President Boakai cited Liberia’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council as a signal of international confidence and a challenge to sustain responsible leadership at home.
Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has used the occasion of Liberia’s 178th Independence Day to call for national healing, economic fairness, and renewed regional solidarity. Delivering his keynote address at the historic Centennial Memorial Pavilion, President Boakai struck a tone of reflection and resolve, urging Liberians to “rise as one people” and embrace what he called “The Liberian Century.”
In a speech attended by high-level dignitaries including ECOWAS leaders and former heads of state, Boakai emphasized Liberia’s transformation from a nation once marred by war to one now recognized as a “voice of reason” on the global stage. He cited Liberia’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council as a signal of international confidence and a challenge to sustain responsible leadership at home.
“It shows that Liberia is being counted among the countries that matter,” the President said. “The world is watching, and, more importantly, Liberia is ready to lead.”
Honoring the Past, Healing the Nation
In a poignant moment, Boakai highlighted the recent state funerals for former Presidents William R. Tolbert Jr. and Samuel K. Doe Sr. as milestones in Liberia’s reconciliation efforts. He described the ceremonies as a way to correct historical wrongs and unify the country.
The President also announced a National Memorial to honor victims of the Liberian civil war and the fallen peacekeepers of ECOWAS’ ECOMOG force.
“This sacred monument will not only commemorate the fallen but also serve as a call to conscience for generations to come… a powerful reminder that the peace we enjoy today was never free,” Boakai declared.
In his tribute to ECOWAS, Boakai expressed “eternal gratitude” for the regional bloc’s role in restoring peace, acknowledging countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Senegal for their sacrifices.
“Your thank-you plenty, yah!” he said to loud applause, blending reverence with a touch of Liberian colloquialism.
A Bold Call for Economic Justice
While highlighting improvements in infrastructure and agriculture — including better roads reaching southeastern counties and lower prices of local produce — President Boakai acknowledged the continued economic hardship faced by ordinary Liberians.
“Transportation costs are too high. The prices of flour, sugar, and other essential goods continue to be a burden,” he noted.
In response, Boakai announced the formation of a High-Level Presidential Ad Hoc Committee to investigate persistent price disparities between declining import costs and high market prices. The committee will be chaired by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and is expected to submit recommendations within 45 days.
“This contradiction… requires urgent attention,” he stated. “We must restore fairness and stability in our market system.”
A National Day of Prayer
In a symbolic gesture of national unity, Boakai declared Wednesday, July 30, 2025, a National Day of Prayer, urging all Liberians to gather in places of worship to seek divine guidance and reaffirm the country’s commitment to peace.
“It is only through reconciliation that we can fully heal and move forward as one people,” he said.
Looking Ahead: “The Liberian Century”
Framing the current era as a turning point, Boakai called on Liberians to reject the “old ways” and embrace a forward-looking vision grounded in unity, innovation, and accountability.
“We must rise to build a society that values knowledge over ignorance, unity over discord, and progress over stagnation,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to working with all Liberians, regardless of political affiliation, and promised to lead with boldness, free from fear or bias.
Quoting former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s visit to Liberia, Boakai concluded with a reminder of the Liberian people’s enduring spirit:
“Let us look forward, Thinking Liberia, Loving Liberia, and Building Liberia.”
Dignitaries in Attendance
Among the prominent guests present were President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and current Chairperson of ECOWAS, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.
Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, former ECOWAS President and a key regional peace advocate also graced the occasion.
The celebration took place under the theme: “One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past and Building the Future.”
