MONROVIA – The Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas strongly condemns all forms of hate, violence, and threats against the people of their ethnicity. In a dispatch from the US on Monday, October 16, 2023, the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas stated that their attention has been drawn to issues concerning the people of Grand Gedeh County, in relation to the barrage of sentimental and emotional accusations being peddled against Grand Gedeans.
Madam Edith T. Poah, National President of the GGAA, said that accusations coming from individuals on social media and those in positions of influence are solely intended to victimize the people of their native land, Grand Gedeh. Madam Poah noted that these accusations send disturbing signals among their people at home and in the Diaspora.
“This is categorically unacceptable, and the people of Grand Gedeh refuse to be painted with a broad brush of wrongdoing, pitted against Grand Gedeans and the Krahn people as one.”
Her institution, at the same time, commends citizens of Liberia for actively participating in the democratic process by exercising their fundamental rights to vote in the October 10th, 2023, presidential and legislative elections. She said GGAA, the largest umbrella organization of Grand Gedeans in the diaspora, realizes that the people of Grand Gedeh also reserve the right to vote for anyone without fear of intimidation, harassment, and victimization. Madam Poah emphasized that it is a good thing that their people are actively involved in the selection of their leaders, and their choices must be protected, encouraged, and respected.
“We find it necessary to emphasize the enduring value of maintaining peace and dispelling any false notions that suggest violence as a means to an end. The people of the Republic of Liberia have shown great resilience and progress towards unification and rebuilding after a brutal civil war. We categorically denounce any actions or statements that spread hate, incite violence, or target individuals and groups based on their ethnicity.”
According to her, the people of Grand Gedeh County will always endeavor to promote the peace and tranquility of Liberia.
“In addition, as Grand Gedeans, we will not support anyone who has any intention to create chaos or violence in Liberia. Anyone who has the intention to destabilize our democratic process will not have the support of the people of Grand Gedeh.” The GGAA President wants Liberians, including Grand Gedeans, to work together to build a peaceful and prosperous future for their nation.