Monrovia – On the eve of his inauguration, football legend-turned politician George Manneh Weah is said to be racing against to time to assemble a team that will set the pace for the next six years of his administration.
Report by Rodney D. Sieh, [email protected]
For many political observers, critics and international stakeholders, the first set of appointments could serve as a gauging point of how President Weah will put his plan into motion for Liberia, post-Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
Since his election, the nation has been buzzing in speculations that the outgoing President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has been mounting pressure on Weah and according to some reports, throwing a few names from her administration in the way of her successor.
While Execution Mansion sources have outrightly denied any interference on the part of Sirleaf, Weah himself is said to be facing pressure from not just members of his own Coalition for Democratic Change but also from the National Patriotic Party of Liberia (NPP) the political wing of former President Charles Taylor, whose stronghold in Bong County played a pivotal role in Mr. Weah’s victory.
Satisfying the wishes of both the CDC and the NPP may also be complicated by the late cross over of several members of the opposition to Weah’s corner, many of whom may be expecting rewards with Cabinet positions in the coming hours, or days.
The incoming President’s dilemma is being complicated by what some see as pressure from the tripartite coalition that propelled Weah to the presidency, marred by competing interests and the temptation to appease late crossovers who endorsed the CDC.
As the incoming government deliberates on who will fill the void in the next six years, FrontPageAfrica takes a look at some of the names in the air based on off the record interview with transition team members weighing in on those said to be under consideration.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
THE LOWDOWN
High inflation and interest rates coupled with rising prices of basic commodities and a reported shortage of foreign exchange has made this area one of the most critical for the incoming administration.
A Weah-led government faces the daunting task of improving on Liberia’s dismal ranking of 177th out of 188 on the U.N. Human Development Index as many of his supporters and detractors look to decipher on the early decisions of his reign.
More importantly, the incoming administration has its work cut out in terms of rescuing an economy badly hit by the 2014-16 Ebola outbreaks that killed thousands. This is complicated by the rapidly declining prices of the nation’s key exports, including iron ore and rubber, and declining foreign aid. Despite some successes by the departing government, remittances from Diasporas Liberians have been a driving force of the local economy, accounting for more than a quarter of gross domestic product.
In 2006, Sirleaf turned to the internationally-acclaimed Dr. Antoinette Sayeh who had made her mark at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to turn the post-war nation’s economic fortunes around.
Whoever takes over the helm at Finance will be expected to step it up a notch and bring much-needed relief to an ailing economy in bad shape and in need of economic resuscitation.
PROFESSOR WILSON TARPEH
UPSIDE: Dr. Tarpeh has worth of experience in the financial sector. He started his career as a teaching assistant in the Accounting Department of the University of Liberia. Upon graduation, he was employed at the National Bank of Liberia now Central Bank of Liberia.
Mr. Tarpeh left and went to graduate school in the United States of America. He returned from graduate school in late 1981 and became a senior staff member of the National Bank of Liberia working directly with the late former governor Hanson. In 1982, he was appointed President of Agriculture Cooperative and Development Bank replacing Mr. Yancy.
After several years of serving as President of ACDB, he joined the staff of the African Development Bank in the Ivory Coast. Mr. Tarpeh served as Finance Minister during the interim government period in Liberia.
He taught finance and accounting at the University of Liberia for several years and resigned his last position as vice President for Fiscal Affairs at the University of Liberia citing that the Sirleaf administration did not intend to provide funds to the UL due to his presence.
Given the financial position of the country some in the financial sector believes Mr. Tarpeh will be of great help to Weah’s government and good face to represent the government in the international financial world.
DOWNSIDE: Murmurs of a rift between Dr. Tarpeh and the incoming President over campaign finance spurred speculations that Weah had thrown the veteran economist in the doghouse.
Tarpeh was forced to shut down a social media report accusing him of squandering more than US$62,000 intended to pay the Party’s poll workers.
“The social media reports are “a blatant lie,” Dr. Tarpeh charged against his accusers, declaring the report as a mere propaganda being orchestrated by individuals, who are bitter about a George Weah presidency.
ODDS: 2-1
SAMUEL TWEAH
UPSIDE: Mr. Tweah has been with CDC for a long time since the first election in 2005, working hard for Weah’s 2005 Presidential bid. He is described as smart young man with a graduate degree from the United States.
Mr. Tweah worked as a consultant at the ministry of finance assign with the Millennium Challenge Corporation as a Senior Economist. In July 2016, Mr. Tweah was employed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to serve as a Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors.
DOWNSIDE: Tweah has only been in the ADB position for some eighteen months, one of only two professional jobs he has done in a very short period, raising concerns about his ability to take on the enormous challenge facing the incoming government.
Additionally, critics say Tweah may be lacking the experience to head the fiscal office of Liberia during this financial crisis time. Some financial observers say, he may have a steep learning curve in which to make immediate impact.
Some of his critics say, he at times find it difficult to get along with others which may make it difficult to manage the staff at the Ministry of Finance.
Others say he finds it difficult to accept the professional opinions of others and it makes it difficult for him to reach a professional compromise with his colleagues.
A former official at the former planning ministry which was merged with finance said, the brother is too theoretical and lacks practical experience.
Most of his former co-workers have expressed their concerns about his lack of experience or inability to be Minister of Finance at this time when the Liberian economy is in a bad shape. Mr. Tweah has less than 7 years of professional experience which may not be enough to serve as finance Minister of a nation,
ODDS: 7-1
NATHANIEL PATRAY, SR.
UPSIDE: Mr. Patray has been with CDC since 2005 and was one of the original advisors of Weah along with the late G. Baccus Mathews. He has worked in the financial sector for a long period. Mr. Patray started working in the financial sector when he returned from the United States in the late seventies. His first job was senior economist at the National Bank of Liberia now Central Bank of Liberia.
He served as director of research and later Deputy Governor of the Bank two times both under Doe and later Taylor. He also served as professor of economics at the University of Liberia and Cuttington. He will come with several years of financial experience if nominated as Minister of Finance.
DOWNSIDE: Patray’s challenge will be dealing with or mentoring most of the younger employees at the Ministry of Finance who are difficult to mentor these days. The ministry of finance is a more complex entity to manage then Central Bank of Liberia where he worked for many years.
ODDS: 2-1
ANSU SONIE
UPSIDE: Mr. Sonie holds a graduate degree in Accounting and served for many years as Professor of Accounting at the University of Liberia. He has a long-term experience working in the private sector in senior financial positions. When talking about accountability, Mr. Sonie will recommend control mechanism in place to minimize waste at the Ministry of Finance and development planning.
DOWNSIDE: The Ministry of Finance has evolved over the last twelve years with new systems put in place. Mr. Sonie will face the challenge of understanding and managing the system and young staff at the ministry.
Some of the young staff are the professionally trained to play in a support role that will help Mr. Sonie make good fiscal decision. However, the learning curve for him will not be bad because of his professional experience
ODDS: 5-1
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS
THE LOWDOWN: A number of development and infrastructural projects started by the departing government are currently in the pipeline or on the verge of completion or have been completed. Key among them, the Somalia Drive Road Project, the Fish Town to Harper and other major developments. The incoming government faces a daunting task to continue on the gains made by the departing Sirleaf administration
JOHN YOUBOTI
Those who know Youboti say he is a well-educated and a successful business man. He runs a construction company MDMC that is involved in road construction. He has done several road works for the government of Liberia and some non-government entities. He may understand the challenges the government is facing with road construction and he can work with government to prioritize roads in Liberia.
DOWNSIDE: Conflict of interest and the potential for controversy over contract awards could pose a problem here. The government of Liberia currently owes road contactors more than US$50 million including Mr. Youboti’s MDMC.
The Ministry of Public Works usually awards road construction contract to construction companies after a bidding process. Mr. Youboti as Minister of Public Works will be responsible to award contracts and pay construction companies, likely to draw him into a line of public scrutiny.
In such a scenario, eager minds will wonder whether Mr. Youboti will push for payment to his own company, MDMC or give them advantage in securing road construction contract.
YUDU GRAY
UPSIDE: Mr. Gray is a civil engineer who served as cabinet Minister during the administration of Samuel Doe. He may have the experience but age is against him. President Sirleaf spoke about passing the torch to a new generation and Mr. Gray is not from the new generation.
The former Public Works Minister previously owned and managed Gray Construction Company and is said to have an intimate understanding of the political and governmental structure within Liberia.
DOWNSIDE: Mr. Gray is an old hand and age compounded by the rigorous expectation of a modern generation may be a bit too much for him to handle.
ODDS: 5-1
MABUTU NYEPAN
UPSIDE: Mr. Nyepan holds a Bsc. in Civil Engineering, Master in International Relations and a law degree. He served as Chairman of the senate committee on public works for seven years with direct oversight responsibility over the Ministry of Public Works. He was the third ranking member of ECOWAS Parliament committee on infrastructure and former infrastructure specialist at USAID.
Mr. Nyepan also worked with the United Nations (UNOPS) as its resident civil engineer in Bong County and served as Deputy Managing Director for Technical services at Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation. Also, he served as Deputy Managing Director for Administration at LPRC.
Giving his seven years at the senate as chairman on public works, some say he understands some of the difficulties the ministry faces on its statutory responsibilities and could help if appointed as its Minister.
DOWNSIDE
Some say Mr. Nyepan has not been a practicing engineer because he served in the senate for nine years. To others, even though he was not a practicing engineer during those night years in the senate, he had oversight responsible over the work of the ministry of public works and its engineers.
In May 2015, Mr. Nyepan found himself entangled in allegations relating to the misapplication of US$6m Private Use Permit (PUP) case. An eyewitness alleged that the former Sinoe County Senator gave elders of Tartweh Drapoh Chiefdom LD$50,000 to sign the social agreement with a logging company, Atlantic Resource to operate under the PUP in the community.
At the time, Hillary Quetoh, a youth President of the chiefdom said, Nyenpan gave the money during a meeting with the town’s people, the management of Forestry Development Authority (FDA), including its dismissed Managing Director, Moses Wogbeh and representative of Atlantic Resource in May 2012. Quetoh said, though they did not accept the money, the Senator and the FDA went ahead and signed the agreement with the logging company.
After the community refused to accept the money, Quetoh `allegedly quoted Senator Mobutu’s response to the people saying, “This is cold water for you people to agree for the company to operate in our county.”
Mr. Mabutu said the allegation was false. Some elders and another youth group from the area said it was politically motivated. These elders said, they were aware of a senior politician from Sinoe who had planned to oppose Mr. Mabutu in his last senatorial race bribed Hillary Quetoh to tarnish the reputation of Mr. Nyepan. There has been no evidence to prove the allegation levied against Mr. Nyepan by Hilary Quetoh according to the same youth group and elders who defended Mr. Nyepan.
ODDS: 3-1
GBEHZOHNGAR M FINDLEY
UPSIDE: The former President Pro Temp of the Senate jumped ship from Boakai to Weah ahead of the Presidential elections. Findley, who was rumored to be on a shortlist for Boakai’s running mate would later prove to be a strong boost for Weah in vote-rich Grand Bassa, which Weah won in the second round.
Findley’s education in rural development has made him one of the top candidates for the post. Prior to his election in the Senate, Findley served was a businessman, President/CEO of APPC, Exporting Cocoa and Coffee. Before that, he served as Mechanical Laboratory Technician, with the
Franklin University. Findley also served as Assistant Manager, SHOWAC Corporation, Columbus Ohio. He later served as Office Assistant in Lund Sweden.
He holds a BSc degree in Electronic Engineering from Franklin University, Columbus Ohio and a MSc degree in Rural Development Sociology, Lund, Sweden. He also holds series of certificates in Swedish History, Economic History, Sociology and Swedish Law. Hon. Findley further served as President of the Association of Liberians in Columbus.
In addition to his Senate Pro Temp role, Findley also served previously as Chairman on Post & Telecommunications, Co-Chairman on Public Autonomous Commissions and Member of the Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Labor, Rules, Order & Administration and Executive committees.
DOWNSIDE: Findley could be hurt by opposition from grassroot CDC members who are already complaining that late comers like him to the party are poised to benefit more than those who have been with Weah from the beginning.
ODDS: 2-1
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
THE LOWDOWN: This has been one of the major handicaps of the departing government due to the lack of chronic capacity constraints, compounded by the lack of human, material, and financial resources which has severely hampered the delivery of justice.
Various international reports in the past years have trumpeted serious human rights abuses linked to deficiencies in the administration of justice, official corruption, and violence against women and children, including rape, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
The 2016 US Human Rights report cited Police abuse, harassment, and intimidation of detainees and others; arbitrary arrest and detention; press harassment; corruption; female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C); racial and ethnic discrimination; discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons; mob violence; and child labor as some of the key issues hampering the post-war nation.
The report also noted that impunity remained a serious problem despite intermittent and limited government attempts to investigate and prosecute officials accused of abuses, whether in the security forces or elsewhere in the government while corruption at all levels of government continue to undermine public trust in state institutions.
At least five Ministers took turn taking a stab at addressing these concerns in the past government, making it all the more important for the incoming government to make a strong appointment here.
ARCHIBALD F. BARNARD
UPSIDE: A former senator who chaired the Senate’s committee on banking and currency during the Samuel Doe era, Barnard is a long-time friend of the incoming President. His family’s property in the Congotown area has been used as the CDC’s party’s headquarters since the party was formed and many say he has stuck with Weah and the CDC against family wishes to turn the property into and investment opportunity.
Mr. Barnard studied mechanical engineering in the United States and also graduated from the Lewis Arthur Grimes School of law. He is a member of the Liberian Bar Association and previously served as President of the Invisible Eleven, the team that brought Weah to light in the 1980s. Mr. Barnard also served as General Manager of the family company, Yes Transport, one of the hugely successful transportation businesses in Liberia prior to the civil war. Mr. Barnard recently retired from the United Nations after several years working in the UN legal section.
DOWNSIDE: Mr. Barnard has limited experience in the practice of law and is not a Cllr. At law, who should be Dean of the bar. However, there were some Liberians who were not Cllr. When appointed justice Minister like Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh and late Justice Minister, Jenkins K.Z.B. Scott.
ODDS: 2-1
CLLR. CHARLES GIBSON
UPSIDE: Mr. Gibson is a graduate of Lewis Arthur Grimes School of Law and has been admitted to the Supreme Court of Liberia as counsellor at Law. He has been practicing law in Liberia for a number of years. He is a good friend to the President-elect and this could give him an edge among other potential candidates for the job.
DOWNSIDE: Cllr. Gibson has ethical problem. He was once suspended by the National Bar Association because he misused a client’s resources. Some lawyers said the justice Minister must be someone with high ethical and moral behavior; however, Gibson with his ethical problem could have a problem been confirm by the senate judicial committee.
ODDS: 2-1
CLLR. OSWARD TWEH
UPSIDE: Cllr. Osward Tweh is an experienced lawyer and considered among the best legal practitioners in Liberia. Mr. Tweh graduated from Lewis Arthur Grimes School of Law with honors and received his LLM from the prestigious Harvard Law School in the United States.
Cllr. Tweh has been practicing law for over 30 years and is a member of New York State Bar in the United States of America. He also taught corporation and commercial law at the Lewis Arthur Grimes School of Law. Every Administration brings in New Investors and you need a justice Minister who will not just prosecute but review corporate deals and advise government. Some legal scholars said Cllr. Tweh has the corporate law experience to review and advise government on corporate issues and not just to prosecute. He is a managing Partner in Pierre and Tweh.
DOWNSIDE: While Tweh comes highly regarded as one of Liberia’s finest legal minds, some observers say he does not have experience working in government. He has always been in the private sector and may not be familiar with some of the bureaucracies in government.
ODDS: 2-1
Minister OF LANDS, MINES & ENERGY
THE LOWDOWN: The departing government, in the past twelve years was focused on implementing regulatory reform and the development of a modern, state-of-the-art concessions framework for mineral deposits but much of the concessions framework introduced measures to maximize sustainable contributions of mining to the national economy were not properly regulated.
Over the past twelve years, the Ministry accomplished a number of tasks in the areas of contracting concession investment in the mineral sector by awarding numerous mineral rights, instituting reform in the land sector by adopting policies to control the illicit trafficking of deeds, providing safe drinking water by conducting research in water quality analysis with help from many institutions (Governmental, NGOs, PVOs, International Organizations, etc), the compilation of data with the aim of producing a new mineral resources map of the country, and the supervision and controlled monitoring of the alluvial mining sector.
Despite these inroads, the incoming administration will likely face a daunting task in establishing a well-organized and managed.
MUSA BILITY
UPSIDE: Bility was one of the high-profile defections of the just-ended Presidential campaign, jumping ship from Charles Brumskine’s Liberty Party to Weah’s CDC. The former head of the Liberia Football Association who is one of Liberia’s influential businessmen, has been highly tipped for a number of positions in the Weah administration, one of those is the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy.
Bility is also the CEO Srimex Oil Company and President of Organizing Committee for African Nations Championship (CHAN). He has previously served as Board Chair of the National Port Authority, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation and the Liberia Airport Authority.
DOWNSIDE: Despite his successful business ventures, Bility has been dogged by numerous scandals. Quite recently, published reports suggested that the investigatory chamber of FIFA’s Ethics Committee had stepped in to investigate allegations that the Liberia Football Association’s Treasurer Jallah Corvah had admitted sending fake accounts documentation to FIFA. Bility said that he had not signed the documentation sent to FIFA but that his signature had been forged.
Corvah has reportedly admitted to sending $600,000 to Bility’s wife Denise for their Stone Haven guest house and more than 100,000 to his son Sidiki Bility. Both sums were from the LFA account. Bility says his signature was forged and he didn’t authorize any money.
In May 2013, Bility was given a six-month ban from all football activity by the Confederation of African Football. Caf announced on its website it had taken the action because Bility had violated statutes relating to the use of confidential documents. The Liberia FA was also fined US$10,000.
ODDS: 5-1
CARTON MILLER
UPSIDE: Mr. Miller graduated from the College of West as salutatorian and later from the University of Liberia with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and joined the staff of the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy.
Later he travelled to the United States of America where he received his Master in Geology. He has worked in the area of earth science for many years. He once served as Deputy Minister at the Ministry of lands, Mines and Energy and presently in the private sector as consultant. If appointed as Minister, Mr. Miller will bring his many years of experience in the area of earth science to help improve a ministry which some of the employees told FPA is dying slowly.
DOWNSIDE: Mr. Miller is not a member of CDC and also not part of President-elect inner cycle. Also, he may not be strong enough to lobby for some of the resources he needs to keep the ministry going.
ODDS: 5-1
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE
THE LOWDOWN: One of the major accomplishments of the departing government was overseeing Liberia’s ascension to the World Trade Organization which has been trumpeted as a great benefit to small businesses and consumers who are unable to lobby or negotiate on their behalf. The move was seen as an impetus for improved economic growth to reduce trade barriers and lower the costs of imports.
But despite the ascension, Liberia continues to be hampered by price gauging, rocketing inflation and mounting cries from ordinary Liberians about the increase in prices of local goods.
Toward the end of 2017, the World Bank Commodity Markets Outlook, reported that crude oil price was forecast for the year at $55 per barrel, a 29 percent jump from 2016. The energy price forecast assumes members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other oil producers will partially comply with an agreement to limit production after a long period of unrestrained output.
Nevertheless, the Bank raised its metals price forecast to an increase of 11 percent from the 4 percent rise anticipated in its October outlook on further tightening of supply and strong demand from China and advanced economies.
John Baffes, Senior Economist and lead author of the Commodity Markets Outlook concluded: “Prices for most commodities appear to had bottomed out and is on track to climb. Baffes also cautioned that changes in policies could alter this path, making it essential for the incoming government to send a clear message of intent with a good appointment here.
This is one ministry that Weah cannot afford to gamble on as it deals with prices and commodities and key issues at the core of the grassroots’ persona the CDC has trumpeted since its inception. Expectations are high that bread and butter issues like rice, gasoline, fuel and other basic commodities would drop under a Weah-led government, a mistake here could come back to haunt and hurt the incoming government.
EMMANUEL NUQUAY
UPSIDE: All may not be lost for the former speaker who risked it all by giving up his seat to serve as a running mate to the defeated ruling party standard bearer Joseph Boakai. Nuquay’s name has been mentioned as a strong choice to head one of the key ministries in Liberia.
Prior to his elections to the National Legislature, Mr. Nuquay served as Accounts Trainee with the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC), as Accounts Clerk with the Ministry of Rural Development and also as a Rubber Broker.
He later served as an Accounts Clerk with the Ministry of Rural Development. He also served as Quality Assurance Officer and Quality Control Supervisor with the Weala Rubber Corporation. Hon. Nuquay holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Liberia and is currently a student at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.
He previously served as Chair of the House Committee on Human & Civil Rights, Co-Chairman on Judiciary, Investment & Concession and a member of the committee on Labor. Nuquay was head of the influential Ways, Means and Finance Committee before becoming Speaker of the House.
DOWNSIDE: The former speaker could benefit from calls by some both in and out of the CDC for the incoming government to reach out to the Boakai camp for an appointment or two. But some are also said to be expressing concerns about giving the former speaker such a key post in the new government. Nuquay has in recent days called for support for the incoming government which could go a long way in helping to win over skeptics unsure whether he should be given the post.
ODDS: 2-1
ALEX TYLER
UPSIDE: Another former speaker, Tyler has been one of Mr. Weah’s strongest supporters. In fact, Tyler’s political wing, the Liberian People Democratic Party or LPDP was part of the coalition that helped Weah to win the Presidency.
Tyler became Speaker of the lower house in 2007. In 2005, he ran for Representative for the 1st District of Bomi County as a member of the Coalition for the Transformation of Liberia, winning with 21.5% of the vote against six opposing candidates.
Following the resignation of Speaker Edwin Melvin Snowe in 2007, Tyler stood for the speakership, winning with 32 votes to his opponent’s 27. He was fiercely challenged in the 2011 UP primaries; while he prevailed in the election, initial news results reported that he had lost.
Tyler is a graduate from African Methodist Episcopal University with a BSc in economics and a minor in accounting. He initially worked as an office manager and resale supervisor for British Petroleum’s West African division before taking jobs at various fishing companies in Liberia. In 2009, Tyler earned a J.D. from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.
DOWNSIDE: Despite his party’s coalition with Weah, the former speaker’s indictment due to his alleged role in the Global Witness Bribery scandal could prevent him from getting such a high-profile post. The former speaker was amongst a laundry list of officials indicted for allegedly committing multiple criminal offences, bribery, economic sabotage, criminal conspiracy, solicitation and facilitation.
SAMUEL WLUE
UPSIDE: The current Minister of Transport was one of the quiet supporters of Weah and the CDC in the just-ended elections. He is widely tipped to be one of the holdovers from the Sirleaf government but in which capacity remains uncertain. One area he is reported being considered is Commerce.
DOWNSIDE: Wlue was a high-ranking official of MODEL, one of the two rebel groups that battled the deposed Liberian dictator Charles Taylor for control of Liberia. He represented MODEL at the joint ECOWAS and international community brokered peace conference in Accra, Ghana in 2003.
As the result of the peace conference, MODEL, LURD and the Taylor regime carved up strategic government bureaucracies as “spoils of war.” MODEL secured the Ministry of Commerce, Bureau of Maritime and Foreign Affairs Ministry, among others. Wlue was then awarded the Commerce Ministry portfolio.
Over the past few years, prior to his appointment by Sirleaf, Wlue struggled to brush off blemish from the Gyude Bryant-led government when he was arrested and later released after he was named in an ECOWAS audit and the previous European Union sponsored audit alleging corruption.
ODDS: 3-1
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE
THE LOWDOWN: Brownie Samukai is likely to bid farewell to the ministry he has headed for the past twelve years, paving the way for a new Minister to steer the affairs of the post-war nation’s defense and security sector for the next six years.
The ministry, which prior to 1972, was called Department of War, was created by an Act of the National Legislature on June 9, 1972. The immediate control of the Ministry is vested in the Minister of National Defense, subject to the authority and direction of the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
According to the Act, “The Minister of National Defense shall be a civilian and shall be nominated and, with the consent of the Senate, appointed and commissioned by the President.”
The mission of the Ministry of National Defense is to ensure the protection of Liberia’s national interest and territorial integrity, and to protect the citizens and residents within the borders of Liberia from internal and external aggression and in extremist, to respond to natural disaster.
The Minister of National Defense is the principal administrator and will be tasked with ensuring that life after the full departure of the United Nations Mission will be a smooth one.
DANIEL DEE ZIANKAHN JR.
UPSIDE: The current Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) is regarded as a qualified paratrooper and a product of the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He holds a Master’s degree in Military Science and Strategy. He took on the task of replacing Nigerian military officer, Major General Suraj A. Abdurrahman, becoming the first Liberian to command control of the military since the end of the civil war.
Gen. Ziankahn completed his secondary education at the Assembly of God Mission High School in Monrovia. He received a BBA degree in Business Management from the African Methodist Episcopal Zion University, also in Monrovia.
He Ziankahn completed his Individual Entry Training, Advance Individual Training, Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course and Officers Candidate School in Liberia between 2006/2007. He received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant on 9 May 2007.
Gen. Ziankahn also successfully completed the following courses: Basic Officer Leader Course II, Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course III, and Basic Airborne Course – all at Fort Benning, Georgia, in the U.S.; Armor Company Commander Course in the Arab Republic of Egypt; Junior Staff Course at the Horton Academy in Freetown, Sierra Leone; and Intermediate Level Education at the United States Command and General Staff College. He also attended various international seminars, including the African Land Forces Summit, held in Kampala, Uganda, and the African Endeavor, held in Duala, Cameroon, both in 2012.
DOWNSIDE: It is unclear whether the incoming government would want to maintain the security command of the departing government which could prove complicated for Ziakahn’s ascension.
ODDS: 5-1
DANIEL CHEA
UPSIDE: The former Minister Of Defense endorsed Weah’s candidacy and many insiders say he could be in line for an appointment, it remains to be seen whether his old stomping ground is in the cards. Chea is credited with helping solidify Weah’s support in Grand Bassa where he remains hugely popular.
DOWNSIDE: The last time Chea was nominated for the post, it was greeted with protests and demonstration in the broad-based transitional government, claiming he owed them more than two years of pay arrears, from his time in the post from the Taylor era.
The protesters – some of whom were in uniform, gathered outside the Defence Ministry, shouting abuses against Chea who was named Defense Minister by former President Charles Taylor when he came to power in 1997. Chea was nominated to become Defence Minister in the new government, led by businessman Gyude Bryant, by Taylor’s National Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a 2003 PBS interview, Chea spoke of his time under the Taylor era. “I don’t like to talk about myself and what I did. But if you recall, sometime in 2002, I was placed under house arrest.
A lot of Liberians don’t know, but I will take this opportunity to tell you why. One time I came from Lofa [County] and I asked him [Taylor], “I’d like to talk to you as my friend, as my big brother,” and I asked him two questions. One of the questions was simply put: “Why do you think that you are the only one in this country who is right and everyone else is wrong?”
The other question I won’t tell you. The day after, he said I was being arrogant and he ordered me under house arrest. I was placed under house arrest for 72 hours. Of course, there was a lot of intervention, and he reinstated me. Everybody else was like, “If he puts his own defense Minister and friend under arrest, there’s no telling what he would do to those he didn’t know.”
ODDS: 10-1
JACKSON J. PAYE
UPSIDE: A results-oriented Civil Engineer and Administrator, Paye has worked in past and the departing government in several prominent positions. In 1981, Paye, then a Captain was promoted to Assistant Minister of Defense for Civil Works after serving one year as a Project Engineer (PrE) for the Gorlu – Bella Yella Road Project in Lofa County.
Paye holds a BS, Architectural Design & Construction Tech, Hillsborough College, Tampa, FL, a BSc Civil Engineering, TJR Faulkner College of Science and Technology, University of Liberia and is a a graduate of US Army Engineering School in Fort Belvoir Virginia, USA
After five (5) years of service as Assistant Minister for Civil Works, Capt. Paye was promoted to Deputy Minister of Defense for Operations and also promoted to the military rank of Colonel.
In this position, col. Paye had oversight responsibilities for the Bureau of Civil Works, Logistics, Security, and other functions as designated by the Minister of Defense. Specifically Col. Paye was in charge of the day to day supervision of the MOD Complex construction and Co-Manager of the Ganta – Harper Highway Project among other responsibilities.
In early1990, after the outbreak of the Liberian Civil War, Col. Paye was appointed as Superintendent of Nimba County. As Chief Executive Officer of Liberia’s second most populous County, Superintendent Paye skillfully mitigated the adverse effects of the war during its early stages.
This was done by using his interpersonal skills to engage in peace building. After the murder of Superintendent Paye’s parents in early 1990, he fled the country in May going first to Guinea, Sierra Leone, and subsequently to the United States of America where he sought refuge.
While in the United States of America, Mr. Paye worked for over fifteen years in a fast paced technical environment at LandMark Engineering and Survey Corporation, Tampa, FL. USA, as EIT (Engineer in Training), and subsequently as a project engineer (PrE) in charge of civil works design among others.
While working full time with LandMark Engineering, Mr. Paye along with his son founded JJP and Associates Design and Construction, LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company. The company operated profitably for several years before Mr. Paye moved back to Liberia in 2011.
Upon returning home to Liberia 2011, Mr. Paye established and worked for three year as President/CEO of JJP and Associates Design and Construction, Liberia Inc. The company had turnover $400,000.00 United States dollars from March 2011 to May 2013. Some of our clients during this period include, Firestone Plantation Company for whom we build several workers’ housing units and the Liberian National Coast Guard for whom we built and boat storage and workshop.
In May 2013, Mr. Paye was appointed Assistant Minister of Public Works in charge of Feeder Roads and Rural Housing, within the Department of Rural Development and Community Services. Along with his staff Mr. Paye provided oversight and supervises the construction of several kilo meters of Feeder Roads throughout Liberia and monitored Rural Housing Projects carried out by development partners.
DOWNSIDE: Paye could fall victim to the change mantra and the incoming government could look elsewhere to bring in someone fresh for the influential defense post.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT
Created by an Act of the National Legislature on August 25, 1987, to formulate and Minister the transport, insurance and maritime regulations and policies of Liberia, this ministry remains one of the crucial ministries affecting public policy and should be one to watch as it affects the grassroots interest of the incoming ruling party.
The ministry which has oversight responsibility for execution of policies relating to land, sea and air transport services operating within the country will be relied upon to improve on those areas as the incoming government looks to address some of the burning issues affecting the masses whose interests it has trumpeted over the years.
The ministry is also mandated to ensure strict adherence to insurance standards and regulations in collaboration with insurance agencies operating in the country.
ARCHIBALD F. BARNARD
UPSIDE: A former Senator who chaired the Senate’s committee on banking and currency during the Samuel Doe era, Barnard is a long-time friend of the incoming President. His family’s property in the Congo Town area has been used as the CDC’s party’s headquarters since the party was formed and many say he has stuck with Weah and the CDC against family wishes to turn the property into and investment opportunity.
Mr. Barnard studied mechanical engineering in the United States and also graduated from the Lewis Arthur Grimes School of law. He is a member of the Liberian Bar Association and previously served as President of the Invisible Eleven, the team that brought Weah to light in the 1980s.
Mr. Barnard also served as General Manager of the family company, Yes Transport, one of the hugely successful transportation business in Liberia prior to the civil war. Mr. Barnard recently retired from the United Nations after several years working in the UN legal section.
DOWNSIDE: Mr. Barnard’s experience running the successful YES Transport business in the 1980s could make him a favorite here as the incoming government look to improve a sector that is tantamount to its grassroots mantra. But his long stay away from Liberia, although he has been in an out could prove to be a liability for skeptics with close access to Weah’s ears.
ODDS: 2-1
SAMUEL WLUE
UPSIDE: It is unclear whether the current Minister of Transport will maintain his post as he is poised to be one of the holdovers from the Sirleaf administration.
DOWNSIDE: Wlue was a high ranking official of MODEL, one of the two rebel groups that battled the deposed Liberian dictator Charles Taylor for control of Liberia. He represented MODEL at the joint ECOWAS and international community brokered peace conference in Accra, Ghana in 2003.
As the result of the peace conference, MODEL, LURD and the Taylor regime carved up strategic government bureaucracies as “spoils of war.” MODEL secured the Ministry of Commerce, Bureau of Maritime and Foreign Affairs Ministry, among others. Wlue was then awarded the Commerce Ministry portfolio.
Over the past few years, prior to his appointment by Sirleaf, Wlue struggled to brush off blemish from the Gyude Bryant-led government when he was arrested and later released after he was named in an ECOWAS audit and the previous European Union sponsored audit alleging corruption.
ODDS: 10-1
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Much scrutiny will be placed on who incoming President Weah tips to head the Ministry responsible for directing Liberia’s external relations and the management of its international diplomatic missions.
In the departing government, much of the load was carried by the aura of Sirleaf, who became Africa’s first female head of state. Sirleaf’s presence eclipsed nearly all of the Ministers who occupied this post in the departing government. Many say, Weah’s choice here could make or break his presidency and the expectations lingering over his head.
TOGA MCINTOSH
UPSIDE: Dr. Mcintosh who briefly flirted with the idea of running for President, proved to be a key campaign advisor to the incoming government and is said to be one of his trusted aides.
Dr. McIntosh has acquired, during the last 43 years, technical, professional and managerial work experiences at both national and international levels, and is seen as having a solid pedigree to steer Weah in the next six years.
He worked for the Government of Liberia between 1969 and 1981 gathering and processing socio-economic data; preparing economic analysis for development planning; and coordinating the preparation and implementation of national plans, policies and programs.
While serving as the National Policy Advisor to the Interim President of Liberia (1991-1993), he reviewed policy issues and advised the President and Cabinet on ways for promoting effectiveness in governance an economic management as well as for restoring peace in Liberia.
As the Executive Director for the Governance Reform Commission (May 2004 – August 2005), he led the technical team in the development of reform measures for the reconstruction and development of post-conflict Liberia.
For nearly twenty years, while he was not in the service of his country, Dr. McIntosh provided technical and advisory services to a number of African governments and international agencies including the World Bank, UNDP, African Development Bank, and the African Union, UNECA, and USAID.
Ten of those years were spent serving with the United Nations advising on human resources planning, development and utilization in Africa while the other ten were spent on providing consultancy services. In 2004, Dr. McIntosh returned to Liberia and served for two years as the Executive Director of the Governance Reform Commission that was established under the Accra Peace Accord.
Prior to his appointment as a Senior Advisor to the ED in early August, and subsequently his election as an Executive Director, he served as the Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs for two and a half years in the Liberian Government leading a team in the reform efforts and the formulation of the Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy (IPRS) and the full PRS framework document.
As Minister he served as the Alternate Governor of the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank; and was a member of Council for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Mano River Union (MRU) respectively.
DOWNSIDE: The veteran official suffered a blemish in his career in 2012 when he was one of several officials caught in the web of an embarrassing documentary by Danish investigative journalist Mads Brugger Cortzen. The documentary entitled “The Ambassador.” Showed how officials including Mcintosh gave Mr. Cortzen a diplomatic passport to serve as Honorary Consul General to the Central African Republic.
Mcintosh would later call a news conference and while he admitted granting the Consul general post to the journalist, he denied ever receiving a bribe from him.
Dr McIntosh who was Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission at the time the documentary was released, said Mr Cortzen went through a vetting process in line with international best practice to obtain the title.
ODDS: 2-1
JEREMIAH SULUNTEH
UPSIDE: The vice standard bearer of Alexander Cummings’ Alternative National Congress endorsed Weah’s candidacy for the second round and could be rewarded here as the incoming government looks to reach across the aisle in its professed bid to set up a government of inclusion.
Sulunteh’s career in the areas of administration, teaching, and politics which includes his most recent stint as Ambassador to the United States of America makes him one of the key candidates for the post.
In a career spanning more than 30 years, Sulunteh has been a politician, administrator and academician, serving as the Minister of Transport from 2006 to 2008 in Liberia under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and late as a Minister of Post and Telecommunications from 2008 to 2010, and as Minister of Labor from 2010 to 2012 before his appointment to Ambassador of Liberia in the United States of America in March 2012.
DOWNSIDE: Sulunteh has a record of abandoning his standard bearers in bid to seek greener pastures as he did when he ran with Ambassador Winston Tubman in 2005 when he was rewarded following his endorsement of Sirleaf in the 2005 elections.
Some close aides to Weah are open to him being rewarded for his endorsement but whether the high-profile ministry is that reward remains to be seen. Some sources say Sulunteh is also toying with the idea of running on the CDC ticket for the upcoming Bong County senatorial race, a report that aides has dismissed, suggesting that he is likely to run on the ANC ticket.
ODDS: 5-1
GBEHZOHNGAR M. FINDLEY
UPSIDE: The former President Pro Temp of the Senate jumped ship from Boakai to Weah ahead of the Presidential elections. Findley, who was rumored to be on a shortlist for Boakai’s running mate would later prove to be a strong boost for Weah in vote-rich Grand Bassa, which Weah won in the second round.
Prior to his election in the Senate, Findley served was a businessman, President/CEO of APPC, Exporting Cocoa and Coffee. Before that, he served as Mechanical Laboratory Technician, with the
Franklin University. Findley also served as Assistant Manager, SHOWAC Corporation, Columbus Ohio. He later served as Office Assistant in Lund Sweden. He holds a BSc degree in Electronic Engineering from Franklin University, Columbus Ohio and a MSc degree in Rural Development Sociology, Lund, Sweden. He also holds series of certificates in Swedish History, Economic History, Sociology and Swedish Law. Hon. Findley further served as President of the Association of Liberians in Columbus.
In addition to his Senate Pro Temp role, Findley also served previously as Chairman on Post & Telecommunications, Co-Chairman on Public Autonomous Commissions and Member of the Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Labor, Rules, Order & Administration and Executive committees.
DOWNSIDE: Findley could be hurt by opposition from grassroot CDC members who are already complaining that late comers like him to the party are poised to benefit more than those who have been with Weah from the beginning.
ODDS: 3-1
MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
THE LOWDOWN
This is one area where much will be expected of the new government. As one of Liberia’s oldest and largest institution, the MIA has seen significant reforms since its establishment in 1864, known then as the Parish.
Changes have been manifested in all key areas, including its Mandate, Nomenclature and Structure. the institution’s responsibility was, to the Minister of Local Governance which basically involved Collection of Taxes, Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility, and Seeking the Welfare of the People.
But it is the area of reconciliation that could make whoever occupies this post in the Weah-led government pivotal to the incoming President’s pledge to reconcile Liberia. A clear understanding of the Zoes and traditional customs will also be a key qualification for those looking to fill the void here.
GBEHZOHNGAR M. FINDLEY
UPSIDE: The former President Pro Temp of the Senate jumped ship from Boakai to Weah ahead of the Presidential elections. Findley, who was rumored to be on a shortlist for Boakai’s running mate would later prove to be a strong boost for Weah in vote-rich Grand Bassa, which Weah won in the second round.
Findley, according to sources may have sealed this post when he crossed over the Weah shortly after leaving Boakai in the cold.
Prior to his election in the Senate, Findley served was a businessman, President/CEO of APPC, Exporting Cocoa and Coffee. Before that, he served as Mechanical Laboratory Technician, with the
Franklin University. Findley also served as Assistant Manager, SHOWAC Corporation, Columbus Ohio. He later served as Office Assistant in Lund Sweden. He holds a BSc degree in Electronic Engineering from Franklin University, Columbus Ohio and a MSc degree in Rural Development Sociology, Lund, Sweden. He also holds series of certificates in Swedish History, Economic History, Sociology and Swedish Law. Hon. Findley further served as President of the Association of Liberians in Columbus.
In addition to his Senate Pro Temp role, Findley also served previously as Chairman on Post & Telecommunications, Co-Chairman on Public Autonomous Commissions and Member of the Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Labor, Rules, Order & Administration and Executive committees.
DOWNSIDE: Findley could be hurt by opposition from grassroot CDC members who are already complaining that late comers like him to the party are poised to benefit more than those who have been with Weah from the beginning.
ODDS: 2-1
VARNEY SIRLEAF
UPSIDE: The current acting Minister is one of the few with holdover potentials in the incoming government. He has been critical of the mouth that fed him over the past few years of late. Despite initially backing the ruling party’s candidate, Sirleaf appeared to drift toward the CDC of late.
DOWNSIDE: Sirleaf is regarded as one of the turncoat beneficiaries of the Sirleaf era who shifted positions toward the end of her reign in hopes of positioning himself for a future role in government.
After describing Sirleaf, who is a relative of the President, last year as being one of the best Presidents Liberia produced, he followed that later with a stinking rebuke of her presidency in a recent BBC interview during which he warned President elect Weah not to repeat Sirleaf’s mistakes by employing family members and be complacent in the fight against corruption.
“Be little vigilant; those setbacks that Mrs. Sirleaf faced learn them, putting family members in government, being lenient when it comes to prosecuting people,” he said when asked if he had any advice for Weah.
ODDS: 6-1
MINISTRY OF GENDER
Established in 2001 by an Act of the National Legislature, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection amongst other things serves as a driving force of Government for the practicalization of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its related instruments including UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); the Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC); the AU Protocols on Women and Children, UNSCR 1325 on Women Peace and Security; and the Beijing Platform for Action.
The Ministry is mandated to advise Government on all matters affecting the development and welfare of women and children as well as any other matters referred to it by the Government. The departing government had its hands full in the wake of numerous cases of abuses of young boys and girls as well as rape and incest in various parts of the country. It is expected that whoever assumes command here will have their hands full trying to deal with what will no-doubt be a turbulent time.
GURLY TETA GIBSON
UPSIDE: The former Trade Representative at the Liberian Embassy in Washington D.C who resigned in 2015 has been moonlighting as an advocate on women’s issues.
As President of the Liberia Women Forum (LWF), a local NGO founded to seek the interest of women in Liberia, Gibson was instrumental in calling for probe into allegation of rape at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Memorial Hospital and other violence against women.
She has in recent years condemned acts of sexual violence and savage rape. “Women need to be protected in every part of Liberia, be it in the street or the hospital, the hospital should even be the last place for such violence against women to occur,” she told FrontPageAfrica last year.
Gibson has extensive wealth of experience in government, the private sector and nonprofit. As the Trade and Investment Representative she encouraged investors and businesses to invest in Liberia contributing over US $500 million dollars. Before joining the Government of Liberia, Gibson worked as Social Worker and Counselor respectively, in the Delaware County School District and with the Foundations Behavioral Health in Pennsylvania, USA.
Gibson is also a founding member and former Executive Director of the CAREPATH, Inc., a nonprofit organization that caters to women and children in Liberia. CAREPATH was founded in 2006, and had worked with various communities in Margibi and Maryland Counties. As the Executive Director of CAREPATH, Gurly worked with the citizens and residents of Kparkpacon Town in Margibi County to establish a community school for the children.
As an advocate for women rights and initiatives, CAREPATH supported women in both Margibi and Maryland counties with no interest micro loans for business start-up. As Executive Director, Ms. Gibson also identified funding for Liberian Girls who wanted to study nursing in Liberia. Three girls were awarded scholarships to attend the United Methodist University and the SMYTHE Institute in Monrovia, Liberia. Those girls have graduated and are now working in hospitals in Liberia.
Ms. Gibson holds a Master of Science Degree in Psychology with professional business and technology trainings. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Gibson Investment and Consulting Services with expertise in international trade and investment in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically, West Africa. The firm also provides Immigration, Human Resource Management, and Tax Preparation Services.
DOWNSIDE: Some critics say Gibson does not have a strong grounded record of actively pushing gender and women’s issues
ODDS: 2-1
MACDELLA COOPER
UPSIDE: Cooper who ran for President under the banner of the Liberia Restoration Party (LRP) threw her weight behind Weah, for the November Presidential 7 run-off elections.
In endorsing Weah, Cooper, who has a child with the incoming President, said she saw her visions also embedded in the platform of the CDC, that blanket endorsement could put her in a pole position for a post here.
Her MacDella Cooper Foundation claims it is committed to improving educational and economic outcomes for children with emphasis on Liberia’s large youth population.
DOWNSIDE: She launched the foundation in 2003 as a nonprofit working in service of underprivileged children and women in Liberia. In December 2010, the MacDella Cooper Foundation opened the first school in Liberia to offer free tuition, including room and board. Located in Charlesville, Margibi County, Liberia, the school, the MacDella Cooper Academy currently houses 80 Students, aged 4 to 13 years.
However many of her critics say much of the accomplishments at the foundation have been overstated for political purposes. Issues of nepotism could also draw her appointment here due to her ties with the incoming President.
But Cooper’s biggest setback, according to Weah’s aides, is concern that she could be a distraction due to her past relationship with the incoming President who reportedly wants her kept away with a 10-foot pole in a bid to avoid conflict with the incoming first lady.
ODDS: 7-1
MINISTRY OF STATE
THE LOWDOWN: This low-key but influential ministry could make or break Weah’s presidency. It is hear that key decision is born and in most cases the first and last ear to the President. Created by an Act of the National Legislature in 1971, the ministry is charged with, among other things, the responsibility of coordinating activities and operations of the Office of the President and providing support to the President in carrying out the Executive Functions of the State through close consultation with the Cabinet, key agencies and other institutions, i.e. private sector and civil society.
The departing government was engulfed in a lot of poor decision emanating from here, most notably the renovation of the Executive Mansion where millions were spent.
TOGA MCINTOSH
UPSIDE: Dr. Mcintosh who briefly flirted with the idea of running for President, proved to be a key campaign advisor to the incoming government and is said to be one of his trusted aides.
Dr. McIntosh has acquired, during the last 43 years, technical, professional and managerial work experiences at both national and international levels, and is seen as having a solid pedigree to steer Weah in the next six years.
He worked for the Government of Liberia between 1969 and 1981 gathering and processing socio-economic data; preparing economic analysis for development planning; and coordinating the preparation and implementation of national plans, policies and programs.
While serving as the National Policy Advisor to the Interim President of Liberia (1991-1993), he reviewed policy issues and advised the President and Cabinet on ways for promoting effectiveness in governance an economic management as well as for restoring peace in Liberia.
As the Executive Director for the Governance Reform Commission (May 2004 – August 2005), he led the technical team in the development of reform measures for the reconstruction and development of post-conflict Liberia. For nearly twenty years, while he was not in the service of his country, Dr. McIntosh provided technical and advisory services to a number of African governments and international agencies including the World Bank, UNDP, African Development Bank, and the African Union, UNECA, and USAID.
Ten of those years were spent serving with the United Nations advising on human resources planning, development and utilization in Africa while the other ten were spent on providing consultancy services. In 2004, Dr. McIntosh returned to Liberia and served for two years as the Executive Director of the Governance Reform Commission that was established under the Accra Peace Accord.
Prior to his appointment as a Senior Advisor to the ED in early August, and subsequently his election as an Executive Director, he served as the Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs for two and a half years in the Liberian Government leading a team in the reform efforts and the formulation of the
Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy (IPRS) and the full PRS framework document. As Minister he served as the Alternate Governor of the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank; and was a member of Council for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Mano River Union (MRU) respectively.
DOWNSIDE: The veteran official suffered a blemish in his career in 2012 when he was one of several officials caught in the web of an embarrassing documentary by Danish investigative journalist Mads Brugger Cortzen. The documentary entitled “The Ambassador.” Showed how officials including McIntosh gave Mr. Cortzen a diplomatic passport to serve as Honorary Consul General to the Central African Republic.
Mcintosh would later call a news conference and while he admitted granting the Consul general post to the journalist, he denied ever receiving a bribe from him.
Dr McIntosh, who was Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission at the time the documentary was released, said Mr Cortzen went through a vetting process in line with international best practice to obtain the title.
ODDS: 2-1
NATHANIEL MCGILL
UPSIDE: The chairman of the incoming ruling party is being widely tipped to head the ministry close to the presidency. Mr. McGill, prior to becoming party chair, served as national secretary general of CDC, was elected unopposed in Bentol, upper Montserrado County, during a two-day special convention, which was scheduled from January 14-15, 2015. McGill has already hinted that his party plans to organize what he called a ‘Small, but efficient government’.
DOWNSIDE: Aides close to Weah say, the incoming President has been forced to call McGill to book for a number of missteps, a sign that he may not be a lock for this position.
ODDS: 2-1
MUNAH PELHAM YOUNGBLOOD
UPSIDE: A lot of talk has been circulating over the past few weeks regarding Youngblood with some indication that the District No. 9 lawmaker may relinquish her seat she recently won for the second time for a chance to work in Weah’s inner circle. She has served as co-chair on the House’s Contracts, Monopolies, Public Procurement and Concessions as well as a member of the Foreign Affairs, Youth and Sport, Gender Equity, Child Development, and Social Services committees
DOWNSIDE: Youngblood’s limited experience and understanding of the workings of the executive branch could be a minus here. There are also reports of visible strains with she and the incoming vice President Jewel Howard Taylor regarding access and influence.
ODDS: 10-1
NYEMADE PEARSON
UPSIDE: The former chief of office staff at the National Oil Company of Liberia and deputy director of support service previously served as head of private banking at Ecobank Liberia is a long-time friend of the incoming President and has been seen of late playing a major role with the transition to the Presidency. Pearson has an MBA in management and fifteen years of experience in both the public and private sector.
DOWNSIDE: Solid experience in managing government could prove to be a stumbling block here.
ODDS: 10-1
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE
THE LOWDOWN: The deadly Ebola virus outbreak of 2014 exposed everything that was wrong with the healthcare system in Liberia. Many who cannot afford are forced to fight their way back to good health and the nation’s premiere hospital, the John F. Kennedy Medical Center has been notoriously ill-equipped to deal with the scores of illnesses daily.
The departing government inherited a country recovering from a civil war that killed around 250,000 people and displaced many more while wreaking havoc on most of the country’s healthcare facilities. Communicable diseases remain widespread, including tuberculosis, diarrhea, malaria, HIV, and Dengue. Female genital mutilation is widely practiced. Nearly a quarter of children under the age of five are malnourished and few people have access to adequate sanitation facilities.
The country is currently battling a rare form of scabies disease that has already claimed the lives of several persons. In 2009, government expenditure on health care per-capita was US$22, accounting for 10.6% of total GDP. In 2008, the country had only one doctor and 27 nurses per 100,000 people. It was ill equipped to handle the outbreak of Ebola in 2010 which lasted until 2015 and is still struggling to deal with simple illnesses.
Healthcare is one area where the incoming government will be expected to delivery. The bulk of those being denied basic care are amongst the grassroots base that is bedrock of the CDC. Expectations are high that the dark days are over and relief is on the way.
GEORGE WERNER
UPSIDE: Werner was one of the vocal supporters and defenders of Weah and the CDC on social media. As a sitting Minister, Werner took on vice President Joseph Boakai and his ruling party stalwarts’ aggressively on social media and at one point had to be contained by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. His stint at Education ministry has been controversial at best with many slamming his controversial policies and sometimes arrogant posture toward his critics and ordinary Liberians.
Werner was nominated as Minister of health in November 2014 but not confirmed by the Senate. He was again nominated, as Minister of education. He was director of the Civil Service Agency from June 2013 to May 2015.
He holds a master in social work and a Bachelor’s degree in general education. He has also studied health-care ethics, according to his bio. He has taught at high school and college levels and conducted research as a fellow in The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities(LEND) programme of the Children’s hospital of Philadelphia.
DOWNSIDE: Despite his support for Weah and the CDC, it remains to be seen whether he will win Senate confirmation this time around. But more importantly, Werner, if confirmed or appointed to this post may soon find that the arrogance he survived during the Sirleaf presidency may not work under a Weah administration and risk alienating the party’s grassroot base if he continues the trend of controversy and arrogance.
ODDS: 5-1
FRANCIS KATEH
UPSIDE: Kateh hails from the southeast, Maryland to be exact and is regarded as one of Liberia’s experienced health administrators.
He began his doctoral training in medicine when he volunteered at the Ganta United Methodist Hospital He received a scholarship at the University of Liberia and subsequently to the United States of America where he attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois.
Although sponsored by the then Central Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, Kateh matriculated to Spartan University School of Medicine in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia where he obtained a doctoral degree in medicine. He returned to Liberia during the first Liberian Civil War.
After serving in Liberia for the UMC for more than six years, he returned to the United States. Kateh earned a Master of Health Administration degree from Governors State University, University Park, IL.
Being touched by the devastation in New Orleans, due to Katrina, Kateh decided to pursue a degree in Homeland Security with emphasis in Public Health Disaster Preparedness. On May 10, 2008, Dr. Kateh earned a Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Leadership with emphasis in Public Health Disaster Preparedness. He is married and has four children.
DOWNSIDE: The incoming government may decide to look outside the Sirleaf government box and bring in someone new.
ODDS: 5-1
TOLBERT NYENSWAH
UPSIDE: One of the most visible face in the fight against the deadly Ebola virus outbreak, Nyenswah is a practicing attorney and disease prevention and control advocate, As Assistant Minister of Health, Nyenswah oversaw the Bureau of Preventive Services in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, where he is responsible for the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as mental health.
He has served as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Preventive Services and oversaw the coordination of malaria control, prevention, policies and strategies as the Deputy Program Director of the National Malaria Control Program.
Nyenswah has been credited with being instrumental in the development of a national health plan and policy for Liberia and is a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 2012 MPH graduate.
Nyenswah has last year named winner of the Bloomberg Hopkins Emerging Leader Award. In honor of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Centennial this year, the $100,000 cash award was established by Bloomberg Philanthropies to recognize a Bloomberg School student or alumni with the potential to impact public health on a large scale for years to come.
DOWNSIDE: The CDC was vocal in its criticism of spending of funding during Ebola. The party’s Youth League Chair Jefferson Koijee went as far as calling for an audit on the use of Ebola funding.
Koijee noted that there are lots of corruption cases, but misuse of funding intended to save the lives of Liberians during the Ebola crisis cannot be overemphasized. Koijee also said that the youths of CDC are very much concerned over the report about the Ebola funds, adding that those who are accused of misusing Ebola funds intended to save lives of Liberians and to restore health care should not go free. This could come back to haunt Nyenswah if he is considered for the post.
ODDS: 3-1
MINISTRY OF YOUTH & SPORTS
THE LOWDOWN
Weah’s background in football makes this ministry a keenly interesting one, coming on the backdrop of a rapid decline in sports and youth activities over the past years. Liberia has not enjoyed the success in football which brought Weah to prominence since he was in his prime. But more importantly, this ministry, which was first created as the ministry of labor, youth and sports in 1972 by an act of the national legislature, will be counted upon to come up with serious programs to deal with the youths, a core base of Weah’s CDC.
WILLIAMETTA PISO SAYDEE-TARR
UPSIDE: A long-time aide and confidante of the incoming President, Saydee-Tarr is a community crusader and organizer interested in global trends, Human Rights, Equality, Democracy in Africa. She is currently the Executive Director of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA).
She is a recipient of the pioneer recipient of the first ever Liberian Community Crusader Award. During the height of the civil war she was actually involved with the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) – Refugee Services’ Program Coordinator for Asylees, coordinating two Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) funded programs – the New Asylee Integration Program and Resources Empowerment Workshop for New Americans.
She has been a co-partner with the Lutheran World Services, Catholic Charities, Minnesota Department of Health, Hennepin County Office of Multi-cultural Services, the Advocates for Human Rights and, the Center for Victims of Torture.
She has also worked as Director of Administration for the African Broadcasting Network-America, a nation-wide television broadcast company on Dish Network, that was used as a platform to showcase Africa “as is” to U.S. subscribers.
She previously worked as volunteer program developer with the Minnesota’s NorthWest Cable Television (channel 12) and a Community TV Show Producer and Host as well as Program Coordinator and Host for the African Roots Connection Radio Program on 89.9 KMOJ FM Radio Station in Minneapolis.
She has a certificate in Restorative Dialogue in Severe Criminal & Political Violence from the University Of Minnesota’s School Of Social Work Center for Restorative Justice as well as CSAD Data Collection Researcher Certificate via the HRSA-HIVAIDS Bureau & US Department of Health & Human Services-Offices of HIV/AIDS Policy and was HIV/AIDS Training Instructor certificate, via the Greater Minneapolis Red Cross Chapter.
DOWNSIDE: Despite her lengthy background in dealing with youths, Saydee has not had a solid experience in working in government set up. Party insiders also tell FPA that she is being tipped to serve as Director General of the Cabinet.
ODDS: 2-1
ZEOGAR WILSON
UPSIDE: The former goalkeeper of Mighty Barrolle and the Liberian National team, the Lone Star is also a former Assistant Youth & Sports for Administration. Wilson has been a strong advocate for Weah, trumpeting some of his good deeds on social media during the height of the Presidential campaign.
He penned in a recent op-ed: “George has always had a passion for education; even if he himself did not acquire much he was willing to encourage others to pursue their education. In 1998, he purchased and shipped to Liberia a-35-seater bus for the University of Liberia and I presented that bus on his behalf to the University of Liberia administration.”
Wilson is a graduate of St. Christopher’s Catholic High School in Kakata, Margibi County, where he was a valedictorian, a graduate from the University of Liberia with a Bachelor of Science (BSC) in Economics, Magna Cum and a graduate from Holy Family University with a Master of Science (MS) in Information Systems Management.
Wilson previously worked at the Ministry of Youth and Sports as Assistant Minister for Administration; he served as Vice President for Technical Affairs for Mighty Barrolle Sports Association Republic of Liberia, President of the Trenton chapter of Mighty Barrolle Sports Association.
He also served as Co-chairman of the Board of Directors of the South Jersey Chapter of UNIBOA and is currently the National President of UNIBOA.
DOWNSIDE: Wilson’s long absence from Liberia could be a liability and stumbling block to his chances for consideration.
ODDS: 5-1
MUNAH PELHAM YOUNGBLOOD
UPSIDE: A lot of talks have been circulating over the past few weeks regarding Youngblood with some indication that the District No. 9 lawmaker may relinquish her seat she recently won for the second time for a chance to work in Weah’s inner circle. She has served as co-chair on the House’s Contracts, Monopolies, Public Procurement and Concessions as well as a member of the Foreign Affairs, Youth and Sport, Gender Equity, Child Development, and Social Services committees
DOWNSIDE: Youngblood’s limited experience and understanding of the workings of the executive branch could be a minus here. There are also reports of visible strains with she and the incoming vice President Jewel Howard Taylor regarding access and influence.
ODDS: 7-1
MINISTRY OF LABOR
THE LOWDOWN: Labor issues remain a complicated dilemma in Liberia. According to UNESCO’s 2015 statistics, the post-war nation’s labor force remains predominantly illiterate and unskilled and most Liberians, particularly those in the rural areas, lack basic vocational or computer skills. The adult literacy rate for Liberia stands at 47.7 percent and the youth (15-24) literacy rate is 54.4 percent.
More importantly, Liberia does not have a reliable database on labor market information to update such indicators as employment and unemployment. Unemployment is particularly high among the youth in Liberia, and young women have a harder time finding employment than young men.
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), more than one-quarter (28 percent) of the youth population and one-third (35 percent) of the youth labor force is unemployed. Thus, this is one area, close to the grassroots mantra of the incoming government and one which if not managed properly could run into numerous obstacles for President Weah.
Today, there remains an acute shortage of specialized labor skills, particularly in medicine, ITC, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and while the labor law gives preference to employing Liberian citizens and many investment contracts require businesses to employ a certain percentage of Liberians, including in top management positions, many continue to face obstacles finding employment.
Created by a Peoples’ Redemption Council, PRC Decree No. 35 in 1981, the Act creating the Ministry of Labor, Youth and Sports and amended the Executive Law to provide for a new chapter 34 which created the Ministry of Labor. The Weah-led government has its work cut out in terms of addressing massive unemployment and improving Working Conditions.
ATTORNEY PHIL TARPEH DIXON
UPSIDE: Party insiders say Weah is looking for a young and innovative lawyer to fill this void. One name that is popping up is the party’s acting national vice chairman for legal and governmental affairs.
Dixon is a former counsel at the National AIDS Commission of Liberia and has worked at the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF/Liberia. He is also a former consultant at the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa and a former Secretary General of the CDC who some say has paid his dues.
He is a graduate of the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) and the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.
DOWNSIDE: Youth and experience may be a hurdle the young attorney could struggle with especially with the rising tension and concerns over workers’ rights.
ODDS: 5-1
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
THE LOWDOWN: This is one sector that has been marred by enormous challenges, accounting for 38.8% of the country’s GDP, employing more than 70% of the population and providing a valuable export for one of the world’s least developed countries, according to the United Nations.
The world body reports that the country’s climate is favorable to farming with vast forests, and an abundance of water, yet low yields mean that over half of foodstuffs are imported, with net agricultural trade at -$73.12 million in 2010. This is why whoever the Weah-led government settles on will find their work cut out.
With prices of the traditional iron ore and other minerals on the decline, the sector is seen as a major window of opportunity to revamp the economy, post-EJS.
The ministry whose mandate is to develop the agriculture sector by putting in place effective organizational structure and manned by staff capable of planning, coordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating agricultural development programs, endured a turbulent past twelve years.
HARRISON KARNWEA
UPSIDE: Honorable Harrison S. Karnwea, Sr. was Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Liberia before becoming Managing Director of the Liberian Forestry Development Authority. He has over thirty years of experience in the private sector, managing rubber plantations in Liberia.
He first entered the Public Sector as Superintendent (Regional Governor) of Nimba County in the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) in 2003. Mr. Karnwea holds a Bachelor’s degree in management.
DOWNSIDE: Karnwea was one of those who bolted from the Liberty Party to the CDC but it is not clear what Weah has in store for him. Some aides say he is resigned to retirement and engaging his farming and other businesses but anything is possible here.
ODDS: 3-1
VAH ISAAC TUKPAH
UPSIDE: Tukpah has had a rather strange relationship with the incoming President. Multiple reports of a beef has been thrown around but he remains one of the party’s strong voices in the Diaspora. He has been linked to Agriculture from various sources within the party with some suggesting that he would make a lot of difference there with my vision, knowledge of the sector, contact with international persons in the sector as well as his commitment to diversifying the Liberian economy. However, I could no nearly the same thing at Commerce. But Agriculture would fast track the process and I will not have to fight the Lebanese.
DOWNSIDE: Tukpah has not had the experience of the workings of governments but has been a vocal critic of the agriculture policies of the exiting government.
ODDS: 5-1
That has been bandied about. I really have no idea. I would make a lot of difference there with my vision, knowledge of the sector, contact with international persons in the sector, and my commitment to diversifying the Liberian economy. However, I could no nearly the same thing at Commerce. But Agriculture would fast track the process and I will not have to fight the Lebanese.
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY
JAMES BESTMAN
UPSIDE: Bestman has been a long-time friend of the incoming President going as far back as his professional football playing days. It is being speculated amongst sources closed to Weah that his childhood friend in whom he has a lot of trust could fill the void currently held by the son of President Sirleaf, Fombah.
DOWNSIDE: Memories are still fresh regarding the June 2010 arrest of Bestman in the United States in connection with money laundering and drugs charges.
It was reported that Weah was at Bestman’s house when he was picked up in June 2010 by officers of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and briefly questioned but not arrested. Bestman was later arraigned and jailed.
Addressing the issue in June 2010, Weah explained: “I returned from the annual AC Milan versus Real Madrid Masters charity match held in Madrid, Spain on May 29 where the Fondazione Milan raises millions for humanitarian causes. On the morning of Thursday, June 4, 2010, I passed through Maryland, US en-route to Minneapolis, Minnesota. While in Maryland, I decided to visit my friend, Mr. James Bestman.
Regrettably, upon my arrival at his residence, I witnessed Mr. Bestman being served a warrant outside of his home. I would like to emphatically state that there was no raid or entry into Mr. Bestman’s home and neither was I arrested, held in custody, or interrogated. I have no knowledge of the details or reasons behind the warrant. As you all know, as a grassroots advocate, I interact with Liberians from all walks of life.”
Weah added: “I recognize that my every action and verbalization is heavily scrutinized and can be used as fodder for unnecessary attacks on me and the CDC. A lot of this scrutiny is politically motivated and designed to distract us from achieving the CDC’s goal and to divert us from the course we have set for 2011. We are committed to making a difference today to secure the future for Liberian generations tomorrow.”
Bestman was found guilty on money laundering, conspiracy to possess marijuana and conspiracy to possess cocaine, respectively and has reportedly completed his time in prison and expected in Monrovia shortly for a possible role in the Weah government.
ODDS: 2-1
SAM WLUE
UPSIDE: The current Minister of Transport was one of the quiet supporters of Weah and the CDC in the just-ended elections. He is widely tipped to be one of the holdovers from the Sirleaf government but in which capacity remains uncertain. While some are penciling in for a return to Commerce, he is said to have expressed interest in the NSA.
DOWNSIDE: Wlue was a high-ranking official of MODEL, one of the two rebel groups that battled the deposed Liberian dictator Charles Taylor for control of Liberia. He represented MODEL at the joint ECOWAS and international community brokered peace conference in Accra, Ghana in 2003. As the result of the peace conference, MODEL, LURD and the Taylor regime carved up strategic government bureaucracies as “spoils of war.” MODEL secured the Ministry of Commerce, Bureau of Maritime and Foreign Affairs Ministry, among others. Wlue was then awarded the Commerce Ministry portfolio.
Over the past few years, prior to his appointment by Sirleaf, Wlue struggled to brush off blemish from the Gyude Bryant-led government when he was arrested and later released after he was named in an ECOWAS audit and the previous European Union sponsored audit alleging corruption.
ODDS: 7-1
JAMES MADISON TUKPAH
UPSIDE: A Graduate from the Class of 1990 at West Point, Tukpah has made the rounds in the security sector over the past two decades. He was National Security Advisor to Sirleaf following her 2005 elections and graduate from West Point with high marks, labeled “a State Trooper ‘ s nightmare and an incredible soldier.
DOWNSIDE: Tukpah initially supported the Presidential bid of Vice President Joseph Boakai, even traveling on a number of trips during the early days of the campaign before jumping ship to Weah and the CDC. Tukpah comes with some baggage. He was let go by Sirleaf
In the case of Madison Tukpah, prior to his dismissal from his post, there was already a wide spread allegation that he had purchase $1.1 million dollars’ worth of homes in Silver sprint and Laurel, Maryland and was planning an $80,000 wedding in Maryland sometime this year.
I understand Tukpah was even out of the country “Liberia” during the Independence Day celebration that ended up being disastrous. His duty as a security advisor was to provide adequate security for the President of Liberia but instead he chose to spend more time in Maryland.
He failed to perform his duty for which he was paid by the Liberian government. His failure to perform his duty led to the destruction of part of the historic executive mansion. Another question is; now that Tukpah has been dismissed from his national security position, is he going home to play lulu with his family or be sent to court to give reason(s) for his actions?
ODDS: 7-1
MULBAH MORLU
UPSIDE: Morlue’s name has popped up in several places including the GSA and the National Security Agency (NSA). Weah is said to not be too coy on both and reportedly pushing for Morlue to remain in the party’s executive.
DOWNSIDE: Morlu has had some wild moments in his political life but none was more controversial than his ill-fate declaration in July 2009 that he had met US President Barack Obama. Morlue never recovered from the lie.
ODDS: 10-1
ABU ANSUMANA KROMAH
UPSIDE: Kromah hails from Nimba County and is currently an Assistant Dispute Hearing Officer a the National Elections Commission. He previously served as Assistant manager for logistic at NEC and a former chief investigator at the Independent National Commission on Human Rights.
He holds a BA in Criminal Justice Administration at the AME Zion University and is a graduate of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.
He previously worked as a Special Operative in the office of the Deputy Director Operations at Liberia National Police and a former operational Assistant/Office of the Deputy Commissioner/Administration at the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization. He is a former Deputy Chief for Intelligence/SALEM at the James Spriggs Payne Airport Detachment at the BIN and a former agent/investigator in the Protective Internal Security Division at BIN.
DOWNSIDE: Security management experience may be a hurdle for Kromah in landing this post.
ODDS: 10-1
GENERAL SERVICES AGENCY
THE LOWDOWN: The agency of government tasked with effectively utilizing the philosophies of high quality, advanced techniques, and client service remains crucial to how government utilities are managed.
In addition to providing quality value for money-asset management services to the Government of Liberia, the GSA has over the past few years worked to rebuild its infrastructure and its systems to handle a significant increase in GOL vehicle repair service and public building maintenance.
The agency has also been working to construct walls, make electrical advancements, and other leasehold improvements to re-establish its businesses.
MARY BROH
UPSIDE: Love her or hate her, the ever polarizing and controversial Mary Broh remains a firebrand bulldozer who has exhibited an exemplary leadership and delivered wherever she has been assigned.
Some say it is because of her closeness to President Sirleaf that she gets a lot of support to accomplish her tasks, others say, she is simply the best at what she does. Whatever the role has been, Broh has been up to the task.
She first served the Liberian government in March 2006 as the Special Projects Coordinator for President Sirleaf’s executive staff. In 2007, she was promoted to direct the Passport Bureau in a successful attempt to curtail and eliminate corruption and bribery within the division. In 2008, Broh became the Deputy Director of the National Port Authority.
In February 2009, she was selected to serve as Acting Mayor of Monrovia in place of the previous mayor, Ophelia Hoff Saytumah, in the President’s effort to legitimize the Monrovia City Corporation’s MCC administrative and financial management. Although Broh was seated in February 2009 by appointment, rather than by the usual democratic election process, she was not officially confirmed by the Liberian Senate.
Broh has worked to clean up the capital city with measures that include citywide litter reduction campaigns aimed to increase public awareness of litter, sanitation, and overall public health. In October 2009, she implemented the revised City Ordinance No. 1, originally established by the MCC in 1975 to address public health, sanitation, and street vendors. The revision sought to address issues that have accumulated in the capital over the last two decades such as overflowing and unsanitary trash, makeshift structures and unregulated street vendors who sell foodstuffs to locals and tourists alike.
DOWNSIDE: Broh’s positives are often times eclipsed by her negatives. From destruction of public market places, physical altercations with Senate staff members and heated verbal exchanges with legislators and journalists, Broh has been in the thick of it all but it was her destruction of a statue of Weah shortly after Sirleaf assume office in 2006 that could pose a stumbling block to a role in the CDC-led government.
ODDS: 2-1
MULBAH MORLUE
What does a President Weah do with a Mulbah Morlue. That’s the question many will be seeking at the incoming government looks to find a role for one of its firebrand warriors. Morlue’s name has popped up in several places including the GSA and the National Security Agency (NSA). Weah is said to not be too coy on both and reportedly pushing for Morlue to remain in the party’s executive.
DOWNSIDE: Morlu has had some wild moments in his political life but none was more controversial than his ill-fate declaration in July 2009 that he had met US President Barack Obama. Morlue never recovered from the lie.
ODDS: 10-1
Minister OF INFORMATION, CULTURE AFFAIRS & TOURISM
THE LOWDOWN: This is one area that will be a challenge for the incoming administration. Weah and the CDC took a lot of beating from the media during the recently-held elections and will be looking for a stellar performer to withstand the barrage of media reports and investigations in the next six years. The departing government was credited for exercising a high degree of tolerance in some extreme cases and many fears that may not be the case in a Weah-led government.
EUGENE NAGBE
UPSIDE: Nagbe fits the bill for standing in the line of fire and taking hits for his boss. He resigned as the ruling party’s secretary general to help guide the last few days of Sirleaf. He previously served as the Minister of Transportation He hails from Harper Maryland County and undertook primary and secondary education in Harper before enrolling at the University of Liberia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. He was Secretary General of the CDC before bolting to the UP. Nagbe was previously an assistant Police commissioner from 1998 to 2000, Chief of Staff to the Vice President of Liberia from 2000 to 2003 and Minister of Post and Telecommunications from 2003 to 2006.
DOWNSIDE: Many are unsure whether Weah has forgiven Nagbe for bolting on him and the CDC and although he is one of a few Ministers Sirleaf is said to be advocating for a stay in the incoming government, the jury is out on what Weah will finally decide.
ODDS: 4-1
SAM MANNAH
UPSIDE: Sam Mannah is a seasoned corporate America banking executive with vast experience in the mortgage banking sector.
He has worked extensively within the Banking industry in the U.S. for several financial institutions. From serving as Assistant Vice President for Bankruptcy at Bank of America Home loans in Fort Worth, Texas, to serving as a project consultant for several other banks and financial institutions in the US.
Some of the financial institutions he has done consultancy for includes: Nationstar Mortgage, Standard Chartered Bank, and One West Bank. He last worked for JP Morgan Chase Bank, where he held several positions ranging from Risks & Compliance Analyst to Customer Relationship Manager.
Sam Mannah who currently studies Public Relations at Southern New Hampshire University, also studied Speech and Communications at Tarrant County College, and has worked for several other reputable institutions within the United States.
In addition to his Banking experience, he has worked for Time Warner Communications as Customer Account executive, Aviall Inc, a subsidiary of Boeing, where he worked as Senior Aircraft parts distributor. Aviall at the time was the world’s leading aircraft parts distributor.
Sam Mannah rose to prominence in the Liberian Political setting during the 2014 senatorial elections that brought Senator Weah to the Senate. He was one of the ardent supporters of Senator Weah who dedicated his daily activities to promoting Weah’s senatorial bid. His consistency led to his ascendency as public Relations Officer for Senator Weah; a Position he has held since 2015 up to present.
DOWNSIDE: This job requires someone who understands the media and how to engage. Some are not so sure Mannah fits the bill but he could mark a refreshing face to what will no doubt be one of most challenge tasks of the incoming government, defending Weah.
ODDS: 3-1
LIBERIA AIRPORT AUTHORITY
THE LOWDOWN: Liberia’s main airport — the Roberts International Airport (RIA) — which suffered major damage during the civil war appears to be on the rebound following the unveiling of a new terminal toward the end of 2017. The reconstruction of RIA was jumps started following the signing of a $50 million loan pact with China’s Exim Bank for the construction of a new terminal building.
The state-of-the-art airport facility is anticipated to host at least 500,000 passengers and has the potential to become a key hub for air transport within West Africa. The project includes the building of a new run-way with updated navigational equipment and the construction of a cargo terminal to service West African airports.
RANDOLPH COOPER
A benefactor from the NPP faction of the CDC-led coalition, Cooper is said to have expressed interest in the returning to RIA he headed during Charles Taylor era. The former Managing Director of Robertsfield International Airport.
DOWNSIDE: Cooper was instrumental in the various violations of the arms embargo. Associate of former Liberian President Charles Taylor with ongoing ties to him.
WIL BAKO FREEMAN
UPSIDE: The current head of the RIA has been garnering praise for leading the transformation of the once dormant and criticized airport. As Managing Director, Freeman currently serves as the Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), responsible for the operations of all airports within Liberia.
Prior to his appointment as Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority, Mr. Freeman served as the Director, Operations and Regional Integration and Director, Corporate Services at the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), a specialized agency of ECOWAS working towards the realization of a common currency and Central Bank for West Africa.
Before August 2010 when Mr. Freeman joined WAMI, he served as the Program Coordinator (Head) of the Liberia Better Business Forum (LBBF) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group.
Prior to IFC/World Bank, Mr. Freeman was a Senior Advisor to the Minister of Commerce in Liberia from October 2006 to September 2007 and a Central Banker specializing in Banking Supervision and Market Risk Management for 9 years with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in New York City, USA.
Mr. Freeman has more than eighteen years of cross-functional experience working in the United States, Ghana, and Liberia and internationally within a variety of disciplines such as: Central Banker/ Economist/ Private Sector Development Specialist.
He has a BA in Economics from the University of Minnesota and a MBA from Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA. He is also a Commissioned Bank Examiner from the Federal Reserve System in the United States and has obtained a Certificate in Airport Executive Leadership Program from the Airport Council International (ACI)/ Aviation Management Institute at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Canada.
DOWNSIDE: Despite his impressive works at the LAA, Freeman is said to be facing stiff competition to retain his post from Cooper, who, as a member of the NPP is a member of the governing board of the Weah-CDC-led coalition.
“It will be tough if Cooper is interested,” a party insider told FrontPageAfrica recently. It is possible that Cooper’s interest could see Freeman moving to the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority.
LIBERIA TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY
THE LOWDOWN
The regulatory body charged with the statutory responsibility to ensure a vibrant telecommunications sector in Liberia endured a turbulent past twelve years. It’s first chair, Albert Bropleh was disgraced after his arrest and indictment on Economic Sabotage, misapplication of entrusted property and Criminal Conspiracy, violating the Public Procurement and Concession Commission-PPCC in a Competitive bidding process. His successor, Angelique Weeks enjoyed the protection of the departing President despite being widely criticized for mismanaging the entity and drawing it to near bankruptcy.
Whoever the incoming government decides to appoint here will be tasked with the responsibility of providing trusted leadership in the creation of a vibrant socio-economic environment, through the effective use of telecommunications and Information Communications Technologies (ICT).
KOLUBAHZIZI T. HOWARD
Howard is said to be one of the top prospects for the job. He is one of the crafters of the telecommunications law and has been in the sector for more than 20 years and is said to know all of the movers and shakers in the region.
He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) Information Technology and Telecommunications Law with Merit, University of Southampton, London, United Kingdom and a Certificate, Research Policy Methodology Course, DiploFoundation, ACP 2011 ICT Policy and Internet Governance Capacity Development Program, Foundation Course, Geneva, Switzerland. He also has a Certificate in ICT Policy and Strategic Planning, DiploFoundation, ACP 2011 ICT Policy and Internet Governance Capacity Development Program, Foundation Course, Geneva, Switzerland and another in Strategic Thinking and Planning in Telecommunications, Neotelis Inc., 27 June – 1 July 2011, London, England
He also holds Master of Communications Management (MCM) University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland (This course is the MBA for the Telecom industry supported and recognized by the ITU and major industry players to provide in-depth and practical knowledge of the economic, legal, regulatory and managerial issues in telecommunications and related sectors)
He has a Bachelor’s of Arts, (BA) Mass Communications from the University of Liberia, a diploma in Telecommunications Management, (DTM) With Distinction, Cable & Wireless College, Malta and is a 1978 High School graduate from Ames, Iowa, USA
For the past seven years he has served as Director of Strategy for the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, the regulatory authority for the Liberian telecommunications sector and three years as Chairman of the Mass Communications Department of the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU).
He has eight years professional experience at the executive managerial level of a national telecommunications company.
He is said to be very knowledgeable of the telecommunications sector reform process in developing countries. He is currently Director of Strategy, Liberia Telecommunications at the LTA, responsible developing evaluation and control mechanism to ensure that the short, medium, and long-term goals and objectives of all units are in line with the Vision and Mission Statements of the LTA
DOWNSIDE: Despite is impressive credentials, Howard is the brother to the incoming vice President, Jewel Howard Taylor which could raise some issues of nepotism which the CDC trumpeted against the departing government.
MARIA HARRISON
UPSIDE: Prior to her ascension as acting chair, Harrison was commissioner responsible for the International Gateway System, the major incoming generator of the LTA.
DOWNSIDE: Many insiders consider Harrison to be new to the sector and has not done much to stand apart in her four years since she’s been there. Insiders say a lot of her recruitment since her time at LTA has been targeting people who have ZERO telecommunications experience and limited capacity which makes it hard on the other staffers. Some say she frequently breaks the policies of the organization and was engulfed in murmurs that she masterminded the ouster of former commissioner, Mariam Kaba.
ODDS: 10-1
LIBERIA REVENUE AUTHORITY
Tax generation could prove to be a double-edge sword for the incoming government. Many Liberians have been forced to abandon their businesses due to the controversial tax regime which has seen consumers complain about the high cost of clearing containers from the port. As the authority responsible to collect all lawful taxes in line with the revenue acts, the incoming government could face scrutiny over how it deals with one of most pressing issues in Liberia today.
JAMES KOLLIE
UPSIDE: The current head of the Liberia Maritime Authority has been mention in some circles as a possibility at the LRA while others have suggested a return to Finance where he previously served as the first Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
Kollie is one of the founding members of the CDC and has strong fiscal policy experience, having worked for over ten years in the private, non-profit, and public sectors, in the areas of accounting and finance, policy analysis and program evaluation, with significant cross cultural background, SPECIAL interest in development programs, poverty reduction strategy, and pro-poor policies; public sector financial management and budgeting; as well as public sector reform processes, and grassroots democratic empowerment.
As Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs (DMFA) of the MFDP, Dr. Kollie, is responsible to develop fiscal policy, manage the financial resources of Liberia, develop and adMinister the financial rules and regulations of the Republic, as well as oversee and execute all matters relating to government accounting, including pay, pensions and other allowances.
Since 2012, Dr. Kollie has served the government of Liberia as Deputy Minister of Finance for Revenues at the erstwhile Ministry of Finance, in which capacity he supervised implementation of the country’s revenue and finance law relative to all revenue generating activities including Customs and Excise, Real Property and Internal Revenue. As Deputy Minister of Finance for Revenues, Dr. Kollie also represented the Minister of Finance at negotiations involving fiscal issues relative to revenue generation.
As part of his public service portfolio, Dr. Kollie, from 2009 to 2012, served as Deputy National Coordinator of the Liberia Reconstruction and Development Committee (LRDC), the government-development partner forum responsible for coordinating the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Liberia’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS); as well as coordinating the development of Liberia’s national vision (Liberia Rising 2030). At the same time, he also served as acting Deputy Minister, Regional and Sectoral Planning, at the defunct Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs.
Kollie holds a doctorate degree from Walden University’s School of Public Policy and Administration (2010) and an MBA in Corporate FINANCE from the University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis (2004), graduating top 5% of his class. He is a member of the American Society for Public Administration, the Institute of Certified Management Accountant (ICMA) and the Pi Alpha Alpha – National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.
DOWNSIDE: Kollie was forced to dismiss allegations following the release of an audit by the Internal Audit Unit (IAU) of the MFDP. The IAU conducted a financial and operational audit of the Private Sector Development Initiatives (PSDI) which was established in 2014 at MFDP to provide loans to Liberian owned Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs).
The loan was meant to financially strengthen Liberian owned businesses, which were expected to repay, and the repayments would revolve or be disbursed to other Liberian businesses. In so doing, the process would have created jobs and accelerate the participation of Liberian owned businesses in the economy of Liberia.
Kollie explained at the time that he had done nothing wrong. Although I was the subject of the audit, contrary to best practice, and until only a few days ago, I was never notified or interviewed by the auditors.”
Kollie has been winning high marks for his performance since taking over at the LMA and the incoming government is said to be encouraged to maintain the stability of the program which relies heavily on ships flying Liberia’s flag.
ODDS: -5-1
ELFREDA TAMBA
UPSIDE: No one can argue about the impact Tamba has made at the LRA. Her appointment by UN Secretary General António Guterres to the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters last year was a testament to what she and her staff have been able to achieve at the LRA.
The daughter of the late Frank James Stewart, who served as Budget Director through the 1970s, is a trained Accountant from New York’s Columbia University.
She served as Accountant General at the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), for several years before she was called by the departing President Sirleaf to head Liberia’s Revenue sector in the Ministry of Finance as Deputy Minister for Revenues. She was instrumental in the creation of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), which she now heads.
DOWNSIDE: While many have hailed Tamba for the transformation she has brought to tax collecting, she has also been criticized for single-handedly scaling down the number of containers coming into the port due to overcharging and what many consumers describe as unnecessary bottlenecks.
The LRA boss has also come under fire. Last year she was held in contempt by the high court for allegedly failing to honor an order of the high court to reinstate 10 dismissed employees of the entity. Tamba’s controversial heavy handed style risks running contrast to the core issues of the CDC’s grassroot mantra as many of those feeling the pinch of her actions are ordinary businesspeople who travel outside Liberia to bring in goods to sell.
ODDS: 2-1
LIBERIA NATIONAL Police
THE LOWDOWN: President-elect Weah is taking over at a time when the United Nations Mission in Liberia would be totally pulling out of the country. This means, Liberia under Weah’s watch would have to handle its own security entirely. The Liberia National Police has a very key role to play in maintaining the peace and stability that outgoing President Sirleaf now boasts of.
Weah’s government by no doubt is popular among the youth and their expectations of him are skyrocketing, fears are that his inability to meet up with the expectations of these young people could brew tensions here and there.
The Liberia National Police under Weah’s administration must be very proactive and professional in the discharge of their duties. All must be reminded that the November 7, 2011 shooting incidence by officers of the national Police that led to the death of a member of Weah’s political party remains indelible on the minds of Weah’s supporters.
GREGORY COLEMAN
UPSIDE: Gregory Coleman, the current Inspector General of Police, is an Experienced and confident Police leader with more than fifteen years progressive law enforcement and National Security Experience. Testimonials of directing and leading Police Personnel to meet law enforcement goals and forging relationships within a diverse socio-economic population across all levels of the community and government.
Weighty knowledge in Internal Investigations, Inter-Governmental Agency collaboration, Public Safety Programs, Emergency Response, Policy & Procedure Development, Budget Planning & Management and Media & Public Relations. Excellent communicator with distinguished success in the Management of Operations focused on lowering crime, heightening security, strengthening productivity and overall quality of life across the community.
He’s celebrated for bringing some facelift to the Police force and quite recently, ensuring a very peaceful political campaign for all political parties and a peaceful election.
DOWNSIDE: Gregory Coleman has not been spared by the public for procuring luxurious SUVs for him and his principal deputies in the midst of economic hardship in the country. The Police have often complained of the inability of its meager allotment in the National Budget to meet its operational cost.
ODDS: 2-1
PATRICK SUDUE
UPSIDE: Patrick Sedue is a longstanding officer of the Liberia National Police with worth of experience. He holds a master degree in public policy management and also serves as a lecturer at the University of Liberia.
Patrick is an old buddy of President-elect Weah. He’s one of those who were resettled back in Liberia from refugee life with the help of the President-elect. He has reportedly faced several marginalization within the Police due to his closeness to Weah.
As the Police Regional Commander for Montserrado County, Sudue has often been assigned to handling the security of CDC rallies in and out of Monrovia.
DOWNSIDE: Many believe that Sudue’s longstanding relationship with the President-elect might compromise his professionalism on the job.
ODDS: 2-1
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
THE LOWDOWN: The delivery of quality education has been a major challenge for Liberia since the war ended in 2003. The broken sector is yet to be fixed. The outgoing regime described the sector as a “mess” and efforts to resuscitate the education sector led to the adaption of a public private partnership, wherein some private companies have taken over the management of the sector in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
BILL TWEAHWAY
UPSIDE: Bill Tweahway has a solid background in the education sector. He served as Vice Principal for St. Kizito and worked with a number of schools in various capacities. After losing the district representative election in 2005, he was appointed by President Sirleaf as Assistant Minister of Education. In 2011, he won the Montserrado County District 4.
DOWNSIDE: Bill Tweahway faces criticisms for not being effective as a lawmaker – a major reason why he was defeated in the just-ended elections.
ODDS: – 2 -1