MONROVIA — The appointment of Samuel A. Stevquoah as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs comes at a critical moment in the administration of President Joseph Boakai, Sr.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
It follows the unfortunate passing of Syvester M. Grigsby, a seasoned statesman who had been a key player in the Boakai-led Executive. This transition is not just a change in personnel but a recalibration of leadership at the very heart of the Presidency.
As Liberia continues to navigate complex governance challenges and national development priorities, the choice of who manages the nerve center of the Executive Mansion has wide-ranging implications.
Stevquoah steps into this role with a portfolio of experience that suggests not only preparedness but deep familiarity with the inner workings of high-level governance.
At its core, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs functions as the chief administrator of the Office of the President. The position is one of immense responsibility and influence. It entails coordinating the day-to-day operations of the Presidency, managing presidential schedules and engagements, advising the President on policy issues, and ensuring that government decisions are communicated and implemented effectively across ministries and agencies.
The Minister is the gatekeeper to the Presidency and, in many ways, the executor of the President’s agenda. The office demands not only political loyalty but also administrative efficiency, strategic oversight, and a clear sense of national priorities.
The role becomes even more consequential in a government that is trying to reset public trust and rebuild governance institutions. In such a context, the Minister of State must serve as a bridge between the vision of the President and the operational machinery of government.
It is a role that requires someone with the ability to maintain internal coherence among diverse ministries and agencies while ensuring that the public perceives the government as responsive and effective. The Minister must also manage the President’s interactions with both domestic and international partners and represent the Presidency at major diplomatic and intergovernmental engagements when needed.
In naming Stevquoah to this position, President Boakai has selected someone with whom he has a long-standing professional relationship, dating back to Boakai’s tenure as Vice President.
Stevquoah served as Chief of Office Staff in the Office of the Vice President from 2006 to 2017. During that twelve-year period, he built a reputation for discipline, quiet effectiveness, and strategic thinking.
He was instrumental in coordinating staff operations, managing communications, and supporting policy initiatives, particularly in the areas of agriculture and youth development. His intimate understanding of the political temperament and working style of President Boakai positions him as someone who can align the machinery of the Presidency with the President’s leadership approach.
Stevquoah’s track record suggests that he brings a blend of public service ethos and private sector efficiency to the role. After his tenure in the Vice President’s Office, he transitioned into the private sector from 2018 to 2024, taking on key leadership roles in a multinational publicly traded company. There, he managed Corporate Services, Government Affairs, and Community Relations.
He also played a pivotal role in leading the company’s COVID-19 pandemic response, demonstrating his crisis management capabilities and strategic decision-making under pressure. This experience adds a layer of administrative sophistication to his profile and underscores his ability to navigate both bureaucratic systems and dynamic real-world challenges.
Currently, as Minister of State without Portfolio for Special Services, Stevquoah has been directly involved in select presidential projects and high-level national initiatives. His current role has him advising the President on key matters, coordinating interagency collaboration, and managing sensitive government communications.
These responsibilities are an extension of the very functions he will oversee in a more expansive way as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. In effect, Stevquoah is not stepping into unfamiliar territory. He is merely advancing to a broader stage of responsibility within a system he already knows.
Stevquoah’s career also includes a foundation in journalism. He began as a broadcast journalist at ELWA and later at the Liberia Broadcasting System, where he rose to the position of News Director and ultimately served as Assistant Director General for News and Public Affairs.
This background in media has undoubtedly sharpened his communication skills and his understanding of the power of public perception in governance. His ability to communicate the goals and priorities of the Boakai administration will be essential in an era where transparency and public engagement are central to democratic leadership.
Academically, Stevquoah holds a Master of Arts in Administration from Framingham State College in Massachusetts and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the United Methodist University, where he graduated with the highest honors.
His educational background complements his practical experience and reflects a lifelong commitment to public service and leadership development.
As he assumes the new role pending Senate confirmation, Stevquoah inherits a set of responsibilities that are crucial not only to the effectiveness of President Boakai’s administration but also to the broader stability and credibility of the Liberian government.
President Boakai, in his official communication to Stevquoah, underscored the expectations for integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the Republic. The President’s emphasis on these values suggests that this appointment is more than a reward for loyalty. It is a strategic decision aimed at consolidating the Presidency’s capacity to deliver on its promises to the Liberian people.
As the Senate prepares to review his nomination, all eyes will be on how Stevquoah navigates the complexities of managing one of the most powerful and demanding offices in the Liberian government. If confirmed, his success or failure will not only shape the legacy of the Boakai presidency but also influence public confidence in the effectiveness of the state’s leadership at a time when Liberia is yearning for transformation, unity, and credible governance.
