Monrovia – It has been three days since President Joseph Nyuma Boakai assumed leadership in Liberia, and he has been facing some hiccups in appointing cabinet members. It appears that an internal struggle within the Unity Party Alliance has prompted the President to reconsider some of his choices, thereby causing a delay in the announcement of more appointments.
By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
On Monday evening after being sworn into Office, a list of five cabinet members names to the Liberia National Police, Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, Security Advisor, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Executive Protection Service began circulating on social media. This list of nominees was not release through any official source – the official Facebook page of the Executive Mansion or the Executive Mansion’s website. However, it was later confirmed by top members of the ruling Unity Party and individuals close to the President.
The President did not name anyone to his cabinet on Tuesday, however, on Wednesday, another list of five was widely circulated on social media and various social and political chatrooms. This list included nominations to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Liberia Revenue Authority.
However, despite the wide circulation of this list which prompted the issues of congratulatory messages to some of the nominees on social media, some members of the Unity Party took to Facebook to debunk the list. One of such is Mr. Patrick Honnah who posted to Facebook:
“As at the first batch of five nominations, the President has made NO NEW nominations yet! Nominations will be made shortly.”
FrontPageAfrica later gathered that are rising tension within the UP Alliance following leaked information about new appointments. Both the UP and MDR hierarchies are expressing frustration at being kept in the dark about these appointments. Particularly contentious is the selection of Sara Beslow as Foreign Minister, a choice that has displeased the UP faction, which favors Augustine Ngafua, the former Foreign Minister currently working in Uganda as the head of the African Development Bank. This disagreement has sparked internal dissent and criticism of Beslow’s qualifications, with prominent UP member Martin Kollie questioning her credentials on social media.
On Tuesday, Martin posted to Facebook:
“This is how we want to save the Ministry of Foreign Affairs like we saved LBDI. The credentials of Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti are bogus and fake. She doesn’t even have a first degree. We are in this gov’t to protect public interests and help Pres. JNB”.
In response to Martin, Madam Nyanti also posted to Facebook:
“I have read the posts and heard the lies and disinformation being spued. When I am given the chance to serve the people of Liberia as I have served other nations, I will be prepared to defend my record and my legitimate and hard earned credentials before the Senate.”
FrontPageAfrica further gathered that another source of discord is the appointment within the Ministry of Justice. Inside information suggests that President Boakai had allegedly promised the position to the MDR’s Cooper Kruah, leading to internal conflicts within the Alliance. These disputes have spilled over onto social media platforms, with JNB Tact Team member Patrick Honnah refuting reports of additional appointments, apart from the five made on Tuesday.
Simultaneously, influential figures within the UP Alliance are reportedly urging a pause in further appointments by the President until a meeting of the Alliance can be convened. Notable figures seeking a meeting with the President include Vice President Jeremiah Koung, Senators Prince Moye and Alex Tyler, and Party Chairman Luther Tarpeh.
The List That Almost Came Out
The debunked list that made rounds on social media on Wednesday indicated that President Boakai made additional appointments affecting Ministry of Justice, Liberia Revenue Authority, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Amin Modad – Minister of Commerce
Amin Modad, a renowned Liberian entrepreneur and trade development professional, was reportedly nominated as the Minister of Commerce. Modad is the CEO of the MI Group, a 100% Liberian-owned company with investments in Hospitality, Real Estate Development, and Food Production. With over 20 years of experience in both public and private sectors, Modad is recognized for his strategic approach to trade development and his contributions to Liberia’s post-conflict recovery.
Sara Beslow Nyanti – Minister of Foreign Affairs
Sara Nyanti, with more than 20 years of experience in international development and humanitarian affairs, was reportedly nominated as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Nyanti served as the Resident Coordinator in Nepal and as the UNICEF Representative in Yemen and the Gambia. She brings a wealth of experience in conflict and post-conflict settings, as well as technical expertise in areas such as grant management, social protection, HIV/AIDS, health, and education.
Abraham Kromah’s – Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA)
Abraham Kromah was reportedly nominated a head of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency. His extensive experience includes roles such as Deputy Director of Police for Operations in the Liberian National Police, Deputy Commissioner for Administration at the Bureau of Maritime, and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia. He holds multiple degrees, including an EdS in Education, an MA in Criminal Justice, an MA in Human Resource Development and Training, and a BA in Management/Sociology.
J. Dorbor Jallah – Commissioner of LRA
James Dorbor Jallah, known for his role in transforming the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, was reportedly nominated as the Commissioner of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA). Jallah has a track record of overseeing and coordinating programs, leading Liberia’s development planning process, and enhancing best practices in procurement.
Jonathan Massaquoi – Minister of Justice
Cllr. Jonathan Taylor Massaquoi, a seasoned legal professional and head of the Litigation Team at ILG, was reportedly nominated as the Minister of Justice. With a background in criminal law, labor law, contracts law, commercial law, and property and estates laws, Massaquoi brings a wealth of legal expertise to the Ministry of Justice. Cllr. Massaquoi recently represented the former Chief Justice Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott in the murder trial where she was found guilty.
The New List
Late Thursday evening a new list of appointment was released by Mr. Charles Snetter of the Office of the President. It’s as follows:
- Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Dr. J. Alexander Neatah, Minister of Agriculture
- Mr. Amin Modad, Minister of Commerce & Industry
- Dr. Jarso Jallah Saygbe, Minister of Education
- Dr. Louise Kpoto, Minister of Health
- Mr. Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner General, Liberia Revenue Authority
- Mr. Abraham Kromah, Director, Drug Enforcement Agency.