NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has praised the Liberia Chapter of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) for its continued contribution to strengthening the country’s healthcare system through postgraduate medical education, specialist certification, and professional development.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue –trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The President made the remarks on Monday when he received a 10-member delegation of the Liberia Chapter of the WACP, led by its President, Dr. Musu Duworko, at the Executive Mansion.
President Boakai commended the organization for its unwavering commitment to developing Liberia’s health sector and expressed confidence in the capabilities of Liberian doctors and other healthcare professionals serving in medical facilities across the country.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the nation’s healthcare delivery system by investing in medical infrastructure and health facilities nationwide, stressing that strengthening public confidence in the health sector remains a key priority of his government.
During the meeting, Dr. Duworko briefed the President on the work of the West African College of Physicians, explaining that the institution supports Liberia’s efforts to build a resilient healthcare system, improve maternal, newborn and child health outcomes, strengthen epidemic preparedness and response, and reduce the need for costly medical referrals abroad.
She said the College’s work contributes to the development of a healthier and more productive population while enhancing the capacity of county hospitals and improving healthcare service delivery across Liberia.
Dr. Duworko also outlined the College’s core responsibilities, noting that the WACP provides postgraduate specialist training at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center, Phebe Hospital, and other healthcare institutions throughout the country. She added that the College also administers regional examinations for medical specialists.
According to her, the Liberia Chapter currently comprises 48 Fellows and 14 Members, bringing the total number of specialist physicians within the organization to 62.
Dr. Duworko further announced that Liberia is expected to host the West African College of Physicians’ Annual General and Scientific Meeting in 2027, an event that will bring medical professionals from across the region to Monrovia.
The delegation also included Dr. Ivan Camanor, Dr. Philip Ireland, Dr. Roseda Marshall, Dr. Ian Wachekwa, Dr. Charles Oguni, Dr. Juleo T. Karr, Dr. Izetta Sheriff, and Ms. Fammata Titus.
The delegation was accompanied to the Executive Mansion by Dr. Emmanuel Ekiyinabah, Special Physician to the President of Liberia.
Court Ordered Brown’s Release on Medical Grounds, Justice Ministry Clarifies
NATIONAL NEWS
MARGIBI COUNTY – Liberia’s Ministry of Justice has clarified that the release of Michael U.S. Brown from pre-trial detention in 2024 was ordered by the court and was not authorized, approved or facilitated by the Ministry, dismissing claims linking his release to the ongoing investigation into the attempted exportation of approximately US$19 million worth of cocaine.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue –trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
In a statement issued to address what it described as widespread public misinformation, the Ministry said Brown was released solely on the authority of an order issued on September 20, 2024, by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court for Margibi County, presided over by Judge T. Ciapha Carey.
According to the Ministry, the court granted Brown’s release on medical grounds after prison authorities informed the court that he required urgent medical treatment.
The order was made subject to the execution of a human surety bond by Ms. Toshey Garnett and Ms. Christine G. Checks, who assumed the legal responsibility of producing Brown whenever required by the court.
The Ministry emphasized that it neither authorized nor directed Brown’s release, insisting that the decision rested entirely with the judiciary.
The clarification comes amid public speculation attempting to associate Brown’s release with the government’s ongoing investigation into the attempted exportation of cocaine valued at approximately US$19 million.
Providing details of Brown’s earlier case, the Ministry said he and Raymond Kpehe were arrested on July 24, 2024, after allegedly attempting to clear two cartons labelled “Tea Leaves” at Roberts International Airport.
Brown, who served as an Information Technology Officer assigned at the airport, was identified by investigators as the importer and consignee of the shipment, while Kpehe, a clearing agent with UPS, allegedly facilitated its clearance.
Investigators later determined that the cartons contained cannabis, commonly known as Kush, with an estimated street value of approximately US$200,000.
Both men were subsequently investigated and charged with offences relating to the unlawful importation and transportation of controlled substances.
The Ministry said that after Brown’s detention, prison authorities notified the court that he required advanced medical care. Brown then petitioned the court for permission to seek treatment outside prison custody.
Although prosecutors opposed the request, Judge Carey granted the application and ordered Brown’s release under the specified conditions.
The Ministry stressed that Brown’s prosecution in 2024 arose from a separate criminal case involving the seizure of cannabis worth about US$200,000 and is entirely unrelated to the current investigation into the attempted exportation of cocaine valued at approximately US$19 million.
It described suggestions that Brown’s release was connected to the ongoing cocaine investigation as “false, misleading, and unsupported by the facts.”
Reaffirming its position, the Ministry of Justice said it remains committed to conducting all criminal investigations professionally, impartially and in strict accordance with the laws of Liberia.
