Monrovia, Liberia — In a ceremony held on Friday, August 15, 2025, the Ministry of National Defense (MoD) and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) disbursed insurance benefits to the families of three AFL personnel who died while in active service. The payments were made through the MoD/AFL Group Life Insurance Policy, which is a scheme established with Secure Risk Insurance Company to provide medical and death benefits to MoD and AFL personnel. This policy is funded by contributions from the salaries of all MoD and AFL personnel.
Speaking at the event, Honorable Merlin D. Dennis, the Assistant Minister for Administration at the MoD, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting service personnel and their families. “The government recognizes the tremendous sacrifices AFL soldiers are making to defend this nation,” he stated. “It is our duty, both morally and institutionally, to stand with the families of deceased AFL personnel.” Assistant Minister Dennis emphasized that the payments were not just financial transactions but “a reaffirmation of our promise to never forget those who gave their lives in the service to Liberia.” He added that while no amount of money could replace the lives lost, the insurance benefits were intended to help families adjust to their new lives. The Ministry will continue to ensure the timely processing of benefits for the families of all deceased personnel.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Jadoe, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel of the AFL, also spoke at the ceremony. He underscored the AFL’s dedication to upholding the dignity of its personnel and their dependents, stating, “It is the obligation of the AFL to ensure that when a personnel falls, his or her family is not left in despair.” He explained that by providing these benefits through the Group Life Insurance Policy, the AFL was honoring its obligation to three fallen soldiers.
Lieutenant Colonel Jadoe disclosed that the AFL has lost several personnel over the years to illness, accidents, and service-related incidents. He revealed that the families of some fallen soldiers have yet to receive insurance benefits from previous insurance providers. However, he stressed that the AFL leadership is working closely with the MoD to ensure that all families receive their rightful benefits.
The families of the three deceased soldiers expressed their gratitude to the MoD and AFL for the support and for recognizing the service of their loved ones. The checks were received by Mrs. Satta Wilson, widow of the late Private First Class Papah Wilson; Mrs. Nancy Jallah, widow of the late Sergeant Moses Jallah; and Miss Ruth Williams, widow of the late Sergeant Shadrach Sherk Marshall.