MONROVIA – Outgoing Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah has fought to leave a legacy to be remembered for a very long time and the outgoing President, George Manneh Weah has described him as man of “character and integrity”.
Report by Lennart Dodoo and Willie N. Tokpah
Kemayah was appointed to the position on October 6, 2020 while he was serving as Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and can boast of several reforms that have restored the integrity and trust in the Foreign Ministry.
His parting reforms are landmark and would continue to be remembered as this administration expires.
On Wednesday, President George Weah dedicated a refurbished Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This renovation has left the building looking brand new with state-of-the-art infrastructure and furniture.
In a momentous occasion held on Wednesday, President George Weah proudly dedicated the newly-renovated and refurbished areas of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, highlighting the significant efforts of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, Ambassador Kemayah, Sr., and his dedicated team.
During the ceremony, President Weah commended the Ministry’s initiative, emphasizing that the projects were executed at no cost to the Liberian government. “These are self-help projects initiated by true patriots and nationalists,” President Weah declared, expressing his gratitude to Ambassador Kemayah and the entire Ministry of Foreign Affairs family for their unwavering commitment.
The remarkable transformation of the Ministry’s edifice was made possible through strategic collaborations with the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Kemayah’s adept skills in securing bilateral support played a crucial role in winning the financial backing for the renovation and refurbishment.
“The combined support from these two friendly countries is a demonstration of the productive bilateral relations we have built over the years,” President Weah remarked, underscoring the positive impact of diplomatic relationships on national development.
President Weah detailed the specific contributions of each country, noting that the Kingdom of Morocco directly executed the renovation and refurbishment of specific areas, including the Sixth Floor, stairs, auditorium, foyer, facade, painting of the exterior, and the construction of a new front parking area.
“The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, provided funding for the comprehensive renovation and refurbishment of the First through Fifth Floors and the Basement,” President Weah elaborated, highlighting the extensive nature of the project.
One notable aspect of the initiative is the transparent and accountable management of funds by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Weah praised Ambassador Kemayah and his team for successfully completing the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) process, ensuring that there were no allegations of malpractice or corruption.
“I am proud to say that we have people of character and integrity here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” President Weah declared, concluding the ceremony with a strong endorsement of the accomplishments and commitment of the Ministry’s leadership and staff.
Passport Reforms
In a continued address following the dedication of the renovated Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President George Weah announced significant reforms in Liberia’s Passport Regime and Foreign Service, addressing concerns that have attracted negative attention in the past.
President Weah acknowledged the challenges surrounding passports and the Foreign Service, stating, “This matter claimed our attention, and in an attempt to correct, contain, and bring Liberia’s Passport Regime and Foreign Service on par with current conventional standard and best practices, I granted permission to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the revision of past guidelines and formulation of requisite revised regulations.”
The culmination of this effort resulted in the approval of the Revised July 2023 Passport Regulations and the Fourth Edition of the Foreign Service Manual of the Republic of Liberia, Revised August 2023. President Weah took a moment to officially launch these revised documents, emphasizing their importance in aligning the nation’s practices with international standards.
“I want to congratulate Foreign Minister Kemayah and his team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their excellent works. I am proud of you, Foreign Minister Kemayah, for your astute and exemplary leadership, and I am convinced that the nation is also proud of you,” President Weah declared, commending the Ministry for its diligence in addressing and rectifying issues within the Passport Regime and Foreign Service.
By approving these revised regulations, President Weah aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and adherence to international standards within the Passport Regime and Foreign Service. The revisions mark a commitment to upholding best practices and ensuring the integrity of Liberia’s travel documents and diplomatic services.
“By what we have seen and done here today, we can agree that Ambassador Kemayah continues to demonstrate that something good can come out of Nazareth,” President Weah added, expressing confidence in the positive impact of the reforms spearheaded by Foreign Minister Kemayah.
The launch of the revised regulations signals a new chapter in Liberia’s approach to passport issuance and foreign service operations, reflecting the government’s dedication to fostering accountability and excellence in these critical areas. The nation looks forward to reaping the benefits of these reforms, both in terms of diplomatic relations and the credibility of its passport system on the global stage.
Minister Kemayah, officially dedicating the project, vowed to uphold President George Weah’s leadership principles. He referenced the President’s selfless and peaceful leadership during the November 14, 2022, run-off election.
Kemayah praised President Weah’s decision to maintain him in top-ranking positions despite fabricated lies against him, leaving an indelible imprint on the incoming government.
