BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has announced a major cultural heritage agenda that aims at preserving Liberia’s history and strengthening national identity.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking at occasion marking Liberia’s 179th Independence Day in the Port City of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, President Boakai committed his administration to the restoration of the Kendeja Cultural Center and the revitalization of the National Museum and National Archives.
The Liberian leader pointed out the essentiality of Liberia’s cultural institutions to fostering national unity and ensuring future generations understand the country’s history.
As part of the restoration agenda, he disclosed that his government will modernize the National Museum and National Archives, which he indicated, are custodians of Liberia’s collective memory that have long struggled under difficult conditions.
“For too long, the National Archives and the National Museum have operated under difficult conditions, limiting their ability to fulfill their important responsibilities,” President Boakai told the gathering of political leaders, government officials, foreign guests and an array of civil society actors and the media.
“These institutions are custodians of our collective memory,” he stated. He disclosed the planned modernization will include improvements to infrastructure, preservation and conservation systems, digitization and expanded public access for researchers, students and citizens.
The President also announced plans to revive the Kendeja Cultural Center, a center that was once regarded as one of Liberia’s foremost symbols of cultural expression and artistic heritage.
Located on the highway of the Roberts International Airport (RIA), the Kendeja Cultural Center was given out to a long-term basis to a business group, who then constructed the RLJ Hotel.
However, recognizing the historical importance of the center, the Liberian chief executive directed the establishment of an inter-governmental technical committee to assess its future and recommend measures for its restoration, modernization and integration into Liberia’s national heritage program.
“We also recognize the significance of the Kendeja Cultural Center, which once stood as a proud symbol of Liberia’s cultural heritage and artistic expression,” the President declared.
The heritage initiatives form part of the national strategy centered on this year’s Independence Day, which was held under the theme: “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberian-Led Historical Leadership.”
According to President Boakai, nation-building requires more than roads, buildings, and public institutions, stressing that preserving history, culture, and national values is equally important in building a united and confident Liberia.
In addition to restoring cultural institutions, the President launched a National Historical Recovery and Repatriation Initiative, which will work with international partners, universities and cultural institutions to recover copies of historical records relating to Liberia that are currently housed abroad.
He also announced the revival of the National History Project, first recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to produce a comprehensive and inclusive documentation of Liberia’s history under the leadership of Liberian historians, archivists, archaeologists, anthropologists, linguists and educators.
He furthered that Liberia’s history should be researched, interpreted, and presented by Liberians while maintaining partnerships with respected international institutions.
The President maintained that investing in cultural preservation would not only protect Liberia’s heritage but also strengthen reconciliation, civic pride, and national identity as the country approaches its bicentennial.
“Our universities, archives, museums, and research institutions must become the guardians of our national memory,” added the President.
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Art and Cultural Ambassador, Kekura Kamara, alias “Malawala Balawala” has hailed President Boakai for the pronouncement, noting that it’s the right step in the right direction towards maintenance of lasting peace and unity.
Speaking in an interview with this paper, Ambassador Kamara asserted that the restoration of the country’s cultural dignity is a key pillar to national renewal, development, peace and reconciliation. “I want to thank the president for this great policy statement, a move that will bring us back on track as a nation that has not had total peace since the war. The rebuilding of our historical culture center, the revitalization of the National Museum among others is the right step in the right direction towards uniting us as one people with one vision,” Ambassador Kamara added.
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