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Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment /Community Works, Executive Mansion Grounds, Monrovia (2026)

19/06/2026

LACE Concludes Two-Day Strategic Planning Retreat with Focus on Institutional Reforms and Five-Year Roadmap

The Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) on Friday, June 19, 2026, successfully concluded the second and final day of its Strategic Planning Retreat at the Golden Key Hotel in Paynesville, ELWA. The retreat, which brought together members of the Board of Directors, senior management, departmental heads, and facilitators, was aimed at revitalizing the Agency's operations and developing a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Roadmap to guide its future interventions.

Day two of the retreat commenced with Session One, which focused on proposed amendments to the Charter that established LACE and the implications of those amendments on the Agency's mandate, governance structure, and operational effectiveness. Participants engaged in extensive discussions on strengthening the legal and institutional framework of the Agency to ensure greater efficiency in the delivery of community-driven development programs across Liberia.

Session Two centered on the development of LACE's Five-Year Strategic Roadmap. Through a participatory group work approach, participants identified strategic priorities, key objectives, and implementation mechanisms that will serve as the foundation for the Agency's operations over the next five years. The exercise provided an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute ideas and recommendations aimed at enhancing LACE's impact on community empowerment and sustainable development.

The retreat also examined several critical institutional issues, including Capacity Building, with participants emphasizing the need to strengthen staff competencies and institutional systems to effectively respond to emerging development challenges. Discussions further focused on Stakeholder Analysis and Resource Mobilization Strategies, highlighting the importance of fostering stronger partnerships with government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and local communities while exploring innovative approaches to securing sustainable funding for the Agency's programs.

Another key session was dedicated to LACE's Institutional Visibility, where participants engaged in a plenary discussion on strengthening the Agency's public image and outreach efforts. The discussion explored strategies for enhancing media engagement, expanding digital presence, and increasing community participation and awareness of LACE's interventions throughout the country.
The retreat concluded with the adoption of key resolutions and action points that will guide the Agency's strategic direction moving forward. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing LACE's mission of empowering communities and improving livelihoods through effective and sustainable development interventions.

The closing ceremony featured a vote of thanks to the facilitators, organizers, and participants for their contributions to the success of the retreat, followed by a closing prayer that officially brought the two-day strategic planning exercise to an end. The resolutions adopted during the retreat are expected to serve as a blueprint for strengthening LACE's institutional capacity and enhancing its role in promoting community empowerment and inclusive development across Liberia.

The Retreat ended with the Board of Director Co-Chair, Madam Mariama Z. Brown expressing satisfaction and said a big thanks to all LACE Staff who served as participants during the Retreat. She also extended thanks and appreciation to the two facilitators of the Retreat, Mr. Oscar Bloh and William Jones who took up their time to facilitate the Retreat. At this junction she told staffers to congratulate the President of Liberia, H. E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai for being one of the founder members of LACE, and for doing extremely well for creating such organization that has had a positive impact since its establishment.

18/06/2026

LACE Begins Two-Day Strategic Planning Retreat

The Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) on Thursday, June 18, 2026, commenced a two-day Strategic Planning Retreat at the Golden Key Hotel in Paynesville, ELWA. The retreat brought together departmental heads of the Agency, members of the Board of Directors, and two facilitators, Mr. Oscar Bloh and Mr. William Jones, to chart a strategic course for the institution over the next five years.

Delivering the opening remarks and presenting the achievements of the Agency, the Executive Director of LACE, Mr. Julius K. Sele, reflected on the establishment of the institution and its significant contributions to Liberia’s post-war recovery and development agenda. He recounted how LACE was established to support community-driven development initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable communities across the country following years of civil conflict.

Mr. Sele highlighted the numerous infrastructure projects implemented by the Agency over the years, including the construction and rehabilitation of schools, town halls, clinics, bridges, box culverts, and other essential community facilities. According to him, one of the greatest challenges facing Liberia during the immediate post-war period was the lack of accessibility to many communities due to damaged roads and inadequate infrastructure.

He noted that the Agency played a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by implementing projects that connected communities and improved access to basic social services. “The work undertaken by LACE over the years demonstrates the enormous challenges the Agency has faced and overcome in helping communities recover from the effects of the civil war,” he said.

The Executive Director further explained that counties such as Grand Kru, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount presented some of the most difficult environments for project implementation due to poor road networks and limited accessibility. Despite these obstacles, he emphasized that LACE remained committed to ensuring that development interventions reached underserved and remote communities throughout the country.

Following the opening session, participants engaged in intensive discussions and interactive exercises facilitated by Mr. Oscar Bloh and Mr. William Jones. The retreat focused on identifying key priorities, reviewing institutional performance, and developing strategic content that will form the foundation of LACE’s Five-Year Strategic Plan.

The discussions are expected to provide a clear roadmap for strengthening the Agency’s operations, enhancing community empowerment initiatives, and aligning its development objectives with national priorities. The retreat will conclude on June 19, 2026, with the validation of key recommendations and strategic directions that will guide LACE’s work over the next five years.

16/06/2026

Executive Director Julius K. Sele Tours Jorkpen Town Market Renovation Project

On June 16, 2026 the Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), Mr. Julius K. Sele, conducted an inspection tour of the Jorkpen Town Market, a major community infrastructure project currently undergoing renovation through funding provided by the Government of the Republic of Liberia.

The market renovation project, valued at US$150,000, is being implemented by LACE as part of the Government's ongoing efforts to improve local economic infrastructure and create a conducive environment for marketers and community residents. Upon completion, the facility is expected to enhance commercial activities, improve sanitation, and provide a safer and more organized marketplace for vendors and consumers.

During the visit, Mr. Sele assessed the progress of ongoing works and expressed satisfaction with the level of construction achieved thus far. He emphasized the Government's commitment to ensuring that public development projects are completed according to established standards and timelines to maximize benefits for local communities.

The renovation project is being executed by Only God's Grace Construction Company, a Liberian-owned construction firm headed by its Executive Director, Mr. Augustus Menkoah. The company has been working diligently to transform the market facility into a modern structure capable of serving the growing needs of the Jorkpen Town community.

According to project engineers and contractors on site, the current phase of construction is focused primarily on the roofing works, which represent a significant milestone in the project's implementation. Following the completion of the roofing, attention will shift to painting and other major finishing works necessary to bring the facility to completion.

Speaking during the tour, Mr. Sele encouraged the contractor to maintain quality standards while ensuring that the remaining activities are completed within the agreed timeframe. He reaffirmed LACE's dedication to effective project monitoring and supervision to guarantee value for money and sustainable community development outcomes.

The Jorkpen Town Market renovation project forms part of the Government of Liberia's broader agenda to strengthen local economies, empower communities, and improve access to essential public infrastructure across the country. Residents of Jorkpen Town have welcomed the intervention and expressed optimism that the completed market will significantly improve trading conditions and boost economic opportunities within the area.

As work progresses toward completion, stakeholders remain confident that the renovated market will stand as a symbol of the Government's commitment to community empowerment and inclusive development throughout Liberia.

11/06/2026

The Executive Director of LACE, Mr. Julius K. Sele, on Wednesday signed the Government of Liberia's Performance Bond at the Executive Mansion.

The signing ceremony formed part of the Government's performance management and accountability framework aimed at strengthening service delivery and ensuring that public institutions achieve their mandated objectives.

The Performance Bond outlines key targets, deliverables, and measurable outcomes that government institutions are expected to achieve during the fiscal year. By affixing his signature to the document, Mr. Sele reaffirmed LACE's commitment to supporting the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and advancing community-driven development initiatives across Liberia.

The signing of the Performance Bond comes at a time when LACE is seeking legislative reforms to strengthen its institutional capacity and expand its developmental role, underscoring the Agency's determination to enhance its impact on the lives of Liberians nationwide.

10/06/2026

For Immediate Press Release

House Judiciary Committee Engages LACE Executive Director on Proposed Amendments to LACE Act

Monrovia, Liberia – June 10, 2026 – The House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary and Good Governance on Wednesday invited the Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), Mr. Julius K. Sele, to provide details and clarification regarding the proposed amendments to the LACE Act as requested by the President of the Republic of Liberia, H. E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

The engagement followed the formal introduction of a communication from President Boakai addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Richard Nagbe Koon, seeking legislative consideration of amendments to the Act establishing LACE. Subsequently, the matter was forwarded to the Committee on Judiciary and Good Governance to solicit the views of relevant stakeholders, legal practitioners, and other interested parties before making recommendations to the full plenary.

Among the major amendments proposed by the Office of the President are the creation of an additional Deputy Executive Director position responsible for Programs and Operations, the reconstitution of LACE's Board of Directors to include broader stakeholder representation, and the expansion of the Agency's mandate to oversee and manage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from state-owned enterprises, concessionaires, and other corporate entities operating in Liberia.

The proposed legislation also seeks to strengthen financial management systems within the Agency by institutionalizing annual budgetary allocations for District Development Funds and introducing enhanced monitoring and oversight mechanisms aimed at improving accountability, transparency, and value for money in community development interventions.

Representing the House Judiciary and Good Governance Committee during the hearing were several lawmakers, including Hon. Saye S. Mianh, Hon. Johnson S. N. Williams, Hon. Sumo K. Mulbah, Hon. Jeremiah Sokan, Hon. Foday Fahnbulleh, and Hon. Jacob C. Debee II, among others.

Mr. Sele appeared before the committee accompanied by a team of renowned legal experts from prominent law firms, including Cllr. Samuel S. Pearson, Cllr. Abraham B. Sillah Sr., and Cllr. Lafayette B. Gould Sr.. The legal team expressed support for President Boakai's proposal to amend the Act that established LACE in 2004, arguing that the reforms would enhance the Agency's effectiveness in responding to Liberia's evolving development needs.

Presenting LACE's position, Executive Director Sele made a robust case for the proposed amendments, emphasizing that the Agency requires additional institutional capacity and operational flexibility to effectively address the growing challenges confronting communities across Liberia.

According to Mr. Sele, the proposed reforms would strengthen LACE's ability to coordinate development interventions, improve service delivery, enhance accountability in the management of public resources, and ensure that development benefits reach communities more efficiently.

Committee members posed several questions regarding the legal, administrative, and financial implications of the proposed amendments. In response, Mr. Sele provided detailed explanations and justifications, addressing concerns raised by lawmakers while highlighting the potential benefits of the reforms for local communities and national development.

The hearing forms part of the House Committee's ongoing consultative process to gather stakeholder input before presenting its findings and recommendations to the plenary for further deliberation and possible legislative action.

If approved, the amendments would represent one of the most significant reforms to the LACE Act since the Agency's establishment, with the potential to expand its role in community empowerment, development financing, and corporate social responsibility oversight throughout Liberia.

Executive Director Sele Signs Performance Bond at Executive Mansion

In a separate but significant development, the Executive Director of LACE, Mr. Julius K. Sele, on Wednesday signed the Government of Liberia's Performance Bond at the Executive Mansion. The signing ceremony formed part of the Government's performance management and accountability framework aimed at strengthening service delivery and ensuring that public institutions achieve their mandated objectives.

The Performance Bond outlines key targets, deliverables, and measurable outcomes that government institutions are expected to achieve during the fiscal year. By affixing his signature to the document, Mr. Sele reaffirmed LACE's commitment to supporting the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and advancing community-driven development initiatives across Liberia.

The signing of the Performance Bond comes at a time when LACE is seeking legislative reforms to strengthen its institutional capacity and expand its developmental role, underscoring the Agency's determination to enhance its impact on the lives of Liberians nationwide.

06/06/2026

President Boakai Seeks Legislative Action to Strengthen LACE Mandate

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has formally submitted a communication to the House of Representatives through Speaker Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, seeking legislative action to amend the Act establishing the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE).

The proposed amendments are intended to strengthen the institution's legal framework, enhance its operational capacity, and position it to play a broader role in implementing national development programs and managing community-driven initiatives across Liberia.

In the communication addressed to the Speaker, the President acknowledged LACE's significant contributions over the years in improving the living standards of vulnerable communities through the provision of basic social services, income-generating infrastructure, and community empowerment projects. However, he noted that emerging national priorities under the Government's ARREST Agenda require stronger institutional arrangements, greater transparency, and improved accountability mechanisms.

According to the proposed amendments, LACE's governance structure would be strengthened through the creation of an additional Deputy Executive Director responsible for Programs and Operations. The proposal also calls for the reconstitution of the Agency's Board of Directors to include broader stakeholder representation, including legal professionals, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and development partners.

The proposed legislation further seeks to expand LACE's responsibilities by centralizing the management and oversight of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from state-owned enterprises, concessionaires, and other corporate entities operating in Liberia. The measure aims to ensure transparent management, equitable distribution, and effective reporting of CSR-funded development interventions nationwide.

Additionally, the amendments propose reforms in financial management, including the institutionalization of annual allocations for District Development Funds through the national budget and the introduction of stronger monitoring and oversight mechanisms to enhance accountability and value for money.
President Boakai emphasized that the reforms are designed to reinforce Liberia's decentralization agenda, strengthen local development structures, improve financial transparency, and ensure that development resources are managed efficiently to benefit communities throughout the country.

The President urged members of the Legislature to give the proposed amended LACE Act urgent consideration, describing it as a critical step toward improving grassroots development financing, reducing poverty, and accelerating inclusive national development. He expressed confidence that the Legislature would act favorably on the proposal in the interest of national renewal and community empowerment.

During the introduction of the bill on the floor of the House of Representatives, Hon. Foday E. Fahnbulleh proposed that the legislation be forwarded to the House Committees on Judiciary and Good Governance for review and scrutiny. He further recommended that the committees conduct the necessary consultations and return the bill to plenary within two weeks for further deliberation and possible ratification.

04/06/2026

LACE Commences Renovation work on the Jorkpen Town Market in Sinkor

The Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) has officially commenced renovation works on the Jorkpen Town Market, located around 8th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, marking a significant step toward improving local commerce and economic opportunities for residents.

The project, which is fully funded by the Government of Liberia through its FY2026 budgetary allocation, is valued at approximately US$150,000.00. Upon completion, the renovated market is expected to serve as a major economic hub for marketers, small business owners, and residents within the Sinkor belt and neighboring communities.

The renovation initiative reflects the Government's commitment to strengthening local infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for trade and economic growth. The upgraded facility will provide a safer and more conducive marketplace for vendors and customers alike.

According to the contractor, Only God's Grace Construction Company, a Liberian-owned construction firm undertaking the project, work is progressing steadily and the market is expected to be completed within the anticipated timeframe.

LACE through its Executive Director, Mr. Julius K. Sele reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of community development projects that positively impact the lives of Liberians and contribute to sustainable local development.

30/05/2026

LACE Advances Implementation of Klay Market Project Following Fulfillment of Required Procedures

The Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) remains committed to the successful implementation of all District Development Projects (DDPs) under the leadership of its Executive Director, Mr. Julius K. Sele. Demonstrating this commitment, the office of Senator Alex B. Tyler has fulfilled all the necessary requirements, enabling LACE to proceed to the next phase of the full implementation of the Klay Market Project.

As a result, significant activities aimed at the commencement, advancement, and completion of the market are currently underway. The project is expected to provide improved trading facilities and create a more conducive business environment for marketers and residents of Klay and its surrounding communities.

Speaking during an appearance on the MICAT Hour, Executive Director Sele addressed concerns raised by former District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah regarding the implementation of district projects. According to Mr. Sele, Rep. Kolubah had alleged during an appearance on OK FM 99.5's Morning Rush program that LACE had misapplied funds intended for a project in District #10.

Clarifying the matter, the Executive Director explained that the project was not implemented because the office of the former lawmaker did not satisfy the mandatory requirements established for District Development Projects. He emphasized that LACE follows a transparent and standardized process before any project can commence.

The requirements include:

Project Site Identification – The lawmaker must identify and designate the location where the proposed infrastructure project will be constructed. This process is verified during LACE's assessment phase.
Formal Communication – The office of the lawmaker must submit an official communication to LACE specifying the type of project requested for implementation.
Project Design and Approval – LACE's architects prepare the project drawings and present them to the lawmaker for review and approval. Once approved, the designs are forwarded to the Ministry of Public Works for clearance before construction activities can begin.

Mr. Sele noted that adherence to these procedures ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with national standards in the ex*****on of development projects across Liberia.

Meanwhile, work on the Klay Market Project continues to progress steadily. The market is currently approximately 65 percent completed, with LACE's Program Department closely monitoring the construction process to ensure that all works meet the required standards and specifications.

29/05/2026

LACE Advances Implementation of US$3.5 Million Sekimpa Medical Hospital Project

The Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) continues to make significant progress in the implementation of the Sekimpa Medical Hospital Project, a modern healthcare facility jointly funded by the Government of the Republic of Liberia and ArcelorMittal.

The project, valued at approximately US$3.5 million, was initiated several years ago following approval by the Government of Liberia. Designed to improve access to quality healthcare services, the hospital is expected to serve thousands of citizens and strengthen the country's healthcare delivery system.

Over the years, substantial progress has been made, with several medical units already completed and ready for operation. These completed facilities represent a major milestone in the realization of the hospital's vision of providing comprehensive medical care to the people of Nimba and surrounding counties such as B**g and Grand Gedeh including close border areas of the Republic of Guniea.

LACE is currently working closely with the contractor, BMC, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Hasan Kobeissi, to complete the remaining structures within the hospital complex. Among the key facilities under construction is the Surgical Building, which is featured in the accompanying photograph. Once completed, this specialized unit will provide modern surgical services and enhance the hospital's capacity to perform a wide range of medical procedures.

The successful implementation of the project has also been guided by the expertise of Julius K. Sele, who serves as the lead architect overseeing all construction activities. As head of the implementing agency, he continues to provide technical leadership and supervision to ensure that construction standards are maintained and project objectives are achieved.

Upon completion, the Sekimpa Medical Hospital is expected to become a vital healthcare institution, offering improved medical services and contributing to better health outcomes for residents in the region. The project stands as a testament to the strong partnership among the Government of Liberia, LACE, ArcelorMittal, and other stakeholders committed to advancing national development and improving the well-being of Liberians.

26/05/2026

Today at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, excitement filled the air as teams from the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) clashed with their rivals from the John F. Kennedy Medical Center at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sport Complex in both kickball and football competitions during an intense tournament showdown.

The day began with the women’s kickball encounter, where LACE female team displayed determination, unity, and outstanding teamwork. From the opening whistle, they dominated the match with confidence and energy, leaving their opponents struggling to keep up. Cheers erupted across the stadium as the LACE ladies defeated the JFK female team by a margin of five points, sending a strong message to the rest of the tournament contenders. Supporters of LACE celebrated proudly as their team showcased skill, discipline, and the spirit of champions.

However, the football match told a different story. The LACE football team faced a tough and well-organized JFK side that controlled much of the game. Despite several efforts from the LACE players to fight back, the JFK football team proved too strong on the day, securing a convincing 4-0 victory.

Even with the mixed results, LACE still stands a strong chance of qualifying for the next stage of the tournament, provided they secure victory in their upcoming matches.

Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment /Community Works

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