MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Family members of victims of the Niko Ivanka ship wreck say they have not received the US100, 000 promised them by the Liberian Government.
The spokesperson of the families, Jelson Keamah disclosed that they have since engaged WAEC – Liberia to ascertain why the funds have not been made available to them.
When contacted, WAEC Head, Dale Gbotoe confirmed the report but said his office has not received any money from the Education Ministry.
Mr. Gbotoe is however calling on the families to remain calm as WAEC is exerting frantic efforts to resolve the issue.
At the same time, Education Minister, Ansu Sonii has clarified that the money announced by the government was not intended to go to individual families.
Minister Sonii said the money promised by government was committed to underwriting burial expenses of the victims.
Speaking with ELBC, Wednesday, September 22, 2021, Education Minister, Sonii also clarified that the money in question is not the victims’ pension benefits as is being perceived by some family members.
Minister Sonii however urged the families to engage WAEC authorities because they are responsible for the deceased pension benefits and not the Liberian Government.