-Says Liberia is grappling with Moral Bankruptcy and Hypocrisy
New Jersey, Atlantic: In a poignant and thought-provoking speech delivered at the 50th Anniversary of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Fonati Koffa, reflected on Liberia’s journey through the tumultuous decades of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s and the significant strides the nation has made since then. His address, a mixture of triumph and caution, underscored both the achievements and the persistent challenges facing the West African country.
A New Liberia Emerges
“But today, fellow Liberians, we find ourselves in a different time,” Speaker Koffa began, setting a tone of cautious optimism. He highlighted the remarkable transformation Liberia has undergone, moving from a period marked by civil unrest and instability to one characterized by democratic progress and civil empowerment.
“The Liberia of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s is not the Liberia of today. Our country has undergone significant transformation. We have seen two peaceful transitions of power, a hallmark of any mature democracy,” he declared. This, he noted, is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Liberian people, who have worked tirelessly to rebuild their nation.
Koffa applauded the development of a vibrant civil society and independent media, which have become pillars of the nation’s democracy. “We have a vibrant civil society, an independent media, and citizens who are empowered to hold their leaders accountable. These are achievements that were once thought distant dreams but are now part of our everyday reality,” he stated, reminding the audience of the hard-fought battles that made these milestones possible.
The Ongoing Struggle for True Change
Yet, amidst these achievements, Speaker Koffa did not shy away from addressing the deep-seated issues that continue to plague Liberia. His metaphorical reference to the “struggle for rice” highlighted the pervasive corruption and moral decay that still hinder the nation’s progress. “Tho we won the struggle for rights, we have not conquered the struggle for rice,” he remarked, using ‘rice’ as a symbol of basic needs and systemic integrity.
Koffa’s candid assessment painted a stark picture of a society grappling with “moral bankruptcy, intellectual hypocrisy, and social banditry.” He criticized those who call for change while harboring ambitions to perpetuate the same corrupt practices they decry. “Those who call for change and criticize their countrymen for being corrupt are simply the outsiders waiting to come in and do the same things,” he said, emphasizing that true change requires more than just a change of personnel.
The Speaker elaborated on the roots of these issues, tracing them back to historical injustices and systemic flaws. He pointed out that many of the current challenges are deeply entrenched and require a holistic approach to address. “We must understand that the struggle for rice is not just about providing for our basic needs but about transforming our values and systems,” Koffa asserted.
A Call to Renewed Efforts
The Speaker’s address was both a celebration of how far Liberia has come and a call to action for what still needs to be done. “The struggle for rice is a value and a system struggle that we must renew our efforts to curtail,” he urged. This struggle, he implied, is not merely about economic prosperity but about fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and genuine reform.
Koffa called on all sectors of society to play a role in this transformation. He highlighted the importance of education in shaping future leaders who can uphold these values. “We must invest in our education system to nurture a new generation of leaders who are committed to ethical governance and social justice,” he said.
He also emphasized the role of the diaspora in this effort, urging Liberians abroad to contribute to the nation’s development not just financially but through active engagement and advocacy. “The diaspora has a critical role to play in shaping the future of our country. Your voices, your skills, and your resources are invaluable in this struggle,” Koffa stated.
Addressing Economic Challenges
Drawing attention to the significant impact of the over $800 million in remittances sent home by Liberians in the diaspora in the preceding year, Speaker Koffa underscored the immense economic potential that resides within this community. He called upon them not only to continue their financial support but also to leverage their resources towards strategic investments, collaborative business ventures, tourism initiatives, and impactful development projects that will spur job creation and sustainable progress in Liberia.
Painting a compelling vision of a future Liberia driven by diaspora-led investments that power a thriving tourism sector, attract foreign direct investment, and foster a dynamic private sector accessible to all Liberians, Speaker Koffa stressed the paramount importance of forging partnerships between the diaspora and the Liberian government. He highlighted the necessity of creating an enabling environment for investment, advocating for the establishment of the Liberia Import Export Bank (LIBEXIM) to bolster exports, stimulate economic activity, and facilitate trade relations.
Emphasizing the imperative for the diaspora to embrace their role as architects of Liberia’s economic future, Speaker Koffa underscored the indispensable nature of their expertise, networks, and financial resources in shaping the country’s economic trajectory. He called upon ULAA and other diaspora organizations to mobilize and lead efforts to propel Liberia towards economic self-sufficiency and prosperity.
As Liberia stands at a historic crossroads, Speaker Koffa urged the diaspora to seize the present moment and actively engage in shaping the country’s economic destiny. He reiterated that the time for action, investment, and nation-building is now and that Liberia is relying on its diaspora to play a pivotal role in securing a prosperous future for all its citizens.
With a resounding call for unity, determination, and unwavering commitment to Liberia’s economic transformation, Speaker Koffa concluded his address by expressing confidence that through a shared vision and concerted effort, Liberia and its diaspora can usher in a new era of prosperity and progress that will resonate for generations to come.
A Vision for the Future
Empowering the Next Generation
Speaker Koffa placed significant emphasis on the future generation, urging the young people of Liberia to rise to the occasion and take up the mantle of leadership. “The future of Liberia rests on the shoulders of our young people. You are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is your responsibility to steer our nation towards a brighter future,” he encouraged.
He appealed to the youth to embrace education, innovation, and entrepreneurship as tools for personal and national development. “Invest in your education, be innovative, and take risks. The world is full of opportunities, and with determination and hard work, you can achieve greatness,” Koffa advised.
Acknowledging the economic challenges that Liberia faces, Koffa outlined several key areas that need urgent attention. He called for comprehensive economic reforms to create a conducive environment for investment and job creation. “We must undertake bold economic reforms to attract investment, create jobs, and ensure that our economy works for all Liberians,” he stated.
Koffa highlighted the importance of diversifying the economy, reducing reliance on traditional sectors, and promoting industries such as agriculture, technology, and tourism. “Our economy must be diversified to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience. We have rich agricultural lands, untapped tourism potential, and a growing tech-savvy population. These are areas we must capitalize on,” he said.
Strengthening Governance and Rule of Law
The Speaker also emphasized the need for strengthening governance and the rule of law as foundational pillars for sustainable development. He called for continued efforts to combat corruption, enhance transparency, and strengthen institutions. “Good governance and the rule of law are non-negotiable. We must continue to fight corruption, ensure transparency, and build strong institutions that serve the people,” Koffa asserted.
He urged the government to be accountable and responsive to the needs of the citizens, stressing that public office is a position of trust. “Those in public office must remember that they are there to serve the people, not themselves. Accountability and responsiveness are essential to restoring public trust,” he declared.
Concluding his speech, Speaker Koffa painted a vision for Liberia’s future, one that is grounded in hope, resilience, and collective effort. He underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among all Liberians, regardless of political, ethnic, or social differences. “Our strength lies in our unity. We must come together as one people, undivided by our differences, to build the Liberia we all dream of,” he proclaimed.
Koffa emphasized the need for inclusive development, ensuring that all Liberians, especially those in marginalized communities, benefit from the nation’s progress. He highlighted the critical role of women and youth in driving sustainable development and called for their greater inclusion in decision-making processes. “Women and youth are the backbone of our society. Their voices must be heard, and their contributions must be valued,” he said.
