The Chief Imam of Liberia, Ali Krayee, has praised Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti for what he described as her “quiet development footprint” across Liberia, highlighting her support to vulnerable communities, infrastructure projects, and the successful participation of Liberian Muslims in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Speaking during a special welcome ceremony organized by the Grand Cape Mount County Chapter of the National Imam Council of Liberia for returning Hajj pilgrims (Hujjaj) in Tienii, Tewor District, Imam Krayee described Minister Nyanti as a public servant whose contributions often happen away from the spotlight.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, brought together Islamic leaders, women representatives, community elders, and local stakeholders to celebrate returning pilgrims and recognize the role played by Minister Nyanti and the Government of Liberia in facilitating the religious journey.
As a symbol of appreciation, imams, women leaders, and widows presented livestock, including goats, sheep, and chickens, to representatives of the Foreign Minister in recognition of her support.
Imam Krayee said Minister Nyanti’s contribution to Liberia’s Muslim community should not be measured only by her role in the Hajj process, but also by her broader humanitarian and development efforts across several counties.
“The credit goes foremost to Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti. And it is not just about Hajj,” Imam Krayee said. “Since 2024, she has been helping some of the widows and vulnerable people in Tewor, and Gawula districts.”
According to the Chief Imam, Minister Nyanti has consistently supported communities without seeking political recognition or public praise.
“In this country, people politicize everything. But she does not have time to show the world, ‘I am the one.’ She does not seek that kind of attention,” he stated.
Imam Krayee said such humility is uncommon among public officials, noting that many leaders often seek publicity whenever they complete projects, but Minister Nyanti has chosen a different approach.
He pointed specifically to development initiatives in Garwula, Porkpa and Tewor, where he said the Minister supported the construction of water systems and sanitation facilities that benefited multiple communities without organizing public ceremonies.
“Last year, they built water systems serving five towns, and she did not even inaugurate them with a ceremony,” Imam Krayee said.
He explained that while many public figures would invite media organizations and host ceremonies to highlight similar achievements, Minister Nyanti chose to allow the impact of the projects to speak for itself.
“When somebody builds those, they will put on a news conference. All the media entities will be assembled for them to say, ‘This is what I have done.’ If somebody builds one toilet facility in one town, they will put a sound bowl,” he said.
“But this woman, last year, built eight of these water systems in five towns of Garwula District, and she did not even inaugurate them with a ceremony.”
The Chief Imam further disclosed that Minister Nyanti supported the construction of 131 modern water-flush toilet facilities in five towns in Garwula District, but did not attend ceremonies to take credit for the projects.
He recalled that during the groundbreaking of some of the projects, Minister Nyanti was outside Liberia but requested that representatives proceed with the ceremony instead of waiting for her arrival.
According to Imam Krayee, the Minister’s willingness to serve without seeking personal recognition makes her leadership style unique.
“These kinds of people are rare species in our society. It is difficult to find them. That is why when you have one, you celebrate them,” he said.
The Chief Imam also credited Minister Nyanti’s office for playing a significant role in securing Hajj opportunities for Liberian Muslims since the Boakai administration took office.
“Let us be very clear, these Hajj tickets that have come since 2024, since they got into power, majority of the Hajj tickets that have come from the government have come through her office,” Imam Krayee said.
He revealed that Liberia received 210 Hajj slots from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, describing the allocation as a major achievement compared to the number received by some other countries.
“People are surprised, Your Excellency. People are wondering because yesterday somebody was there in my office and what he said was that countries around the world got nine persons, 17 persons, Liberia got more than 200,” he added.
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed Dukuly, also praised Minister Nyanti’s contribution to Liberia’s diplomatic engagement and described Grand Cape Mount County as one of Liberia’s greatest treasures.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Dukuly highlighted the tourism and economic potential of Robertsport, citing its beaches, mountains, lake, and landscape.
“Robertsport has the landscape. You see the savannah land, the lake on the side, the mountains, and ahead of it is the Atlantic Ocean. So you have a treasure,” he said.
He also praised Minister Nyanti for providing strong support to Liberia’s diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia.
“My sister, the Foreign Minister, I cannot praise her enough. I get all the support from her. She has given me the strength to do what we are supposed to do,” Ambassador Dukuly stated.
The Ambassador further commended Chief Imam Krayee for his leadership and commitment to Islamic education, warning that strengthening religious institutions remains essential for future generations.
“If we don’t have Islamic institutions that can teach people and take over from you, Islam will end right here. We don’t want that,” he said.
Ambassador Dukuly disclosed that efforts are underway to revive discussions surrounding the establishment of an Islamic University and two Islamic centers in Liberia.
He said plans for the proposed university had already been developed, with the institution expected to accommodate between 20,000 and 30,000 students, but the initiative was interrupted.
Receiving the appreciation gifts on behalf of Minister Nyanti, her Chief of Office Staff and Personnel Assistant, Sarah Kabah Jones, described the gathering as a celebration of faith, sacrifice, and service.
“Today is a day for thanksgiving and a day for celebration. We celebrate your faith, your sacrifice, and your commitment to fulfilling one of the most important pillars of Islam,” Jones said.
She encouraged returning pilgrims to continue reflecting the values of Hajj, including peace, humility, honesty, patience, forgiveness, and love for one another.
Jones also praised Imam Krayee’s leadership in coordinating the pilgrimage process, noting that the journey required months of planning and overcoming several challenges.
“There were many challenges, there were many doubts, and up until the last minute some people did not think it would be possible. But with Allah Almighty, all things are possible when you believe and have faith,” she said.
She encouraged continued prayers for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Government of Liberia while expressing hope that more Liberians would benefit from future Hajj opportunities.
The ceremony ended with renewed appreciation for Minister Nyanti’s service and calls for continued cooperation between Liberia’s Muslim community, government institutions, and development partners in promoting inclusion, faith, and national development.
