Gbarnga, Bong County – The Board of Trustees and Senior Staff of Lofa County University (LCU) have successfully concluded a two-day strategic retreat held from March 13–14 in Gbarnga. During this retreat, they made significant decisions aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and academic quality at the university. The retreat primarily focused on addressing the key challenges facing the university and identifying practical measures to improve its operations. By the end of the session, the Board approved 19 policies developed under the leadership of University President Dr. Isaac Podah. Additionally, they established two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs): one with Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria and another with the Change Agent Network in Fessibu Town, Zorzor District. Under the partnership with Ahmadu Bello University, faculty members from the Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering, Science, and Technology will have opportunities to pursue advanced studies, which will enhance their professional capabilities. Meanwhile, the MOU with the Change Agent Network will enable Lofa County University to take control of institutional assets in Fessibu, valued at over US$450,000. This transfer follows a request from local stakeholders, including citizens of the Zorzor and Salayea Districts. The planned takeover aims to expand the university’s infrastructure and support its long-term development agenda. The Board has tasked the administration with engaging relevant authorities, including the Lofa County Legislative Caucus, to ensure a smooth and transparent process. Among the key policies approved is the Academic Policy, which establishes standards for teaching, learning, grading, and curriculum development. The Finance and Petty Cash Policies introduce stricter financial controls to enhance transparency and accountability. Additionally, the Procurement Policy defines clear procedures for acquiring goods and services. Other policies include the Internal Audit Policy to improve oversight, the Risk and Infrastructure Policy to address safety and sustainability concerns, the Fixed Assets Policy for proper management of university property, and the Study Leave Policy to guide staff development, among others. A Historic Milestone University officials described the outcomes of the retreat as a major milestone, noting that it represents the first comprehensive set of policies adopted since the institution's founding. These decisions are expected to improve institutional management, enhance academic delivery, and position Lofa County University for sustained growth and stronger partnerships. At the conclusion of the retreat, Board Chairman Rev. Victor Padmore commended members for their commitment and described the discussions as productive. He urged continued collaboration to advance the university’s development.

A heated legal debate unfolded in Liberia’s Senate on Wednesday as the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Law Reform Commission (LRC) clashed over proposed amendments to the country’s Anti-Corruption Law. At the center of the dispute is a controversial provision that would shift the burden of proof in corruption cases from prosecutors to the accused. The Proposed Amendments Drafted by the LRC, the legislation seeks to introduce illicit enrichment laws in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The reforms would require public officials to justify wealth that significantly exceeds their lawful income. Cllr. Bornor Varmah, Chairperson of the LRC, argued that the changes are essential to strengthen accountability, deter bribery, and enhance Liberia’s credibility with international financial institutions. He told senators that the reforms would help recover stolen assets, redirect funds to public services such as healthcare and education, and position Liberia as a more attractive destination for foreign investment. “The law would establish a paradigm shift in the burden of proof,” Varmah explained. “Once the state demonstrates a financial discrepancy, the accused must provide a reasonable explanation for their assets.” LACC’s Constitutional Concerns The LACC, however, raised strong objections. Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe warned that shifting the burden of proof undermines constitutional protections against self-incrimination, citing Articles 20(A) and 21(b) of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution. “While the Commission welcomes the removal of statutes of limitations and the criminalization of illicit enrichment, we are deeply concerned that shifting the burden of proof may violate constitutional rights,” Zoe told lawmakers. She cautioned that such contradictions could lead the Supreme Court to dismiss corruption cases, weakening the fight against graft. Zoe also criticized provisions allowing the removal of LACC officials by the executive branch, arguing that such measures would compromise the Commission’s independence. “We can be investigating the executive, yet the same executive has the power to remove us at will. That undermines the robustness of our institution,” she said. Legislative Review Continues Despite objections raised during the drafting process, Zoe noted that the LRC insisted on retaining the disputed clauses. Senators concluded the hearing after hours of testimony, pledging to continue consultations with integrity institutions as the review process moves forward. Representatives from the Office of the Ombudsman and the Governance Commission also attended, though the latter was dismissed because its chairperson has not yet been confirmed by the Senate. The debate underscores Liberia’s struggle to balance aggressive anti-corruption measures with constitutional safeguards, a challenge that will shape the country’s governance and international standing in the years ahead.

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