Liberia's 177th Independence Day

August 24, 2024: U.S. Delegation Attending Liberia's 177th Independence Day

Today marks the 177th anniversary of the Liberian Flag, a significant cultural holiday celebrated nationwide.

National Flag Day in Liberia is celebrated on August 24th to honor the adoption of the flag in 1847. The flag symbolizes courage, moral excellence, and the African continent. It represents the country's sovereignty, independence, and unity. This day is a reminder of Liberia's rich history and the enduring significance of its national emblem.

Often referred to as the Lone Star, the flag of Liberia bears a striking resemblance to the flag of the United States, reflecting the country's historical ties.

The flag's design was approved during a convention where the nation's founding fathers established the new republic, serving as a powerful emblem representing the country's past, present, and future.

In celebration of this proud heritage, hundreds of schoolchildren paraded through the main streets of Monrovia, displaying their patriotic spirit.

Liberians in the diaspora celebrated the national flag with a strong sense of patriotism, pride, and unity among the citizens, underscoring the flag's significance as a symbol of dignity and loyalty.

Central PA Community Chair Palleh Wreh-Toe, left, with York-LIB, leads a parade of community members as they celebrate the second annual celebration of Liberia’s 177th Independence Day at Cousler Park in Manchester Township.

Historically, the Liberian flag was designed by a committee of seven women: Rachel Johnson, Matilda Newport, Colinette Teage, Sarah Draper, Mrs. J.B. Russwurm, Mary L. Hunter, and Susannah Lewis.

By The Editorial Press

Liberia: President BoaKai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung Declared Assets Publicly

Section 10.2 of the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and Employees did not make it compelling for designated officials to make public their declarations

Theo Edwards for YAME

Transparency strengthens public trust and underscores unyielding dedication to rooting corruption and fostering a climate of openness and accountability, signaling an era of responsible and conscientious leadership. The law only says public officers should declare their assets; they don't need to make them public.

President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung did something unusual in Liberian politics by publicly disclosing details of their asset declarations, in response to increasing pressure to fulfill a major campaign promise.

MONROVIA — President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung

"The requirement for public officials to disclose their assets according to Section 10.2 of the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and Employees emphasizes the significance of transparency and accountability in governance. However, the law does not mandate designated officials and employees to make their declarations public."

BoaKai emphasized that by making his assets declaration publicly available, he aims to set a compelling example for public officials and citizens alike, highlighting the importance of accountability and ethical leadership.

READ: Liberia's new President Joseph N. BoaKai

Some supporters of Mr. Boakai and his deputy remember that then-President George Weah did not publicly declare his assets despite facing criticism.

Weah, during his presidency, noted that disclosing his assets to the public could endanger him and his family, especially his children.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai

Mr. Boakai, a former vice president under Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for 12 years, ran an anti-corruption-based campaign that earned him his electoral victory over Mr. Weah and his Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC) in 2023.

Declaration of Assets

According to the information published for Mr. Boakai, the value of his total assets is put at $1,171,919.60, including cash on hand: $5,750, cash in the bank: $61,295.96, real properties: $766,391.07, personal properties: $212,400, and other assets $126,082.57 and a total net worth of $970,419.60.

Among the notable assets revealed by President Boakai, a lifelong agriculturist is his ownership of cattle valued at US$16,000. The president also reveals he has pigs valued at US$6,400.

Vice President Koung, in his declared assets are worth more than 7 million. As an elected representative of District One in Nimba County, the former co-chair of the lucrative Ways, Means, and Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, he is one person who comes with a heavy burden to the high office as he stands accused of engaging in shady business deals over the years.

During his term, Koung, along with a few lawmakers, stood accused of manipulating the national budget to amass wealth. Some say Koung, like Boakai, might be under-declaring what he has acquired over the years. They are insinuating the Vice President might likely hide many of his assets in Nimba County.

Public sentiment

To many in a country like Liberia, to be worth nearly One million United States Dollars is not something ordinary because on record, government salary is very meager, and no sincere public official has been able to acquire a wealth of $970,000.

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Demonstrating a dedication to transparency and ethical leadership, Boakai's actions distinguish him from others. However, many question the President's declared assets, which appear excessive and contradict his claims of serving the public with sincerity and honesty during his twelve years as Vice President of Liberia under the government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. This government was previously deemed highly corrupt by its former Auditor General, John S. Morlu, II.

What are your thoughts on this?

Feel free to join the conversation by posting your comment! We encourage readers across the political spectrum to participate. We hold Space for everyone on YAME. yame [dot] space. You can post comments as anonymous /guest.

President Boakai Suspends FIA Director General Stanley Ford

EXECUTIVE MANSION

PRESS RELEASE - March 30, 2024

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has suspended, with immediate effect, Mr. Stanley Ford, Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) for allegations of financial and other malpractices at the institution.

The President has made it clear that there is no tolerance for any form of malpractice and, as such, he has directed the Ministry of Justice to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He expressed confidence that the investigation will ensure that justice is served.

The President has further urged Mr. Ford to submit himself to the investigation and cooperate fully to make sure that the matter is resolved expeditiously.

This move by the Liberian Leader is a clear demonstration of his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions.

Liberia: 14 New Appointments to Security Sector, Economy, Ministry of State

Security Nominees

(L-R) Maj. Gen. Prince Charles Johnson, Minister-designate, Ministry of National Defense, Brig. Gen. Geraldine Janet George-Johnson, Deputy Minister, Ministry of National Defense, Col. Davidson T. Forleh, COS-designate, AFL (upper right), Col. Theophilus A. Dana, DCOS-designate, AFL.

— AFL Chief of Staff is the Defense Minister-designate

The pace at which President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is setting up his cabinet may appear rather tedious to some, but, true to his sense as a farmer, there’s no sweetness in forced ripeness. There’s a lot to unpack from this parable, but suffice it to say, that those who feel he’s going too slow with his appointments will be just fine.

However, the order of his appointments so far is a rather solid indicator of what his priority pillars have been from the start—and in this order—National Security, the Economy, the Office of the President, and then everything else.

The good news is that the list is getting longer each time, which perhaps suggests he’s hopefully picking up the pace.

On Thursday, February 1, Boakai nominated fourteen additional officials—consistent with his priority pillars—affecting the Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the National Port Authority, the National Investment Commission, the Ministry of State, and the Office of the President.

There are four new security sector appointments. Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff of the AFL, Major General Prince Charles Johnson, III, and Brigadier General Geraldine George-Johnson, respectively, have both been retired and appointed as Minister and Deputy Minister (respectively) of the National Defense.

With the change of guard in the AFL top brass comes Col. Davidson T. Forleh, promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and nominated for Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, succeeding Maj. Gen. Johnson. Meanwhile, Col. Theophilus Dana has been nominated as Deputy Chief of Staff, succeeding Brig. Gen. George.  

The transition from the AFL to the Defense Ministry may appear to be a natural career shift for those with leadership acumen in the national army. After all, it’s the most obvious transition. However, given the more diverse opportunities for professional development offered by the AFL, Liberian soldiers who excel could see themselves transitioning to other areas than the Ministry of Defense.

For example, Liberians were quite impressed at various road and sidewalk construction works neatly and professionally done by soldiers. Could we soon see a soldier appointed to the Ministry of Public Works? The idea is not far-fetched, since Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, a candidate in the October 2023 presidential election, pledged to appropriate military manpower to the agricultural sector. In fact, trailblazing the path is none other than the outgoing Minister of Defense, retired Maj. Gen. Daniel D. Ziankahn, who is being nominated for an ambassadorial post.

So there are five from the security sector out of this list of 14 appointments. 

Economy

Pushing his economic agenda, President Boakai has made two appointments to the National Port Authority — Sekou Dukuly, Managing Director, and James Bernard, Deputy Managing Director for Administration. Dukuly holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from Augsburg University, Minneapolis, Minnesota. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of North Dakota.

At the National Investment Commission (NIC), the President has appointed Jeff Blibo, Chairman, and Melvin Sheriff, Executive Director. Blibo is probably best known as the CEO of Union Strong, a well-known solar energy dealer in Liberia for more than 20 years. Sheriff has worked at the NIC for more than 13 years and, up to the time of his appointment, served as Director of Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships. He holds a BSc in Business Management and Accounting from AME Zion University (Liberia) and a Master of Science Degree in Economics with an emphasis in International Finance from Shanghai University. 

Ministry of State 

Coming in at the Ministry of State are Madam Mamaka Bility and Mr. Samuel A. Stevquoah, both serving as Ministers of State Without Portfolio. Stevqoah will also be in charge of special services under his designation.

Working directly with the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs will be Attorney Cornelia Kruah Togba as Deputy Minister for Administration. Kruah Togba’s appointment brings a youthful gender balance to her Minister-proper, Amb. Sylvester Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. As a licensed lawyer and a politician in her own right, she’s one to watch as an understudy for much bigger assignments.

Also coming to the Ministry of State will be Madam Ora Richards, as Deputy Minister for Budget and Finance.

Last but not least on this list is Ms. Morie Yaude Nemah, Executive Assistant, Office of the President. Nemah has served as Boakai’s Executive Assistant for several years and will continue in this capacity at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.

According to a release from the office of the Presidential Press Secretary, Ministry of State, these nominations, where applicable, are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate. Meanwhile, the Liberian Leader, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, hereby directs the Ministry of Defense and Chief of Staff to conduct the appropriate procedures consistent with established military protocols.

Also on the news!

“President Boakai Makes Additional Appointments in Government”

— Liberia

 President Joseph Nyuma Boakai

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has nominated additional officials to positions in government affecting the Ministry of State, the National Port Authority, the National Investment Commission, the Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces of Liberia, and the Office of the President.

The nominees include:

• Madam Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio, Ministry of State

• Mr. Samuel A. Stevquoah, Minister of State without Portfolio/Special Services, Ministry of State

• Attorney Cornelia Kruah Togba, Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of State

• Madam Ora Richards, Deputy Minister for Budget and Finance, Ministry of State

• Mr. Sekou Dukuly, Managing Director, National Port Authority

• Mr. James Bernard, Deputy Managing Director for Administration, National Port Authority

• Mr. Jeff Blibo, Chairman, National Investment Commission

• Mr. Melvin Sheriff, Executive Director, National Investment Commission

• Major General Prince C. Johnson retired and was nominated as Minister of the Ministry of Defense

• Brigadier General Geraldine George, retired and was nominated as Deputy Minister for Operations, Ministry of Defense

• Major General Daniel D. Ziankahn, nominated as Ambassador-Designate

• Col. Davidson T. Forleh was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and nominated for Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia

• Col. Theophilus Dana, nominated as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia

• Ms. Morie Yaude Nemah, Executive Assistant, Office of the President, Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs

These nominations, where applicable, are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.

Meanwhile, the Liberian Leader, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia hereby directs the Ministry of Defense and Chief of Staff to conduct the appropriate procedures consistent with established military protocols.

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Liberia's New President Joseph Boakai

Takes office with a promise to unite and rescue Africa’s oldest republic

Click Here

Pretty Strong Uppercut Delivered to George Weah in Liberia’s Election

Liberia Presidential Election

PRESS STATEMENT

President George Weah accepts his electoral defeat. Mr. Weah congratulates former VP Joseph N. BoaKai as the Winner of the 2023 presidential run-off election. He called Mr. Boakai via telephone following the announcement of provisional results by the National Elections Commission.

Liberia Presidential Run-off Provisional Result

The United States congratulates the people of Liberia on holding a peaceful presidential runoff election. And call on all citizens to follow President Weah’s example and accept the results.  

Read the Liberia Presidential Elections Press Statement By The U.S DEPARTMENT of STATE

THE U.S DEPARTMENT of STATE PRESS STATEMENT

READ

Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining the Democratic Process in Liberia

Statement by Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken

September 27, 2023

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions for individuals who he said were 'undermining democracy' in Liberia ahead of the country's elections in October.

'The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Liberia and around the world. Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for those undermining democracy in Liberia. This policy will take effect in advance of the upcoming election.'

The visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Liberian people or the Government of Liberia.

GIABA Commences Regional Training For Journalists

GIABA plays a significant role in maintaining a well-functioning monetary system

By Sylvester Samba In Liberia

A three (3) day Regional Training Workshop on Investigative Reporting on Economic and Financial Crimes for Journalists in West Africa countries commenced in Monrovia, Liberia. The training, which is expected to come to an end on Thursday 28th November 2019, is organized by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). The Deputy Minister of Fiscal Affairs/Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Samara P.Z. Wolokolie, on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, gave the keynote address and formally declared the training opened.

In his opening statement, Hon. Wolokolie said as the lead Inter-Government Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, GIABA, plays a significant role in maintaining a well-functioning monetary system. With the prevalence of money laundering activities across the global financial and monetary systems - the strategic importance of GIABA cannot be overemphasized. The creation of GIABA through the sagacity of West African leaders is a clear indication yet that West Africa is ready for business and is prepared to play by the rules in its financial and monetary dealings.

Our commitment to eradicating illicit trade, dubious financial transactions, and discourage money laundering activities demonstrates that West Africa is ready to play by the rules, committed to expose and prosecute fraudulent activities.

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Institutions such as GIABA give confidence to the business community and our international partners that there are structures and safeguards to protect them against money laundering and fraudulent activities.

The training organized to improving experienced journalists' understanding of AML/CFT issues, enhance their investigative and technical capabilities by equipping them with practical tools for the production of quality articles and reporting on money laundering and terrorist financing cases. It also strengthens the capacity of the network of Journalists to produce factual information on AML/CFT developments in West Africa.

To achieve the stated objectives, pertinent themes selected and delivered by prominent experts - Effective techniques and methods of producing journalistic materials on financial and economic crimes, the role of the media in promoting good governance as well as strategies, and mechanisms for setting up networks of media actors in AML/CFT. In implementing its intervention strategy, GIABA has enhanced and expanded the stakeholder scope to non-traditional entities, to ensure a global and complementary approach to the fight.

One of the entities includes the media, which plays a paramount role in promoting good governance, drawing governments` sustained attention to value for money in expending public resources, enhancing the protection of citizens' rights, and guaranteeing the production of information on Money Laundering practices and other related offenses.

In line with its mandate, GIABA has been carrying out awareness-raising programs for media professionals since 2009, resulting in the establishment in 2010 in Abuja, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, of a regional network of investigative journalists, specialized in reporting economic and financial crimes.

The 2016-2020 Strategic Plan developed by GIABA against the backdrop of the ever-evolving global AML/CFT outlook following the revision of the FATF Standards and Methodology focuses on the obligation to make regional AML/CFT interventions more effective. It aims at contributing to Member States` AML/CFT efforts, strengthen the commitment of non-state actors and critical sectors playing crucial roles in the effective implementation of AML/CFT measures.

Hon. Edwin W. Harrison, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in Liberia, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, extends his appreciation to the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) for selecting Liberia to host this training. He pointed out the three (3) days training in our media landscapes immense exposure about ML/TF. This training will help participants in effective, accurate reporting, and equipped to spot the vices associated with these and other predicate offenses.

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The Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering In West Africa - Invitation To Participate

Congratulations Mr. Sylvester Samba

By YAME Editorial Board

Mr. Sylvester Samba, GIABA Participant

YAME Editorial Board wishes to congratulate Mr. Sylvester Samba, Global Times Newspaper Senior Reporter, Freetown, Sierra Leone, and YAME News & Media Contributor, for having invited by GIABA to participate in a Regional Training Workshop on Investigative Reporting on Economic and Financial Crimes for Journalists in Monrovia, Liberia, November 26 - 28, 2019.

The Inter-Government Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is a specialized institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Financial Action Task Force-Styled Regional Body (FSRB) established by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in the year 2000 with the mandate to protect the economies of Member States, from the laundering of the proceeds of crimes.

Money laundering is a complex phenomenon generating serious consequences politically, social, and economic development of countries of the world. It facilitates crime and corruption, which are antithetical to sustainable development. In particular, money laundering impairs the development of institutions (democratic, financial, education, health, etc.)

Unfortunately, developing countries are disproportionately at risk due to poor capacity to deal with the problem. The last twenty years have witnessed increased efforts and collaboration to address the issues of money laundering and other forms of organized crimes that plague society. International initiatives in the form of AML/CFT frameworks have been designed. Most countries and jurisdictions have subscribed to these measures. An effective AML/CFT framework reinforces a variety of good governance policies that help to sustain economic development.

Given the immensity of issues involved, the stakeholders' base has been broadened to include non-traditional entities to ensure a holistic approach and complementaries in the fight.

Our hats off to you, Sylvester.

GIABA’s Mission

GIABA is an institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responsible for facilitating the adoption and implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) in West Africa. It is also a FATF-Styled Regional Body (FSRB) working with its member States to ensure compliance with international AML/CFT standards.

Liberia President Decorates His Sierra Leonean Counterpart

Order of the Pioneers

By Sylvester Samba

President of Liberia, His Excellency President George M. Weah, Sr. has conferred on His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone the honor of Knight Grand Cordon, Most Venerable Order of the Pioneers (KGC – MVOP). Amidst standing ovation from the people of Liberia at the Sports Complex, President George M. Weah decorated his colleague and brother, President Maada Bio with the insignia Knight Grand Cordon. Witnessing the occasion is the First Lady Madam Fatima Bio.

The event which took place on Friday 26th July 2019 at its Monrovia capital, Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, Monterrado County, marks Liberia 172nd Independence Anniversary commemoration. The program was graced by several Heads of State, among them; His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, His Excellency President Alpha Conde of Guinea and His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast.

President Bio was invited as a Special Guest by his colleague and brother, His Excellency President George M. Weah, Sr. to join the people of Liberia at the celebration marking the 172nd Independence Anniversary.

In his letter of invitation to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, His Excellency President George M. Weah, Sr. stated;

“Your positive disposition towards Liberia has won you a special place in the hearts of Liberians and your attendance at these ceremonies will serve to further cement relations between our two countries and peoples.”

The President departed from Sierra Leone on Thursday 25th July 2019 for Monrovia, Liberia. This year’s Independence Anniversary celebration was the second since the ascendancy of His Excellency President George M. Weah, Sr. to the Presidency of the Republic of Liberia. Activities for the Independence celebration started on 19th July and concluded on 26th July 2019.

Reading the citation for the conferment of the honor, the Chief of Protocol of the Republic of Liberia, Jervis A. Witherspoon paid tribute to His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio for his democratic credential as the former military Head of State who laid the foundation for peace and the return of multi-party democracy in Sierra Leone in the late nineties.

“His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio presided over the conduct of the first democratic elections in Sierra Leone in nearly three decades. He voluntarily handed over power to the democratically elected Government of the late President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah and initiated the Sierra Leone Civil War Peace Settlement. He is also the first former military Head of State to be democratically elected as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.”

— The citation stated

The Chief of Protocol also spoke about President Dr. Julius Maada Bio's efforts in peacekeeping in Liberia as part of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). His peacekeeping mission in the early nineties in Liberia through ECOMOG demonstrated the love and commitment he has for the country and people of Liberia.

Mr. Witherspoon cataloged Bio's humanitarian efforts in Sierra Leone through the Maada and Fatima Bio Foundation– The work of the Foundation during the outbreak of the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone in supporting victims, and, families affected by the floods and mudslide disasters in August 2017.

During the citation, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio was also praised for his tremendous achievements over the year in championing human capital development, demonstrating political will in the fight against corruption, restoring fiscal credibility to Sierra Leone among others. He has also shown great leadership at the African Union as Chairman of the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government for the reform of the United Nations.

President Bio, the First Lady and other members of his entourage returned home after the official commemoration of 172nd Independence Anniversary.

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