm to rescue the program. But activists warn: who will protect citizens’ data? Will this fix finally deliver IDs that work, or just raise new risks? Tetee Gebro reports in this social media…
As Sweden Exits Liberia, Girls’ Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Face an Uncertain Future
Sweden’s exit from Liberia leaves a critical gap in support for girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights. For years, Swedish funding empowered local organizations to mentor young women, provide sex education, and reduce teen pregnancy. Now, with this lifeline ending, rural communities risk losing access to vital programs that protect girls’ futures. Advocates are…
Liberia Turns to Austrian Firm to Rescue Troubled National ID System as Activists Flag Security Concerns
By Tetee Gebro and Joyclyn Wea with New Narratives Summary: Nearly a year after public anger forced the government to suspend the chaotic rollout of the national digital identification registration, Liberia is preparing to hire a private company to help restart the enrolment and operate the system. The system will digitize the data of the…
As Sweden Exits Liberia, Girls’ Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Face an Uncertain Future
By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: S.D. COOPER ROAD, Paynesville – At a Valentine’s Day gathering earlier this year, a teenage girl stood before her peers. She described a boy in her community who had been giving her gifts and telling her she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. She was…
Liberia’s Forests Could Be Its Biggest Economic Break — If the Money Reaches the People
Liberia’s vast tropical forests hold over a billion tons of stored carbon — a potential lifeline for the nation’s economy. With the new Carbon Market Authority, the government hopes to turn carbon credits into millions for schools, clinics, and roads. But experts warn that without strong oversight, “carbon cowboys” and weak regulation could repeat past…
Liberia’s Forests Could Be Its Biggest Economic Break — If the Money Reaches the People
By Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon, New Narratives climate and environment reporter Summary: In Liberia’s dense tropical forests, where the canopy stretches unbroken for miles, the country is sitting on what could become a major financial windfall. Experts estimate the nation holds one billion tons of stored carbon, the ecological inheritance of centuries-old trees that have quietly absorbed carbon…
How Doctors In Ghana Are Leading The Fight Against Household Air Pollution
In Ghana, doctors are leading the fight against household air pollution, warning that smoke from charcoal and firewood stoves is putting millions of families at risk. With over 30% of households relying on charcoal and half still using firewood, children are the most vulnerable — facing respiratory infections, long‑term health problems, and even premature death….
The village showing Ghana how to turn plastic into “gold” while also cleaning the air
By Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith Summary: ASALOKO, Upper East Region – Every Saturday morning, before the sun has climbed high enough to bake the red laterite earth here, Mary Asaah is already moving. She sweeps her compound here in this community of about 1,200 people, then works her way outward, combing the dirt paths for…
Liberia’s House Backs 30 Percent Gender Quota for Candidates, but Women’s Groups Warn of Easy Escape Clause
Liberia’s House has taken a bold step by backing a 30% gender quota for candidates — but women’s groups warn the “best efforts” clause could let parties off the hook. True equality means enforceable laws, not optional promises. Joyclyn Wea reports in this social media Video. To read more about this story click this link:…
Liberia’s House Backs 30 Percent Gender Quota for Candidates, but Women’s Groups Warn of Easy Escape Clause
By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: Walk into Liberia’s Capitol Building during a legislative session, and the gender imbalance is difficult to miss. In the 73-member House of Representatives, just eight lawmakers are women. In the Senate, women occupy just two of 30 seats. That reality is why many women’s rights advocates initially…
Liberia’s War Crimes Push Revives as Boakai Receives Draft Laws After Period of Doubt
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Wednesday received draft bills for a proposed war and economic crimes court and a national anti-corruption court, barely four days after renewing the mandate of the Office tasked with establishing the tribunals. Boakai had ordered it to work immediately with the Legislature to secure passage of the measures within 90…
Breathing death: Health experts warn of looming crisis as toxic air in illegal mining kills and sickens miners
For 15 years, Abass Salifu toiled deep underground at illegal mining sites around Kumasi. The work paid well. He built two houses and provided comfortably for his wife and two children. But in 2025, everything changed. He began coughing uncontrollably. Soon, he was coughing blood. By January this year, Salifu had died. ‘I wish I…
Ghana’s ‘okada’ law puts more motorcycles on the road — and more fumes in the air
By Caleb Ahinakwah with New Narratives Dorm Edem Prince Charles has a scratchy throat most evenings after work. Known amongst his fellow commercial bike riders as “Atentenben”, the Twi name for the flute that he loves to play, he coughs regularly while on the road. On long shifts in heavy traffic, Atentenben gets dizzy,…
Liberia’s War Crimes Push Revives as Boakai Receives Draft Laws After Period of Doubt
By Anthony Stephens, senior justice correspondent with New Narratives Summary: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Wednesday received draft bills for a proposed war and economic crimes court and a national anti-corruption court, barely four days after renewing the mandate of the Office tasked with establishing the tribunals. Boakai had ordered it to work immediately with the Legislature to secure passage…
Transitional Justice and Reporting Workshop Held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County
On April 30 and May 1, 2026, New Narratives organized a two-day training workshop at the Buchanan City Hall in Grand Bassa County, Liberia. The program brought together journalists from Grand Bassa, River Cess, and Sinoe Counties to strengthen their capacity in reporting on transitional justice ahead of the establishment of Liberia’s War and Economic…
Peace Prize in Hand, Boakai Gives Legislature 90 Days to Make War Crimes Court Law
Liberia takes a historic step toward justice as President Joseph Boakai, fresh from receiving a peace prize in the U.S., has given lawmakers 90 days to pass legislation establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court. Backed by $2 million in annual funding, Boakai’s bold move renews hope for accountability and reconciliation after decades of delay….
Peace Prize in Hand, Boakai Gives Legislature 90 Days to Make War Crimes Court Law
Summary: By Anthony Stephens, senior justice correspondent with New Narratives President Joseph Boakai returned from the United States on the weekend with a peace prize in hand and a pointed message for his own government: the War and Economic Crimes Court is happening, and it is happening now. Renewing the mandate of the Office established to create…