16/07/2025
TERTIARY EDUCATION STUDENTS’ CONFEDERACY (TESCON)
(THE UNIVERSITY/TERTIARY STUDENTS’ WING OF THE UP)
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE UNITY PARTY
OPPOSITE SACRED HEART CATHEDERAL, BROAD STREET
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE TERTIARY EDUCATION STUDENT CONFEDERACY (TESCON) OF THE UNITY PARTY LABELS THE JULY 17 POLITICALLY MOTIVATED PROTEST AS BASELESS, CALLS ON THE GENERAL STUDENT’S BODY TO NOT ACCORD IT ANY GRAIN OF CREDENCE AND APPRAISE THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE BOAKAI – UP LED GOVERNMENT UNDER 2 YEARS OF STEWARDSHIP.
Distinguished members of the press, fellow students!!
The Tertiary Education Students’ Confederacy (TESCON) of the Unity Party labels the July 17 politically motivated protest as baseless calls on all Liberians especially university students and young people across the country to not accord it any grain of credence and appraise the accomplishments of the Boakai – UP leg government under Two (2) years of stewardship. remain peaceful, patriotic, and law-abiding in the face of rising political tension orchestrated by self-seeking individuals under the guise and pretext of civil rights activism.
While Article 17 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and protest, TESCON strongly appreciates its mother party for denouncing and distancing the party from a group planning to have staged a counter-protests which could have undermined national peace, security, and the rule of law. We believe in democratic engagement that is peaceful, constructive, and accountable of which counter protest could have greatly undermine.
We have been informed that the protest is an organized attempt by certain political actors particularly individuals associated with the failed Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) regime to exploit our people for selfish political gain. We warn against following these opportunists, who once remained silent in the face of massive corruption, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement during their time in power.
It is hypocritical for Mr. Mulbah Morlu, former Chairman of the CDC, to now present himself as a people’s advocate after presiding over a regime that oversaw widespread looting of national resources, extrajudicial killing, sanctions of top officials for corruption and human rights violations, a surge in drug trafficking with Liberia being used as a regional entry point, silence and complicity in the face of social decay, the illegal removal of a sitting Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and many others.
Where was Mr. Morlu’s voice when these atrocities occurred? His sudden activism is deceptive and dangerous. The youth of Liberia must not be used as political pawns. Our people deserve better than to be manipulated by those seeking to return to power through chaos.
The current Unity Party-led government under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. is working tirelessly to restore hope, integrity, and development to our nation. Though challenges remain, notable achievements are already being felt by our people, including:
Key Achievements and Efforts of the Unity Party Government
Infrastructure & Roads
Road rehabilitation: Over 783km of primary roads in 11 counties have been graded, cleared, and stabilized under his 100‑Day Action Plan, keeping Liberia’s promise that “no car will get stuck in the mud” during rains.
Major corridors: Projects on the Sanniquellie–Logatuo and Saclepea–Tappita roads are nearing completion (85% and 50%, respectively), with work also ongoing on Roberts International Airport Road.
Equipment acquisition: 285 pieces of earth-moving machinery have been secured—at a savings cost of over US$21million—to support county-level road works.
Agriculture & Food Security
On July 10, 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. launched the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP) aimed at transforming the country’s agricultural sector and achieving food security. This National Development Plan is basically focusing on local food production design to reduce reliance on imports. During the launch, the President emphasized that the plan will revolutionize agriculture and improve the lives of Liberians.
Progress made since the Launch of the National Agriculture Plan (NADP):
The Boakai – UP Government has significantly increased its agriculture budget which has more than tripled the previous year’s allocation from US$4,408,412 in FY2024 to a whopping US$15,230,412 for FY2025.
Rice production: Cultivated more than 4,000 hectare of rice in 2024, aiming to reduce dependence on imports; mechanization centers are operational in five counties.
Cash crops: Expanded cocoa cultivation to 10,000 hectare and initiated palm oil value‑chain development with plans for a refinery.
Value addition: Launched processing initiatives for Liberia’s natural resources like rubber and iron ore.
Most recently, Liberia Agriculture Minister disclosed to the country that the country is now expecting 288 modern agriculture equipment by August this year.
Economy & Finance
GDP & inflation: GDP grew to 4.8% in 2024; inflation fell from ~10.1% to 7.7%, with expectations to reach 6% by 2025.
Revenue surge: Domestic revenue hit a record US$695 million, a 12% increase, fuelled by The Value Added Tax (VAT) reform and digital tax modernization.
World Bank funding: US $490 million committed for ARREST agenda across energy, agriculture, education, sanitation, and technology.
The Gateway Transit Monitoring System (GTMS) Revenue Sharing: Under Weah – CDC regime, the revenue sharing ratio b/w GTMS and the GOL was 97:3; meaning, the GTMS got 97% of the total revenue generated while GOL got pitiful 3%. Today, under the Boakai – UP administration, the revenue sharing ratio b/w GTMS and the GOL is 60:40. This mean, the GOL will now get 40% of revenue collected by GTMS instead of 3% under Former President Weah – CDC regime.
Additionally, the Boakai – UP government has significantly reduced CTN charges from $105 under Weah CDC to $95 under Boakai – UP for 20ft; from $210 under Weah – CDC to $190 under Boakai – UP for 40ft; from $236.25 under Weah – CDC to $213.75 under Boakai – UP for 45ft.
Energy & Digital Infrastructure
Solar power rollout: A 20MW solar plant in Montserrado is underway, as part of a target to electrify 100,000 households annually and reach 75% national access by 2030.
Connectivity enhancements: Oversaw the fiber‑optic cable relocation without huge service disruption; Sky Link satellite internet now provides rural broadband.
Digital governance: Launched a digital public infrastructure project backed by US$30 million from the World Bank.
Health & Social Welfare
Fellow Liberians, shortage of major drugs and lack of fuel to run generators at GOL run Hospitals and Health Care Centers under the Unity Party led government is almost becoming issues and challenges of the past as was common with the CDC – Weah led government. Today, eessential drugs are being distributed to all counties. A US$16million National Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory is under construction in Margibi County, with four additional diagnostic centers planned.
Substance abuse: Declared drug addiction a national emergency; established a referral hospital in Bentol and a neuropsychiatric hospital in Bensonville.
Public health improvements: Increased vaccination rates to 73%, reduced maternal/child mortality, and restored piped water in Monrovia, Kakata, Buchanan, and Bushrod Island.
Education & Human Capital
Scholarship payment: Cleared over US$1million in scholarship arrears and paid more than US$3.5million for WASSCE fees.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) & higher education: Deployed youth digital training in seven counties; launched PhD programs in health sciences and educational administration at the University of Liberia.
School feeding & support: Continued school feeding with dedicated budget and cleared outstanding allowances for students.
Governance & Anti-corruption
Asset recovery task force: Via executive order, set up a unit to track and recover stolen public assets, including audits of key institutions.
Asset declaration enforcement: Suspended over 450 officials for failing to declare assets; Boakai reduced his own salary by 40% in solidarity.
Performance management: Introduced a Performance Management and Compliance System and suspended non-compliant consultants to improve governmental accountability.
Justice & National Reconciliation
War & Economic Crimes Court: Signed executive orders and secured legislative approval to establish a court addressing atrocities from Liberia’s civil wars (1989–2003); supported by international donors.
Apology to victims: In July 2025, formally apologized for civil war victims and symbolically re-burial of former President Tolbert and other past government officials who were murdered during the 1980 coup as part of national healing to transformations.
International Relations
UN Security Council Seat: Liberia was elected to a non-permanent seat for 2026–27, marking a boost in global engagement.
ECOWAS collaboration: Joined regional leaders in commemorating ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary and reinforcing regional unity.
National Port Authority:
Major Security & Operational Reforms;
Historic ISPS Code Compliance: In February 2025, the NPA achieved its best score in seven years during the U.S. Coast Guard’s ISPS Code audit—marking Liberia’s Freeport of Monrovia as fully compliant with international security standards.
24-hour vessel operations: In July 2025, NPA, APM Terminals, and Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) launched nighttime navigation, enabling round-the-clock berthing. boosting efficiency and cargo throughput.
Cost-Reduction & Infrastructure Investment:
Cutting container charges by 50%: A 14-month report (as of May 2025) highlighted a striking 50% reduction in container throughput charges—helping lower import costs and stimulate trade.
$200M bulk terminal initiative: Launched in May 2025, this investment aims to build a specialized bulk terminal—streamlining the handling of essential commodities like rice, cement, wheat, and reducing related costs.
Modernization & Equipment Upgrades:
New marine equipment & navigational aids: Advanced aids have been deployed at Freeport and Buchanan, with pickup trucks, ambulances, and fire trucks added—including nighttime navigation gears.
First certified Liberian marine pilot & tug master: In May 2025, Captains Sam Jabbah and William Lassanah became the country’s first locally certified professionals in these key roles—a milestone in building local maritime expertise.
Workforce, Governance & Welfare:
Staff training & inclusivity: More than 60 staffers were trained across China and Africa; 15 women participated in specialized PMAWCA programs—strengthening skills and promoting gender diversity.
Social security & tax compliance: The NPA cleared a six-year LRA income tax backlog and paid $300K (vs $400K over six years) to NASSCORP within five months.
Employee benefits restored: Monthly rice distribution resumed, and the staff clinic and ambulances at Freeport were refurbished for better welfare.
Financial Performance:
Strong budget contributions: In mid-2024, the NPA contributed US$2million to the national treasury within just five months—outperforming the previous six-year total of $4M under former management.
Debt clearance: A $6.2million debt to Ecobank was paid off—enhancing institutional credibility.
Port of Greenville revival & tugboat recovery: Operations resumed at Greenville; two sunken tugs were salvaged—avoiding potential cleanup costs over $100K.
The Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC):
Landmark Legal Victory in Petroleum Theft:
May 5 & 16, 2025: Nine former LPRC employees were convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment each for siphoning nearly US$942k in petroleum from the Product Storage Terminal. They were ordered to restitute US$941,895.11 and pay fines—a landmark case enforcing corporate integrity and internal controls.
National Recognition for Performance & Transparency:
June 16, 2025: LPRC was officially recognized by President Joseph Boakai as a top-performing state institution under the 2025 Performance Management & Compliance System (PMCS). MD Amos Tweh reiterated the company’s dedication to meeting national performance targets and upholding transparency.
Q1 2025 Report Submission:
May 12, 2025: LPRC delivered its first quarter 2025 report directly to President Boakai, highlighting improvements in:
Infrastructure upgrades.
Fuel distribution efficiency
Financial transparency,
Regulatory compliance,
The move reinforces its commitment to accountability.
Monthly Fuel Price Reductions:
As of December 4, 2024, LPRC coordinated with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to reduce gasoline (PMS) by $0.07/gal and diesel (AGO) by $0.10/gal—stabilizing domestic fuel prices.
Major Infrastructure Expansion:
August 2024: Broke ground on a 17,000m gasoline storage tank (12,800MT) and a state-of-the-art petroleum testing laboratory at the Bushrod Island terminal. This will increase capacity from ~51,000 to ~64,000 MT, improve fuel quality control, and enhance market stability. LPRC secured more favorable loan terms—interest lowered from 11% to 9%, saving US$450k.
Strategic International Partnership:
May 9, 2024: Signed a supply agreement with Ghana’s Stratcon Energy & Trading. The partnership aims to build strategic petroleum reserves and ensure energy security without directly engaging in retail. LPRC will remain a supplier to local importers, reinforcing regional market resilience.
Internships & Procurement Integrity:
LPRC reinstated its internship program for Liberian youth and improved procurement compliance. Management also renegotiated petroleum import contract terms to secure capacity, cost, and technical advantages—without increasing expenses.
Outlook & Impact
While obstacles such as national reconciliation and equitable service delivery remain, the foundations laid by the Boakai administration are strong. Liberia is on a path of recovery, and this momentum must not be derailed by those seeking to use unrest as a shortcut back to power.
So, with all those critical analysis pointed out, we the officials and members of TESCON, the university students’ wing of the UP, with membership within 12 of the 15 counties in Liberia, the institution which Standard Bearer Joseph Nyumah Boakia, Sr, and leadership of the Unity Party at that time endorsed, remains committed to peace, democracy, and the protection of student voices in the national discourse. We urge all university, tertiary/vocational, high school students to reject the politics of disruption and align with progressive movements that build, not destroy.
THINK LIBERIA.
LOVE LIBERIA,
BUILD LIBERIA.
Thanks.
Signed:
Cdr. Thomas K. Kumeh
National President
TESCON Unity Party
