Monrovia, Liberia: January 8, 2025 – The Political Leader of the Grassroots Development Movement (GDM), Edward W. Appleton, Jr., has urged the Boakai-led government to prioritize a robust development agenda aimed at addressing the critical issue of multidimensional poverty affecting countless Liberians.
By Francis G. Boayue
In a recent statement made at the launch of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Ambassador Appleton emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive development plan.
He highlighted the absence of electricity in Buchanan as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the population.
“Electricity is not merely a utility; it is a fundamental indicator of progress and a necessity for any meaningful development,” he asserted.
Ambassador Appleton, currently serving as Liberia’s Ambassador to Japan, underscored the pressing challenges of inadequate access to safe drinking water, limited job opportunities, and insufficient education as significant barriers to the nation’s growth.
He expressed strong support for the newly launched AAID, which encompasses the participation of all 15 political subdivisions, each with its own development initiatives.
“This inclusive approach is both commendable and essential for our collective progress,” he noted.
While Ambassador Appleton praised the establishment of this development agenda, he urged the government to ensure its swift implementation.
“It is imperative that this agenda does not meet the fate of similar crucial documents that have been left abandoned,” he cautioned, stressing the necessity for accountability and decisive action.
He called on all Liberians to unite in celebration of the launch of the AAID while encouraging patience and support for their leaders as they navigate the path toward national development.
“Together, we can build a brighter future for our country,” he affirmed.
The Grass Development Movement (GDM), the party on which Ambassador Appleton contested for the Liberian presidency as political leader, is committed to advocating for inclusive development in Liberia, addressing the needs of its citizens, and promoting sustainable growth through collaborative efforts among all political subdivisions.