-Launches New Civil Servant Insurance Scheme at Information Ministry Briefing
MONROVIA – The Liberian government on Tuesday, May 12, used its regular Ministry of Information press briefing to defend its anti-corruption posture, condemn rising mob violence, announce new social protection measures for civil servants, and unveil fresh housing and infrastructure initiatives under the Boakai administration.
The wide-ranging briefing, held at the Charles C. Gbenyon Press Hall at the Ministry of Information, brought together senior government officials, including Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, Civil Service Agency Director-General Josiah Joekai, National Housing Authority Managing Director Florence K. Geegbae, and executives of the National Insurance Company of Liberia.
The briefing also featured emotional remarks from Charles Cornelius Gbenyon Jr., son of slain Liberian journalist Charles C. Gbenyon, whose name now adorns both the Ministry’s press hall and the newly dedicated Liberia Broadcasting System complex.
Government Defends Position on Corruption Case
One of the most politically charged moments of the briefing came when Deputy Information Minister Daniel O. Sando addressed growing public debate surrounding the controversial US$6.2 million corruption case involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah and other former officials.
Responding to questions suggesting the Boakai administration used “propaganda” to win power by aggressively pursuing corruption allegations, Sando pushed back strongly while cautioning against premature conclusions over the recent mixed court verdict.
“You say you have corruption. Everybody says corruption is a problem in the country. But when you hold people accountable, then corruption is not an issue,” Sando declared.
Referring to criticism surrounding the acquittals and convictions in the case, Sando invoked the controversial “Euros can’t kill” ruling previously overturned by the Supreme Court.
“Did you agree with what the lower court said?” he asked reporters. “Don’t look at single instances and draw conclusions.”
He urged the public to allow the legal process to continue rather than politicizing ongoing judicial proceedings.
“The executive got a role to play. The court got a role to play. Let’s see what happens going forward,” he stated.
Government Slams Mob Violence and Public Humiliation
The government also used the platform to sharply condemn the recent mob assault incident in the Red Light commercial district where a young woman was violently stripped and humiliated publicly.
Reading from an official Liberia National Police statement, Sando described the incident as unlawful, barbaric, and harmful to Liberia’s international image and investor confidence.
“The conduct displayed was unlawful, degrading and entirely inconsistent with the principles of public order, human dignity and the rule of law guaranteed under the Constitution,” he stated.
According to the government, suspects identified as Augustine T. Moussa and another have already been charged with offenses including disorderly conduct, simple assault, felonious restraint, reckless endangerment, and offensive touching.
Sando warned that incidents of mob violence and gender-based humiliation undermine tourism, economic growth, and Liberia’s democratic image abroad.
“Scenes of public brutality and lawlessness circulating globally create harmful perceptions of insecurity and institutional weakness that negatively affect national confidence and economic opportunity,” he said.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Justice has already launched a nationwide anti-mob violence campaign aimed at discouraging citizens from taking the law into their own hands.
New Insurance Credit Scheme for Civil Servants
In a major announcement affecting government employees, the Civil Service Agency, National Insurance Company of Liberia, and International Bank Liberia Limited formally signed an agreement establishing a vehicle insurance credit scheme for civil servants.
Under the arrangement, government workers enrolled on the Legal Power of Attorney (LPA) credit platform will be allowed to obtain vehicle insurance through installment payments over six months instead of making upfront payments.
“This government is a pro-worker government. It’s a pro-family government,” Joekai declared.
According to him, the CSA’s digitized LPA platform has expanded rapidly since the Boakai administration took office.
“When this administration took over in 2024, the LPA only had 4,000 employees. Today, we have more than 9,433 employees onboard,” he disclosed.
Joekai further revealed that more than 1,051 transactions valued at over US$400,000 have already been processed under the system.
National Insurance Company Managing Director Abdullah S. Swaray described the initiative as a major relief for civil servants.
“You don’t need to pay upfront anymore,” Sawray explained. “If your insurance costs US$175, you can spread that payment over six months.”
ELWA Hospital Workers Added to Government Payroll
Joekai also announced that 304 employees of ELWA Hospital have officially been transitioned onto the government payroll following a presidential mandate by President Boakai.
According to him, the workers have already received their April salaries totaling more than US$104,000.
“That is more than just political will. That is a commitment of a government that is pro-worker and pro-family,” he stated.
NHA Pushes Affordable Housing Agenda
Meanwhile, National Housing Authority Managing Director Florence Geegbae announced plans for Liberia’s first-ever “Off-Takers Conference” scheduled for May 20 at Monrovia City Hall.
The conference aims to connect prospective homeowners, developers, financial institutions, and government agencies to expand affordable housing opportunities across Liberia.
“This conference is about one simple but powerful idea — making home ownership possible for ordinary Liberians,” Geegbae stated.
She disclosed that the NHA is currently negotiating mortgage, rent-to-own, and cash-sale housing arrangements while seeking to attract foreign investors into Liberia’s housing sector.
The NHA boss also revealed ongoing efforts to amend the agency’s founding act to give the institution stronger regulatory authority over rental pricing nationwide.
“We will ensure that this act is enacted into law and we are empowered to regulate rents being charged against our people,” she vowed.
President Boakai Engages African Leaders in Kenya
At the international level, the government announced that President Boakai was in Nairobi attending the Africa-France Summit hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.
According to the Information Ministry, Boakai held bilateral meetings with several African leaders focusing on energy cooperation, border security, Mano River Union collaboration, youth empowerment, tourism, and regional peace initiatives.
Emotional Tribute to Slain Journalist
The briefing concluded with emotional remarks from Charles Cornelius Gbenyon Jr., who reflected on the legacy of his father, slain journalist Charles C. Gbenyon Sr.
“My father was more than a public figure. He was a cultural pillar,” Gbenyon Jr. said.
He described his father’s death during Liberia’s civil conflict as a sacrifice made in service to the nation.
“I was only a year old when he was brutally killed after choosing to stay in Liberia during a time of turmoil because he believed in making a difference,” he said emotionally.
The younger Gbenyon also praised the Liberian government for honoring his father’s memory and expressed joy about returning home to Liberia.
“It feels good to be home,” he stated.
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