Ganta hospital administrator steps down

Victor Doolakeh Taryor, a United Methodist missionary, has left Ganta United Methodist Hospital after eight years as its administrator. He is planning to serve as a consultant.

During his tenure as administrator, he oversaw the hospital’s response to health problems rarely seen in the United States. These problems included fistula, often endured by women who have been raped multiple times, and the worst Ebola outbreak in history.

“UMC Ganta hospital is well prepared to respond to any Ebola outbreak more than we were when the Ebola virus first hit Liberia,” said Taryor, who is also co-chairperson of the Nimba County Ebola Task Force.

He joined the hospital’s staff in 1986 as a student. He rose through the ranks, holding the position of shift supervisor and later director of nursing services before becoming administrator.

Be sure to add the alt. text

Victor Doolakeh Taryor chats with Nora Keah, who will serve as interim administrator at Ganta United Methodist Hospital after Taryor’s departure. Photo by Julu Swen, UMNS.

In 2008, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries commissioned Taryor as a missionary in its Global Health Missionary Program.

“Community service has always been my passion,” he told a gathering of Ganta Hospital staff and other United Methodists.

During the sending off service at Miller McAllister United Methodist Church, the Rev. James Z. Labala described Taryor as a faithful servant of the church. Labala, the former pastor on the church, is now superintendent of the Gompa district.

“Your faithfulness in doing small jobs will lead to greater responsibilities,” the pastor told Taryor.

The Rev. Samuel Quire, assistant to Liberia Area Bishop John Innis, credited Taryor with establishing a good working relationship between Ganta hospital and the nation’s Ministry of Health.

Nora Keah is now serving as interim administrator of the hospital until the United Methodist Church in Liberia can recruit a new administrator.

*Swen is editor and publisher of West African Writers, an online publication about United Methodist happenings in West Africa and assists the denomination in Liberia with coverage for United Methodist Communications.

News media contact: Vicki Brown, [email protected] or 615-742-5469.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Theology and Education
Rosemary Nyarugwe, the first female principal of The United Methodist Church’s Nyadire College of Education in Zimbabwe, is being remembered as a faithful and dedicated church leader and advocate for education in Africa. She died June 22 at age 64. Photo by Munyaradzi Matura for TV Ebenezer.

Leader of United Methodist teachers’ college dies

Rosemary Nyarugwe, the first woman principal of The United Methodist Church’s Nyadire College of Education, left her mark on the higher education landscape in Africa.
Social Concerns
Gloria Kache (left) paints Clementina Kalunde’s nails at Parkview Kitengela United Methodist Church in Nairobi, Kenya. Kache is a beneficiary of the church’s No Girl No Cry initiative, which empowers young girls in the community through education and mentoring. She now volunteers with the church’s Mumo Educational Center. Photo by Jackline Mwende.

From dumpsite to determination

United Methodist ministry helps Kenyan teen complete her education, gain confidence and set her sights on college.
Theology and Education
Mykal Jones (right) recalls how short Isaac Sakala (center) was when he and wife Traci Jones (left) last saw him 10 years before. The Joneses, who are from Dallas, Texas, supported Sakala’s education from primary school through his graduation at Africa University in Zimbabwe on June 6. Sakala is a beneficiary of the Excel Beyond program run by Family Legacy, a Zambian organization caring for orphans and disadvantaged children and youth. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

From foster care to Africa University grad

A partnership between the United Methodist university and Zambia’s Family Legacy helps orphaned and vulnerable students get their degrees.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved