Amb. Nkrumah Urges Job Creation, Improved Healthcare as ECOWAS, LCP Mark 50th Anniversary in Liberia

Monrovia –The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Representative to Liberia, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, has called for swift action to create jobs and improve healthcare services across West Africa.

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By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]

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Her remarks were made during a Made in Liberia Trade Fair Jamboree held over the weekend in Congo Town, outside Monrovia, as part of ECOWAS’ 50th Anniversary celebration in Liberia in partnership with the Liberia Crusaders for Peace (LCP).

Ambassador Nkrumah emphasized that peace and stability on the African continent cannot be sustained amid widespread unemployment, poor education systems, and weak healthcare infrastructure. 

“We have to create jobs, we have to make sure when you go to the hospital you can be looked at; we have to make sure that there is good education so that Africa, ECOWAS, Liberia can really shine,” she said. “This 50th year, it is not ECOWAS of States, but ECOWAS of people, because people can make ECOWAS.”

She described the relationship between Liberia and the regional body as “very special,” recalling ECOWAS’ decisive role during Liberia’s civil crisis. “The most important period when ECOWAS really began to shine was at Liberia’s lowest. This is when ECOWAS stood up and said we will not let Liberia sink into more chaos,” she said.

Ambassador Nkrumah urged Liberian youth to be proactive in building their future and contributing to national development. She disclosed that ECOWAS, alongside its partner LCP, will celebrate with young people in communities across the country to mark the anniversary. 

“We want your voices for good or voices that bring peace to be heard. They say Rome was not built in a day; the same way Liberia cannot be built in a day. But every day, the one thing that you do can help build Liberia or can help bring Liberia down,” she stated.

She reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to supporting Liberia’s progress in key sectors such as health, education, youth and women empowerment, and sports. Ambassador Nkrumah also used the occasion to commend LCP Executive Director, Ambassador Juli Endee, for her long-standing contributions to peace and reconciliation in the country.

In response, Ambassador Endee encouraged young Liberian entrepreneurs to prioritize collaboration and innovation to grow their businesses and contribute to economic development. She noted that with ECOWAS’ support, Liberians should take advantage of international exposure opportunities, including the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

“I want to encourage Liberians who have small and medium businesses that they need to move to another level. So, they need to start networking or sitting at the table and speaking their minds as a business person,” she said. “It’s good to open up to international partners; showcase what you have. I want to encourage every entrepreneur to take advantage of this opportunity and get registered to go to Japan and maybe one business person or investor will invest in your ideas.”

She noted that the government alone cannot provide jobs for all citizens, and urged entrepreneurs to create employment by growing their enterprises. 

“Many Liberians would realize their full potential and in turn help to move their country forward if they are given the opportunity to make or earn something for themselves through earnest means,” she said.

Ambassador Endee also highlighted the critical role of private sector investment in stimulating Liberia’s economy and called for the creation of a level playing field to attract both domestic and foreign investors. She cautioned against negative propaganda on social media that could undermine the country’s image and deter investment.

“We should talk positive about our country. It’s patriotism and nationalism. If you have that in you, you will be able to move forward and good things will come into our country,” Endee added.