Liberia's coast has been experiencing severe coastal erosion due to climate change, affecting communities and economic sectors like fishing and farming. Despite a US$2.9 million Coastal Defense Project by the UNDP and Liberian government, financial sustainability remains a challenge, with uneven distribution and maintenance issues. New projects are underway, including a US$10 million initiative in Sinoe County and a US$25.6 million project funded by the Green Climate Fund. Nature-based solutions, such as planting coconut trees, are being considered alongside traditional seawalls. President George Weah has called for increased funding for climate initiatives at COP28.

The Grand Bassa detachment of the Liberia National Fire Service received a new fire truck from the government of Liberia, marking the reopening of the Buchanan fire station. The truck is one of five donated by the Indian government. Officials, including LNFS director Alex Dickson and Grand Bassa's assistant superintendent for development Flee Glay, expressed gratitude and highlighted the importance of the new equipment in reducing fire-related deaths and improving safety. The Fire Service plans to provide training and fuel for the truck, with local authorities expected to support ongoing operations.

The Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) released its 12th report, revealing that the extractive industry generated US$79.63 million in government revenue from July 2018 to June 2020. The report, which includes beneficial ownership information for the first time, highlights a 15.4% revenue increase from the previous period but notes a 12.2% drop in early 2020 due to COVID-19. LEITI aims to address sectoral challenges and establish a Beneficial Ownership Registry. The report's release follows controversy over leadership changes and criticisms from Global Witness regarding governance and transparency.

The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) concluded a regional consultative meeting in Buchanan, Grand Bassa, as a precursor to the National Anti-Corruption Conference. The meeting, attended by participants from five counties, aimed to gather citizens' views on corruption and develop new strategies to combat it. LACC's chair, Ndubusi Nwabudike, emphasized the importance of accurate information in shaping perceptions of corruption. Recommendations from the meeting included establishing special courts for corruption cases, enforcing asset declarations, and passing the Whistleblower Protection Act. Nwabudike's role remains controversial due to questions about his citizenship, leading to calls for his dismissal by figures like Sen. Darius Dillon.

A 55-year-old man, Emmanuel K. Ballah, has been sent to court in Buchanan, Liberia, for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. The incident occurred while the victim was on vacation in Monrovia. The victim's mother reported the case to the police, leading to Ballah's arrest. Ballah, a driver for ArcelorMittal, admitted to the crime and is currently in custody awaiting trial. ArcelorMittal condemned the act and took administrative actions against Ballah. The victim is recovering at the Liberian Government Hospital. The case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual violence in Liberia.

Liberia experienced a decline in routine immunization rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant decreases in Penta3 and measles vaccinations in 2020-2021. Misinformation and fear kept caregivers away from health facilities. However, in 2022, immunization rates rebounded due to reduced COVID-19 prevalence, increased community outreach, and media campaigns. The Liberian government, supported by organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI, is working to improve vaccination coverage and is planning to introduce a malaria vaccine in 2024. Despite challenges, there is a strong overall support for vaccines in the country.

Sen. Jonathan Kaipay has initiated the construction of an administrative building in Geegbarn Administrative District, Grand Bassa. The project, costing US$35,000 and expected to be completed in a year, aims to provide modern facilities for the district's administration. Kaipay emphasized community ownership and collaboration for the project's success. District Commissioner John Gardour Tarr expressed gratitude and urged residents to protect the construction materials.

A US$120,000 bridge connecting Grand Bassa, Bong, and Nimba has been dedicated in Grand Bassa’s fourth district. The project was funded by the United Methodist Church, local communities, and Legislative Support Project funds designated by Sen. Jonathan Kaipay. At the dedication ceremony, Emma Okai from the Liberia United Methodist Development Services highlighted the community's contribution and the church's ongoing projects. Sen. Kaipay emphasized the bridge's importance for economic growth and urged voters to judge him based on his performance.

On February 6, Liberia observed the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with government officials and representatives from the European Union and the United Nations gathering to commemorate the event. Gender Minister Williametta E. Saydee-Tarr praised the collaborative efforts to eradicate FGM and called for community ownership in changing cultural norms. The E.U.-funded Spotlight Initiative, aimed at reducing gender-based violence and improving sexual and reproductive health, was highlighted for its role in providing alternative livelihoods to traditional practitioners of FGM. U.N. Women’s Marie Goreth Nizigama and E.U. ambassador Laurent Delahousse emphasized the health risks and the need for local action to end the practice. The National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders recommended expanding the initiative to all counties in Liberia.

The Liberian Senate has endorsed a report from its Committee on Security, urging the government to take collective responsibility for the Niko Ivanka shipwreck, which resulted in multiple deaths and property damage. The report criticizes the National Port Authority and the Liberia Maritime Authority for failing to enforce safety standards, leading to the incident. The Senate has tasked its Committee on Judiciary with drafting a resolution to outline safety measures and government liabilities to the victims.

The Liberian Senate has mandated the reappearance of the Government’s Economic Management Team due to discrepancies in a document from the Central Bank of Liberia regarding new banknote printing. Key figures from the Liberian Revenue Authority, Central Bank of Liberia, Commerce Ministry, and Liberia Bank for Development and Investment were present, but the absence of Finance Minister Samuel Tweah led to the decision for their reappearance. The Senate seeks practical solutions to issues surrounding the exchange rate.

Montserrado County District Eight Representative Acarous Gray stated that the salary harmonization exercise in Liberia is significantly benefiting the country's development. He highlighted that no official in the Weah-led government earns more than eight thousand United States Dollars, with savings from the harmonization being used for crucial infrastructure projects. Gray expressed confidence in President George Weah's re-election in 2023 due to these developments. He criticized the opposition's recent actions as unproductive and indicative of their disinterest in the Liberian people's welfare. Gray also commented on the internal issues within the Collaborating Political Parties, suggesting their inability to lead the country.

Liberia is set to receive the second batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine on August 13, 2021, containing 96,000 doses donated by the French Government through the Convax facility. Deputy Information Minister Jarlawah Tonpo credited President George Weah for the acquisition, which will enable those who received the first dose to complete their vaccination.

Liberia has recorded no new COVID-19 cases in the past two days, marking the first instance of zero cases since the third wave of the pandemic. Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah reported 111 active cases, with 12 located at Star Base in Monrovia. The reduction in cases is attributed to citizens following health protocols and the efforts of health workers. Bong, Bomi, Sinoe, Gbarpolu, and Rivercess Counties have no active cases, while the rest of the country is responding to the pandemic.

Oretha and Melvin Sayoue from Grand Bassa, Liberia, have been struggling with infertility for 12 years, facing stigma and challenges in their community. Despite visiting several hospitals, they have not found a successful treatment. Dr. Patience Martor, an embryologist at the Liberian Government Hospital, explains that infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including sexually transmitted diseases, poor nutrition, and lifestyle choices. She emphasizes the need for early medical intervention and regular health check-ups. The article also highlights the lack of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services in Liberia and other parts of the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Liberia's deputy minister for health services, Dr. Francis Kateh, acknowledges the limitations in infertility services but notes some capabilities in analysis. The article calls for political commitment, health education, and international collaboration to improve infertility services and reduce stigma.

US Ambassador Michael McCarthy stated that Liberia has the potential to reduce the burden of malaria, citing other African countries moving towards malaria elimination. He emphasized the role of the private sector and domestic resources in malaria control during the launch of the Treated Nets Mass Distribution Campaign in Paynesville City. McCarthy reassured the United States Government's commitment to support Liberia in eradicating malaria threats.

Liberian Economist and Politician Samuel Jackson expressed support for President George Weah, citing the opposition's lack of leadership and understanding of economic challenges. He warned that empowering the opposition could result in serious embarrassment and stated that the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has been addressing economic issues.

The Seventh Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Gedeh County has re-arrested ten inmates who were previously released on bail due to the congestion of the Correction Palace. The inmates, originally from Maryland County, were involved in violence following the death of motorcyclist Modecial Nyemah. The court clerk, Barley Quiah, stated that the inmates failed to appear as agreed, leading to their re-arrest.

An angry crowd in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, Liberia, set the local police station on fire in response to the death of Abraham Flagar, who died from internal bleeding after being beaten over a financial dispute. The situation escalated when a Police Special Unit vehicle hit a protester, Wilson Nenneh, leading the mob to attack the police station. Police Spokesman Moses Carter and Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Kai Farley are working to restore calm and have called for security reinforcements.

Moima Briggs Mensah, the Representative for Bong County District Six in Liberia, expressed disappointment over the theft of a government stimulus food package intended for vulnerable people in Lower Bong. During an interview with ELBC on May 7, 2021, she condemned the actions of those responsible for distributing the stimulus package and disclosed that over four hundred bags of rice, beans, and vegetable oil had been seized from the individuals involved. Despite these seizures, no arrests have been made, prompting Representative Mensah to call on police authorities to ensure justice is served.

Several storm victims in Voinjama and Salayea Districts, Lofa County, are appealing for aid from the government and humanitarian organizations after a heavy storm destroyed homes and a public school. Over thirty families are currently seeking shelter in public buildings and relatives' homes. Concurrently, the Carter Center is conducting a six-day training for traditional leaders, women, and youth in Voinjama to enhance governance and community justice practices.

Massive preparations are underway in Sinoe County for President George Weah's upcoming visit. The Tailors’ Union of Sinoe County is painting major streets, while citizens, supported by local authorities, are cleaning major buildings and communities in Greenville city. Attorney Teklo Maxwell Grigsby has donated sixty-dozens of lappers to unify the women of Sinoe County for the President's arrival. Citizens have also expressed their willingness to accommodate the President’s entourage.

Vincent Willie, the fourth district representative of Grand Bassa, has launched his senatorial campaign, emphasizing his commitment to youth and women empowerment, infrastructure, safe drinking water, and agriculture. He presented himself as an underdog against candidates from the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change and Liberty Party. Willie highlighted his past achievements, including road rehabilitation and educational initiatives, and urged citizens to vote for him for further development of Grand Bassa County.

The World Food Programme is set to distribute a COVID-19 stimulus package to 24,742 vulnerable households in Grand Bassa, Liberia, after significant delays. The program, announced by President George Weah in April, involves a US$30 million fund, including a US$5 million loan from the World Bank. The distribution, which has faced delays due to poor road networks and slow enumeration, aims to reach 2.5 million vulnerable individuals nationwide. Local leaders and civil society will assist in vetting recipients, with distribution expected to start soon.

Civil society organizations, politicians, and voters in Grand Bassa, Liberia, are concerned about the December 8 referendum due to limited public awareness of the constitutional propositions. Barley Togba, chairperson of the Grand Bassa chapter of the Civil Society Council of Liberia, has called for its postponement, citing inadequate civic education. The National Elections Commission (NEC) has faced budget cuts, reducing civic education days and overall awareness programs. Despite NEC's efforts to conduct voter awareness, there is a consensus among various stakeholders, including politicians and civil society groups like the Press Union of Liberia and Liberian Women Can Lead, that the referendum should be postponed. The referendum seeks to amend the constitution regarding dual citizenship, tenure of elected officials, and changing the election date, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.

The Liberian Government Hospital in Buchanan, Grand Bassa, has received an ambulance and an ultrasound scanner from the Ministry of Health, which are crucial for patient transport and medical diagnostics. Despite these additions, the hospital faces significant financial challenges, with insufficient budget allocations and a reliance on community fundraising efforts. The hospital's medical director, Dr. Abraham Jawara, emphasized the need for continued support and funding to maintain operations and provide necessary medical services.

The Ministry of Justice of Liberia concluded a regional consultative meeting in Buchanan, supported by UNDP and the Carter Center, to draft a policy for formalizing alternative dispute resolutions. Participants from three counties provided feedback for the policy, which aims to improve access to justice and reduce court backlogs. The policy will exclude major criminal cases but include minor and civil cases. A national validation conference is planned in Monrovia.

The Collaborating Political Parties, comprising Unity Party, Alternative National Congress, All Liberian Party, and Liberty Party, have officially endorsed Sen. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence for re-election in Grand Bassa. The endorsement took place at the Liberty Party headquarters in Buchanan, with notable figures like former vice president Joseph Nyumah Boakai and political leader Benoni Urey expressing their support. Karnga-Lawrence, who assumed political leadership of Liberty Party after the 2017 elections, thanked the parties and the people for their support, emphasizing the importance of the CPP and the legacy of the late Charles W. Brumskine. The election is scheduled for December 8, and this will be the first election in Grand Bassa since Brumskine's passing.

Judge Joe S. Barkon of Grand Bassa’s Second Judicial Circuit Court has called for the expansion of the Buchanan Prison Compound to address overcrowding. The prison, originally built in 1966 and converted in 1968, now holds over 90 inmates despite having a capacity for 47. Overcrowding has led to disease outbreaks, and human rights activists have urged the release of detainees with minor offenses. Barkon has freed some minor offenders but stresses the need for a new or expanded facility. Public defender Aaron Kartee has appealed for expedited trials for minor offenses to reduce congestion. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the court's ability to try cases, with the Supreme Court suspending jury sittings.

A severe motor accident on the Buchanan-Monrovia highway resulted in three fatalities and seven injuries. The incident involved a vehicle owned by Representative Fonati Koffa, which rolled over multiple times into a valley. Survivor Emmanuel B. Kollie described the accident, attributing it to distracted driving by Moses Wesseh, who was driving at the time. The victims were transported to the Liberian Government Hospital in Buchanan, where Dr. Abraham Jawara reported that three people died, and the remaining seven, including an infant, are receiving treatment.

Health officials in Grand Bassa, Liberia, have confirmed seven new COVID-19 cases at the Liberian Agricultural Company's health center, reversing the county's previous status of zero active cases. The outbreak was traced to a health worker who tested positive after being transferred to Monrovia. An investigation identified 74 high-risk contacts, primarily health workers. Efforts to contain the virus include potential isolation measures at the company's health facility and collaboration with the World Health Organization and Last Mile Health. Liberia has recorded 1,117 confirmed cases, 71 deaths, and 613 recoveries as of July 22.