-In New Year’s Address
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – January 1, 2025 – In his New Year’s message, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the nation’s development and emphasized the urgent need for the effective implementation of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai defeated former President George Weah with 50.64 percent of the votes to 49.36 percent in the second round of the 2023 presidential election, which was held on 14 November. Taking up office at 79, he’s recorded as the oldest president of the country. Boakai was sworn into office on Monday, January 22, 2024. With a six-year term, it means the 80-year-old has five years some days to exhaust his first term.
Outlining His 2025 Goals
As part of his vision for 2025, President Boakai outlined four critical areas that his government will prioritize to ensure a prosperous future for all Liberians. These include: Economic Strengthening, Education and Healthcare, Transparency and Accountability, and Unity and Reconciliation.
“Our focus will be the implementation of our development plan,” President Boakai stated.
The administration aims to bolster the economy by creating job opportunities, supporting small businesses, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources to promote financial stability across the nation.
Recognizing the importance of access to quality services, President Boakai pledged to enhance educational and healthcare systems, empowering all Liberians to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
To foster trust in governmental institutions, the President called for a commitment to transparency and accountability, reinforcing confidence in leadership and public service.
Emphasizing the strength found in diversity, President Boakai highlighted the need for unity and reconciliation, urging citizens to work collaboratively towards common goals.
What do Liberians expect?
During the 2023 campaign, the Unity Party (UP) vehemently echoed the consequences of drugs, massive corruption, mysterious killings, unrealistic budgetary allocations, and what they considered as extreme hardship they believed the Weah-Taylor administration imposed on the people of Liberia.
Those pressing issues they flagged were overwhelmingly embraced by the electorate, as they voted against Weah in their majority, in a quest for rescue. This was because the various issues were visible and they saw the UP as the best alternative, especially during the runoff election.
With almost a year down, there is a mixed reaction as some believe that the administration is not addressing the burning issues, especially combating drugs, and job creation among others while some say the government is doing well.
A fervent call
In his address, the President also called on public officials to serve with integrity and humility, prioritizing the needs of the people above all else. He stressed the importance of confronting complacency and corruption, ensuring that every decision made reflects the collective good of the nation.
Addressing the youth, President Boakai acknowledged their potential and aspirations, promising to create an environment conducive to their growth and success. He also pledged to uphold the rights and dignity of women and girls, ensuring they have equal opportunities to lead and thrive in all aspects of life.
As Liberia steps into 2025, President Boakai urged all citizens to commit to a year of renewed hope, hard work, and collaboration. “I envision a Liberia with a bright future, one that we have the power to build together,” he declared.
He urged Liberians to embrace the New Year as a time for reflection and renewal, as Liberia navigates both triumphs and challenges from the past year. In closing, the President extended his heartfelt wishes for a Happy, Blessed, Peaceful, and Prosperous New Year, invoking divine guidance and protection for the nation.
