-To Liberia’s new government
By Jerromie S. Walters
Consistent with Article 50 of the Liberian Constitution of 1986 which states that Each Presidential term begins and ends at noon on the third working Monday in January of the year immediately following the elections. Mr. Boakai was inaugurated as the 26th President of the Republic of Liberia, on Monday, January 22, 2024, along with his Vice President Jeremiah Koung.
This new dawn for Liberians was actualized following the end of former President George Weah’s regime, through a democratic process, after the majority of Liberians became weary of his governance especially when his ascendency to the presidency in 2018 was enraged with high expectations, after the youth and ordinary Liberians saw themselves in him and mainly after they were assured that they would not have been spectators in their economy.
As Boakai kickstarts his fresh journey, WomenVoices hears from Liberians (Experts, and professionals) regarding what they foreknow (their expectations) and also entertains cardinal recommendations that are capable of giving Mr. Boakai a good legacy after his first six years as Liberia’s 26th President. From an economist to a legal practitioner, health expert, educationist, women’s rights defender, and a representative of persons with disabilities. They all narrate their expectations and proffer crucial recommendations to the new administration.
Economist
Liberia’s renowned and controversial economist Samuel Jackson says if Mr. Boakai must succeed in his presidency, he must be radical and exhibit zero tolerance for corruption.
Samuel Jackson: “No government can make significant improvements in the lives of Liberians without a radical departure from the same old business as usual. If Boakai must succeed where no other government has in our nearly 177-year history he must be radical. Zero tolerance for corruption. A rule of law regime that is rigid, firm and counters impunity.”
As disclosed by the U.S. sanction report, corruption has long undermined Liberia’s democracy and its economy, robbing the Liberian people of funds for public services, empowering illicit actors, degrading the business environment, and damaging the rule of law and effective governance in the country. Corruption also contributes to diminished confidence in government and public perception of impunity for those with power.
With this, Jackson recommends the need for Mr. Boakai to bring in the best and brightest. “Craft an economic development program that prioritizes Liberian economic empowerment. Design a foreign policy that supports our economic and security interests. Liberia first agenda.”
In a World Bank Poverty & Equity Brief on Africa Western & Central, Liberia specifically in April 2021, Poverty in Liberia remains widespread, with more than half of the population 50.9 percent below the national poverty line, according to the 2016 Household Income and Expenditure Survey.
This translates into roughly 2.3 million Liberians who were unable to meet their basic needs. Around 68 percent of the country’s poor live in rural areas where poverty incidence is 71.6 percent, more than twice as high as in cities (31.5 percent).
In addition, 44 percent of the population lived under the extreme international poverty line of $1.90 per day. Poverty in Liberia is projected to increase over the next few years, driven by increasing food prices, lower commodity prices for minerals, and several other setbacks.
Women’s rights defender
The coming of the new leadership with the inauguration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the collective hopes and aspirations of its citizens, particularly women, are pinned on the promises of a brighter future.
Miatta Garmai Darwolor, a prominent Liberian women’s rights defender, and Executive Director of Sister Aid Liberia has come forward with a list of recommendations for President Boakai’s administration to prioritize gender equality, inclusivity, and national unity, acknowledging women’s significant contributions during the campaign period.
One of the urgent concerns highlighted by this women’s rights defender is the need to create avenues for women’s growth and success in business. Despite their enormous potential, Liberian women face numerous obstacles such as limited access to capital, discriminatory practices, and cultural biases that hinder their entrepreneurial ventures.
To address these issues, Madam Miatta Darwolor says President Boakai’s administration should focus on promoting policies that foster an enabling business environment for women.
Women in Liberia have been tireless supporters of President Boakai’s campaign, a they stood firmly by his side. Now, Madam Darwolor believes it is crucial to recognize their loyalty and dedication by ensuring their inclusion in decision-making processes at the highest levels, including the cabinet and administration. It’s a known fact that appointing capable women to leadership positions will not only be a testament to the administration’s commitment to gender equality but will also enhance diversified perspectives in policy formulation and implementation.
At the same time, the women’s rights defender says respect for women’s rights should be a cornerstone of President Boakai’s administration. Liberia has made significant progress in this area, but persistent challenges such as violence against women, gender-based discrimination, and limited access to education and healthcare continue to undermine gender equality.
She tells WomenVoices that the government must reinforce existing laws protecting women’s rights and work towards their effective implementation. Early June 2023, Mamena Kai, the Acting Deputy Minister for Children and Social Protection at the Ministry of Gender, disclosed that for the first quarter of that year (2023), the Ministry recorded 759 sexual and gender-based violence cases in Liberia. According to the young Minister, the total number of cases the Ministry recorded for the first quarter, which is January to March is 759 cases. Concisely, she said in January they recorded 310, in February they recorded 309, and in March, they recorded 140 SGBV cases.
Howbeit, Madam Darwolor noted that achieving national unity and reconciliation is crucial for building a prosperous and harmonious Liberia. Darwolor urges President Boakai’s administration to prioritize truth and reconciliation processes to heal the wounds of the recent elections.
She holds the belief that Inclusivity should be the guiding principle, ensuring that all citizens, can actively participate in the nation’s development.
Educationist
As Liberia enters a new era with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the helm, the need for a comprehensive and robust education system is paramount. Unleashing his expectations and recommendations to the new government, Dr. Charles Gbollie, a brilliant Liberian educator has highlighted the crucial role of competent educators to oversee the nation’s education Ministry.
“There is a perception that education can be effectively run by anybody. That’s exactly one of the reasons that has kept the system behind so I think the very important part is that to effectively improve it, it will mean that professionals who have degrees training in education must be highly considered for such process.“
Dr. Gbollie: “You can be educated but you are not an educator. An educator is somebody who has the skills or a kind of logic to be able to train someone knowing the morals and systems.” He has put forth recommendations to President Boakai and his administration, emphasizing the importance of appointing qualified individuals (educators) to oversee the Ministry of Education.
Liberia’s education system has long been afflicted by numerous challenges, including limited infrastructure, inadequate funding, outdated curriculum, and a shortage of skilled teachers. These problems have resulted in low literacy rates, limited access to quality education for most children, and a lack of necessary skills for employment in an increasingly competitive job market.
Recognizing the significance of qualified educators for transforming the education landscape, Dr. Gbollie recommends that President Boakai’s administration appoint individuals with a deep understanding of education as key decision-makers in the Ministry of Education. These individuals, he says should possess not only academic expertise but also experience in implementing effective educational policies and programs.
In his opinion, the appointment of such competent educators to positions of leadership within the education ministry will strengthen the sector and offer valuable insights and expertise in the development and implementation of educational policies that align with international standards and prioritize the needs of Liberian students.
With the prioritization of education and the crucial role of competent educators, Dr. Gbollie is confident that Liberia can overcome long-standing challenges.
As a vibrant educator who has been in the private sector over the last few years, Dr. Gbollie confirmed to WomenVoices that if called upon, he’s willing to serve the state.
Dr. Charles Gbollie is a well-acclaimed Liberian researcher with over six scientific research publications in international journals and an author of several motivational and mind-expanding books: The Youthful Champion; The Champion’s Thought; and The Golden Sides of Tough Times. He earned his PhD in Developmental and Educational Psychology in June 2019.
Legal practitioner
As Liberia ushers in a new era under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the hopes and aspirations of the Liberian people are high. Among those who eagerly anticipate positive change is a prominent Liberian female legal practitioner,
Atty. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley believes that a strong and independent legal system is crucial for the country’s development.
In her perspective and recommendations to President Boakai’s administration, she tells WomenVoices that an independent legal system is the bedrock of any democratic society. This is because she says it ensures that justice is served impartially, regardless of one’s social status, gender, or ethnicity. For Liberia to thrive, Atty. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley articulates that it is apt that the legal system operates without interference from external forces, including the government itself.
The female legal practitioner emphasizes the need for President Boakai’s administration to respect the separation of powers and refrain from interfering in judicial affairs. This includes refraining from influencing judges, prosecutors, and other legal professionals. By doing so, she says the administration can foster an environment where justice can be dispensed fairly.
Atty. Kelley: “The expectations of Liberians are high and rightly so considering the numerous campaign promises made by President Joseph N. Boakai and the Unity Party during the election. Firstly, as the name of the party depicts, we expect to see a more unified and reconciled nation. A more democratic state where there will be respect for human rights, straight adherence to the rule of law, and accountability. Separation of power by the three branches of government for check and balance as a civilized nation. Particularly with the judiciary no interference whatsoever in decisions taken by the court. Implementation of laws and policies in the interest of justice.”
She recommends the need for attractive salaries and benefits for dispensers of justice in this jurisdiction. “An upgraded correctional facility where the rights of prisoners will be respected. Creating a separate and holistic rehabilitation facility for juveniles who are in detention. Though this is something that has been seen from one government to another, records of mysterious deaths and disappearances in Liberia under George Weah’s administration show over twenty, including John Hilary Tubman, son of former Pres. Tubman; Rev. William R. Tolbert III, son of former Pres. Tolbert, Matthew Innis of the Central Bank, believed to possess information about missing 16 billion, Kollie Ballah, driver at Central Bank, Miss Maude Elliot of the Immigration Service, Emmanuel Barten Nyesuah head of the Internal Audit Agency, Gifty Asmah Lama auditor of the LRA, Albert Peters auditor of the LRA, George Fanbutu auditor of the LRA, Alexander Yeahnur in River Gee and more.
Still commenting on the Justice system, Atty Kelley noted that she expects that the new government will prioritize gender inclusion in every segment. “We must see a government that is gender balanced. The issue of gender equality should this time be actualized by elevating the conversation from aspirations to implementation with the government taking the lead. I most importantly envisage more robust actions on ending violence in all forms against women in Liberia.”
She adds- “My foremost gratitude to the omnipotent God Jehovah for the peaceful transition of power. The entire process was the doing of God which I personally do not take for granted. My sincere appreciation to former President George M. Weah for peacefully turning over the mantle of authority to the new government.”
Atty. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley is an experienced Liberian legal practitioner. She’s the Vice President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia.
Health Expert
Liberia, like many nations, confronts significant challenges in its healthcare system, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and access to quality healthcare. Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, Dr. Sianeh Jackson Mentoe, a Liberian health expert has encouraged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his administration, to prioritize investment in the health sector to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure the overall well-being of Liberian citizens.
“We need to work on our human resource. There should certain amount of staff to be at a clinic, both professionals and none professionals. All of these layers within the health sector have specific numbers of professionals and none professionals that are supposed to be there and we know that it has not been coming forth. She adds: “We need to improve our human resource. There’s a huge gap in that area so we need to improve “Secondly, what I expect from this incoming government is more support for the health system. More financial, logistical, everything that has to do with support so that the health system can work as it should.”
Liberia’s healthcare system faces numerous obstacles, including a shortage of medical personnel, limited access to primary healthcare facilities, and insufficient medical supplies. These challenges have been further exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the critical need for investment and reform in the health sector. One of the key recommendations put forward by Dr. Sianeh Jackson Mentoe is for President Boakai’s administration to invest heavily in improving the country’s healthcare infrastructure. This includes increasing the workforce and the provision of financial and logistical support.
The Liberian health expert recommends that President Boakai’s administration focus on strengthening the supply chains and logistics for healthcare commodities She says there’s a critical need to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in Liberia.
Dr. Sianeh Jackson Mentoe further alluded that Investing in the recruitment, training, and retention of qualified doctors, nurses, midwives, and other healthcare personnel is essential to bridge the healthcare workforce gap. “The rest of the problems hangs on these two major ones, if we tackle these two, we will be able to solve the rest of the other problems.” Dr. Sianeh Jackson Mentoe is the current County Health Officer of Margibi County. She has years of experience in the health sector.
Disabled Community
In Liberia, people with disabilities have long faced multiple barriers, including discrimination, limited employment opportunities, and inadequate access to essential services. Recognizing the urgent need for change, disabled Liberian politician Samuel Dean has proffered recommendations to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his administration, calling for a proactive approach to ensure equality, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities.
Samuel Dean highlights the need for President Boakai’s administration to prioritize creating an inclusive society where people with disabilities have an equal share of the national cake. “My first recommendation to the government with regards to the improvement of lives of persons with disabilities is with very high expectations.
He recommends the need for the appointment of someone who he says is passionate about disability issues, to head the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD). Excluding passion, he emphasized the need for said individual to originate from an advocacy background, a situation he believes will place them in a better position to push the agenda of the disabled community.
His advocacy is pushed by his claim that the act that created the Commission has not always been adhered to, through employment and several other ways. “Section five of the act provides that for every hundred persons, four percent should be persons with disabilities. Dean went on to point out the essence of eradicating social sexual stigma on persons with disabilities. “We have been waiting for this time, this hour, and this moment. Our expectations are high.”
He believes Investing in inclusive education and skill development programs is crucial to empower people with disabilities and equip them with the necessary tools to become self-reliant and active participants in society. Dean emphasized that the government must ensure that educational institutions are accessible and provide appropriate support to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities.
Furthermore, vocational training programs tailored to the abilities and aspirations of people with disabilities can contribute to their economic independence and enhance their access to meaningful employment opportunities. Samuel Dean urges President Boakai to implement affirmative action policies, incentives, and inclusive hiring practices that promote the recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities within the public and private sectors.
Government support programs should also be established to provide accessible funding and resources for entrepreneurs with disabilities to start their businesses. The creation of a supportive environment that fosters entrepreneurship will not only empower people with disabilities but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the nation. Additionally, he stressed the essentiality of involving people with disabilities in policy-making and decision-making processes to ensure that their voices are heard and their specific needs are met.
Dean believes ensuring that people with disabilities have an equal share of the national cake, gain employment, and are empowered will not only enhance their quality of life but also contribute to a more equitable and prosperous Liberia. President Boakai has the unique opportunity to usher in a new era of inclusion and pave the way for a society that recognizes the inherent worth and potential of all its citizens, regardless of their abilities.
Amid his disability, Samuel Dean is a Liberian politician. He contested for the representative seat of Montserrado County District #8 during Liberia’s October 10, 2023, legislative and presidential elections. Dean is also one of those who pushed for the establishment of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD) in 2005.
The inauguration and November 14, 2023
Mr. Boakai was inaugurated as the 26th President of the Republic of Liberia, on Monday, January 22, 2024, along his Vice President Jeremiah Koung. The inauguration was held at the Capitol, the home of the Liberian legislature, Capitol Hill in Monrovia. House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa presided over the session, which also happened to be his first joint legislative session.
Boakai won the November 14, 2023, presidential runoff election with 50.64 percent of the vote, against 49.36 percent of the vote for Mr. Weah. Official NEC result shows that Boakai won with only a 20,567-vote margin. Weah had already conceded defeat days ahead of the final result, based on the results of more than 99.98 percent of the polling stations.
The outgoing president was venerated globally, for his decision and promoting a non-violent transition in a region marred by coups. “Liberians have once again demonstrated that democracy is alive in the ECOWAS region and that change is possible through peaceful means,” the Economic Community of West African States said in a statement. Since 2020, ECOWAS states have seen abrupt regime changes with military forces seizing power by force in four of the fifteen member countries: Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Niger.
