LIBERIA: Pres. Boakai Keen On Changing Liberia’s Direction to Progress

Despite the long years of freedom and sovereignty the independence of Liberia promises, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is saddened that people still suffer from hunger, homelessness, illness, poverty, and injustice.

Speaking at occasion marking the country’s 177th Independence Day, President Boakai indicated that it’s time that Liberians embrace the true values of freedom and work together to provide opportunities for every Liberian to live a dignified life in our country.

This year’s Independence Day was celebrated under the theme: “Building a New Liberia for All Liberians.”

According to him, the country is at a crucial moment in its history, and that there is a rare opportunity to come together and truly embody the meaning of freedom, and to build a nation that reflects the diversity of Liberia, by working towards creating a country all Liberians can be proud to pass on to future generations.

“History has placed us at the confluence of a turbulent past and a hopeful and prosperous future. We either look back and do business the way we have done it for decades and fail our people, or look forward, setting our face like a flint in an onward march to transform our country despite our historical challenges and other foundational problems,” said President Boakai.

He stated that the country with a rich history, but it has been slow to progress, and so based on this, he wants Liberians to seize the chance to change the direction of the country and move away from the self-imposed struggles faced since gaining independence 177 years ago.

The Liberian leader maintained that Liberia has great potential, and it’s our responsibility as the current generation to take advantage of this opportunity and improve the country so that everyone has a better chance at a good life.

“My fellow citizens, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our country during this crucial time, caught between a challenging past and a hopeful future. I see this moment in our history as a turning point to leap with faith, as we strive to transition from the past to the future.”

He vowed his government’s commitment to provide the space for us to work together across political, economic, and social divides to bring about positive change for all.

“Today, I pledge my personal commitment and that of my Government to provide the space for us to work together across political, economic, and social divides to bring about positive change for all.”

“Now is the time for us to come together and use our collective strengths to propel Liberia towards an inclusive future. The decisions we make today will leave a lasting impact for generations to come.”

He said for too long, Liberia has faced challenges that have created division amongst Liberians.

The Liberian chief executive asserted that historical structural barriers have not only made it difficult for a large segment of our population, especially those in the interior of the country to access services; they have curtailed their ability to earn and sustain respectable livelihoods.

“The structure of our economy has led to significant inequality, which has fueled social tensions and conflicts. Furthermore, a small group of people have exploited the government for their personal gain.”

“These and many other factors have contributed to tensions, creating divisions in society based on wealth, class, ethnicity, and other factors that lead to conflicts.
As we gather in this grand hall built to celebrate one hundred years of our existence, we must strive to show a unified vision and a strong commitment to building a new Liberia that includes all Liberians, regardless of ethnic group, religion, or circumstances.”

He urged that building a new Liberia should not be just a dream; but Liberians must make a promise that future generations will work toward creating a nation where every citizen can prosper.

“The new Liberia must be a society where every citizen has equal educational opportunities, ensuring that every child has access to quality education regardless of their location in the country. It also means providing healthcare that reaches every corner of our nation, preventing unnecessary suffering and deaths from preventable diseases. With our resolve to build a Liberia for all, this should not be a problem.”

“Additionally, it entails creating employment opportunities with fair wages, lifting families out of poverty, and empowering Liberian entrepreneurs to innovate and grow. The new Liberia must prioritize inclusivity, allowing citizens to participate fully in the decision-making process that affects their well-being.”

But building that new Liberia is not just about the infrastructure and the policies drawn up, but it’s also about fostering a culture of unity and respect; and it’s about celebrating diversity as a source of strength, not division.

“It is about listening to each other, learning from our past, and forging a future where every Liberian can contribute their talents and ideas to our collective success.”

“The array of accomplished Liberians in different stations of professional and social life honored at the recent investiture ceremony is an example, a testament, and a poignant reminder of the rich depth of diversity that can be harnessed in building the new Liberia.”