As President George Weah’s tenure concludes on Monday, January 22, 2024, the lingering question of how Liberians will perceive their outgoing leader remains a topic of significant concern. Reflecting on the immediate past presidency, citizens are divided in their assessments. Some commend President Weah for his contributions to national development, citing tangible improvements that have positively affected the lives of ordinary Liberians. FrontPage Africa conducted interviews with locals to gather their perspectives on this matter. Here is a compilation of what some Liberians had to say.

By Selma Lomax and J. H. Webster Clayeh

Theodore N.S. Nana, a resident of Montserrado County #8

“He will be remembered for bringing the presidency to the people unlike before his regime, where to see the President, you must be in a cult. During his time, whenever you called upon him, he would come. He was a jovial person; he sang and danced to music, and played sports like football and basketball with commoners. Other Presidents didn’t do so. Despite the hardships of his regime, he was down to earth. You know Liberians can only remember you when you leave power. We remember President Weah for being people-centered. During his regime, people were free to move around and do their business. Another thing we will miss him for will be the issue of free speech, and I can also say the people were free. There was no harassment. Even the motorcyclists, there was nothing like a no-go zone to restrict motorcyclists; they did their business smoothly.”

“The ordinary people felt the impact of his government. Look at his development across the country, especially those places that were deserted and made as a dumpsite; President Weah turned those places into beautiful parks for people to enjoy themselves.”

Prince Belleh Cole, a resident of Caldwell

“President Weah will be remembered for his extraordinary freedom of expression. The building of the various sports parks—these are developments that affected the lives of ordinary Liberian people. Because those parks were not built for wealthy people. They were built for every Liberian, especially people from the slum communities. So, those parks brought beauty to our city. Another thing was the freedom of expression; during his time, there were no political prisoners. People spoke their minds freely. We had so many demonstrations that took place during his time, and they were not suppressed by security forces. President Weah will also be remembered for taking ordinary people’s children from the slum and giving them the opportunity to serve their country in different capacities.”

George S. Kiadi, from Grand Cape Mount County

“The President will be remembered for many things that he did. For instance, when it comes to helping parents with the issue of WAEC fees and the issue of the free tuition policy at the state-run University of Liberia. These are things we are going to remember the outgoing President for. He will be missed for his development and freedom of speech.”

Assata Nyei, Vendor on Randall Street

“President Weah will be remembered for his development, like the construction of roads and electricity. Also, the opportunity was given to Liberians, especially vendors. Before President Weah’s government, we, the vendors, never used to sell in peace. The police used to run behind street vendors in Monrovia and other places. I lost my goods several times when the police ran behind me. But since President Weah came to power, we are selling freely, no stress on our minds because no one can run behind us. Even if he is not in power, we love him, and we will remember him for so many good things. Liberian people say the man was not doing good, but we know the man was doing good. He was not putting in jail for criticizing him.”

Eddieta Dweh, a resident of Central Monrovia

“President Weah will be remembered for his good development work. The construction of roads and seeing more people getting electricity in their homes. Look at the parks that he built; the man did well. He is out now, and so we just got to accept it. I will remember him because of the freedom of speech during his regime. President Weah will really be missed. Yesterday, the man went to New Kru Town. The man already said that he will not be running, but the people were saying they want him to come back to contest in 2029. For me, I say, let him go rest; this country is full of plenty stress.”

Euodia T. Gbatoe, Youth Leader

“As an individual, I do not have personal experiences or emotions, but I can provide information based on the public perception of President George Weah of Liberia. It is important to note that opinions about political leaders can vary, and this response is based on a general perspective. If President George Weah were to leave office, people might miss him for several reasons:

Football career: Weah was a renowned football player in the 1990s, winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1995. Many people admired his achievements and saw him as a symbol of success and inspiration.

Popularity and charisma: Weah has been known for his charisma and ability to connect with the people of Liberia. His popularity played a significant role in his election as president in 2017.

Efforts to tackle corruption: Weah promised to fight corruption during his campaign and initiated some measures to address the issue. His efforts in this regard might be remembered positively by those who appreciate his anti-corruption stance.

Infrastructure development: Weah’s administration has focused on improving infrastructure, such as road construction and renovation projects. These efforts might be seen as positive contributions to the country’s development. However, it is essential to consider that opinions on President Weah’s tenure may vary. Some people might have different perspectives, highlighting areas where they feel he could have done more or expressing concerns about specific policies or actions taken during his presidency. He will also be missed for incorporating and empowering young people into his administration.”

What Bongese Say of Jewel

Jewel Howard-Taylor’s political career began in 2005 as a senator of Bong County, and she went on to become a dominant political figure not only in Bong County but Liberia after her re-election in 2014, before going on to win as vice president to George Weah in 2017.

The outgoing vice president sits on the brink of an uncertain political future after the ruling Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC), a collaboration of three political parties that includes Howard-Taylor’s National Patriotic Party, lost re-election in November 2023 to Unity Party.

At 61, it’s unsure whether Howard-Taylor will contest in 2029 –whether as president or go as vice presidential candidate, considering the mixed reactions that have trailed the defeat of the CDC in her native Bong County. 

As Howard-Taylor’s nineteen-year tenure (twelve years as senator of Bong County, and six years as vice president) elapses Monday, natives of Bong County have been commenting on the outgoing vice president’s performance in reaction to a FrontPageAfrica question,  “What will you remember Howard-Taylor for?”, attracting commendations and criticism from Bongese (natives of the county).

Daniel Tokpah, motorcyclists:

“I didn’t see much from Jewel Howard-Taylor during her reign as senator of Bong County and vice president. Where is the love for Bong County when she couldn’t construct a house in the county. How could you be renting in your county despite the massive show of support she always gets from the people of Bong County.”

Oretha Peters, entrepreneur:

“While there were issues during Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor’s 19-year leadership, she is only human with flaws. She performed credibly well in education and infrastructure. I am a beneficiary of her tuition aid at the Dolokelen Gboveh High School, and I am grateful to her for all she did for me and my family.”

Alhaji Abu Sackor, Imam:

“Jewel will be remembered for creating the enabling means, through the Madam Suakoko Tuition aid she established at Cuttington University, to educate our children. When it comes to infrastructure, she proffered a bill for the construction of the Bong County Technical College that is not providing education for the less fortunate at a low rate,” Abu Sackor, Muslim Council Chair, Bong County

Alex Flomo, opinion leader:

“Looking back at some of the achievements of the outgoing Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Madam VP Taylor here in Bong County. Firstly, I will say her impact across Bong County is huge. She was able to work with our local organization to provide vocational skills training programs for less fortunate citizens in almost all the districts across the county. The Bong Concern Youth Movement, our local organization, will forever remain grateful to her for trusting our organization with her resources. Today, because of her sponsorship, many single mothers and widows are now independent. She believes in youth employment. She was first person who made us to registered our organization and she introduced us to partners for sponsorship, so that we can keep doing our work for the Citizens of Bong County. Additionally, she even promised to make our organization, the very first organization to be involved with a complete full production center for our products. She is more than a mother to us.”

Yamah Kollie, entrepreneur:

 “I will miss the outgoing vice president for her strong stance on the protection of the rights of women and children. Madam Taylor has been one person from her days as a Senator to the vice presidency, who put her feet down to ensure women and children have access to life-changing opportunities. Through her Jewel Stafish Foundation, many young girls were provided the opportunity to choose their career and some of them are doing well in society today. You may say what you want about her, but for me, I’m going to personally miss her. I hope there will come a time when she shall return to the public space again.”

Junior Flomo, resident:

Well, for me, I’m an ardent admirer of Madam Taylor, not because she comes from my county, Bong, but because of the way she conducts herself.  She is a very eloquent and bold person. Whenever she tells you that she’s not part of something, no matter what you do or say, she’s just not. During her days as a senator, I can recall how she stood tall amongst men on issues pertinent to the caucus of Bong County, particularly the Madam Suakoko Land Grant Scholarship. She also managed in a tight space at the vice presidency to make the case of Liberian women and children in the outside world. I followed her once when she delivered a speech at one occasion in Morocco, she also highlighted women’s issues there in her speech. I will actually miss this strong public servant. My recommendation to her is to keep flagging these issues while even in her private life. It should not be like something she can do only when she’s in power.”

William Telebo Thompson, former CDC District Six Legislative Candidate:

“I am of the conviction that VP Taylor missed the golden opportunity to unite Bong County and position herself as the golden star and lifetime godmother of Bong County. Over the last 27 years, Mama Jewel was strategically positioned at a peak to unite Bong County and the entire Kpelle tribe across Liberia. She had the platform to set the agenda for the development of the county, and sadly, all was dashed. 

“Her rise to stardom was seen as a restoration of hope for not only women, but we the youths and our parents as well. She was amongst some of the key reasons why Bong County stood behind President Taylor. After the expiration of her tenure as first Lady, the young Bongese were still hopeful she could bring forth the requisite love and unity, especially from the scars the county felt from the 14yrs civil unrest. We voted her as our Senator twice and further elevated her as the 1st female Vice President of Liberia.

“It is so sad that she is leaving Office with so much disunity she championed amongst key stakeholders in Bong, such of which have the likelihood to extend to the younger generation. In it all, I am hopeful we could get the opportunity to have another mother of our county who will fulfill this missed opportunity we struggled to achieve under her stewardship from 1997-2024.”

MONROVIA — For more than two decades, a vision to transform the lives of young women and girls across Liberia was finally etched into history as Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor witnessed the first graduation ceremonies of about 204 young women and girls from the YWCA Jewels Training Center in different vocational disciplines: Information Communication Technology (ICT) arts and design, quilting and nails arts, Beads making and cosmetology.

Amidst the monumental responsibilities that come with the Vice Presidency, Madam Vice President continues to hold the torch as the undisputed leader and ardent supporter for the empowerment of women and girls. Through her Jewel Starfish Foundation, she has provided scholarships for thousands of young women and girls across the country; an initiative which continues to expand exponentially beyond the borders of Liberia.

Being tagged by political pundits as Liberia’s second most powerful female politician, Vice President Howard-Taylor history of service to humanity is replete with massive successes; a history which cannot be ignored.  

At the glamorous graduation ceremonies witnessed by local and international partners, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the institution, Mrs. Dellnot W. Gardiner said the initiative was underpinned by the Liberian Vice President’s passion to see underprivileged females empowered and supported to do something meaningful with their hands through the Jewel Starfish Foundation.

Mrs. Gardiner said this initiative is an offspring of what is being done at the Jewel Starfish Foundation to support underprivileged females. The foundation, according to her, has supported more than 7,000 females through programs and education, psychosocial support, leadership and mentoring by raising awareness about SGBV issues; through promoting sexual reproductive health rights; as well as through advocacy for social protection and inclusion of women.

She indicated that the Vice President Howard Taylor’s humanitarian work has touched the lives of girls not only in the 15 counties of Liberia but also in Ghana, Malawi, and Sierra Leone.

“This vision is birthed from her stellar passion for ensuring that young ladies learn how to work with their hands as a means of self-empowerment. VP Taylor’s vision for ensuring an educated female population is based on her belief that educated girls can make informed choices from a far better range of options and that educating girls saves lives, build stronger families, communities and economies; and that an educated girl increases the nation’s chances for achieving the highest quality of life,” Mrs. Gardiner said.

In remarks, the guest speaker of the first graduation ceremony, Rev. Dr. Adam M. Kyne stated that the skills training initiative is an evidence of the long years Vice President Howard Taylor had committed to the transformation of the lives of numerous young people; compassionate nature; and unwavering dedication. “You are a revered figure and a beacon of hope for the countless lives of young people you have touched; and your compassion for the wellbeing of people. You carry the mark of an extraordinary leader,” Rev. Dr. Kyne said while testifying about his encounter with Madam Howard Taylor in 1998 during a high school arts competition when she awarded him a full scholarship to attend the Don Bosco Polytechnic. He spoke on the topic: “From Dreams to Realities -you have made it.”

“Being a young woman in Liberia is challenging; It comes with burdens and unfair expectations. The fact that you have made it, embrace your wholesome. Within you resides a new strength of talents waiting to be revealed; be the best version of yourself because then nobody can threaten you; no system can intimidate you.  So, if you want to bake bread, bake it in a way that nobody can threaten your baking skills; if you are going to sew, sew well so that nobody can threaten your tailoring skills. Be your best. Don’t compare yourself to others; compare yourself to the best version of yourself. It means acknowledging your strengths, working on your weaknesses, and seeking growth. Set goals, pursue further education, and always believe in your ability to create a positive impact. By becoming the best version of yourself, you inspire others and ignite a ripple effect of transformation within your communities,” the Baptist clergyman stressed.

Liberia’s Vice President remarked that there are not many opportunities that move her spirit and heart like opportunities such as this. “I would not have missed this for the world. So, I want to thank everybody for making this day possible. The vision for transforming the lives of women can never be understated. It is because of our God given responsibilities as women that I take time to ensure that women have the empowerment and capacity that they need to be helpmates to their families, husbands, communities and nation. Let me say congratulations to all of you for remaining engaged and never giving up. This cohort started with 240 young women but about 30 dropped off -this should be a serious message for each of you: dropping out takes you back to the bottom of the ladder. And you that have stayed engaged and completed this process, I know you will go on to do great things. The opportunities you are taking responsibility for today has now empowered each of you. This opportunity is worth every single penny; it is worth every single sacrifice because we are building a new nation and all of these building blocks are needed. I know now that as a result of this opportunity, each of you can now become positive role models in your communities and in your families. I want to be an example to you. From girl born in Zorzor, Lofa County and moved to Monrovia and lived in a zinc house. I can remember my father had my college graduation party when we used to live in that zinc house. Are there challenges? Yes, there would be but you must remain focused and determined.”

She entreated donors and well-meaning people and organization to see the need to support this initiative so that it continues to be free to empower young women. “If we say girls are important, we should put our money where our mouths are. It cannot be let them go and find their way. This program has to remain free but we need partnerships. We got more than 600 applications but we did not have the space to accommodate everyone. So, in the coming months, we will be building an annex to provide additional space. We are hoping that you will join us. The next class will open in January 2024. When women are empowered, the world is transformed,” Vice President Howard Taylor pointed out.

The star attraction of the ceremony was a physically challenged young lady, Musu Gartee, who lost one of her hands during the 2003 war in Liberia but has not given up on herself.

“We have been having this passion to learn ever since but most of the training institutions charge high fees and material cost have been the stumbling block. I don’t see myself different from anyone because I know once I have life in me, I can do anything. I do everything a normal woman with two hands would do: cooking, cleaning, and fetching water from the well. I like to do things for myself because when I am out there tomorrow, there would be no one to do it for me,” Musa said to a deafening cheer of attendees.

For Joyce Dahn, one of the young ladies who completed the six months training with high marks, said she and her colleagues were grateful to the YWCA Jewels Training Center pioneered by the first female Vice President that has taken them from the state of being considered nobody to a state of being somebody; “for making us to know that the future depend on us; for creating a space for good learning; modern learning equipment that have helped us to become new women today.”

Joyce said she benefited from this program as a single mother with the desire to learn and become a better person. “I scheduled two hours ahead of class time every day to be ahead of my classmates and did my assignments on time in order to navigate the system. This program has given me the opportunity to become more self-reliant. Madam Jewel Howard Taylor is one of the few women Liberians must be grateful for due to her enormous strides in taking steps towards helping young women to move closer to their dreams. I want all young women like myself to make the most of this golden opportunity to do something for themselves,” Miss Dahn intimated.

Also speaking, the Board Chairperson of the Jewel Starfish Foundation, Madam Norwu Howard said when this initiative started two years ago, the founder, VP Howard Taylor had the dream of seeing the YWCA of yesterday rebound. “Simply put, our goal is to leave no one behind! The Jewels Training Center is only a part of our mandate to assist the Government of Liberia in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Liberia’s Pro Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development pillars: 1, 2, 3; thus contributing to reduction in poverty, jobs creation and subsequently sustaining the peace. But we can only continue this feat with partners across the board. To those who are already our partners, it is because of your commitment that the parents of several girls can sleep at night,” the Foundation Board Chairperson stated.

A member of the YWCA Board, Cecelia Talawally stated: I am inspired by your message today that has put us in gear to continue teaching and mentoring more young women and children. To the graduating class, it was tough but it was worth it.”

The Minister of Education, Prof. D. Ansu Sonii remarked “this is a personal initiative of the Vice President, the Ministry of Education will provide Musu a US$1,000 to buy a startup kits.”

One of the committed partners of the Jewel Starfish Foundation, CEMENCO promised to continue to support and work with the Foundation in order to ensure the sustainability of this project.

The YWCA Jewels training center was founded by Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia. This project was launched on July 25, 2022. The aim is to build female capacities in becoming great leaders and making a difference with their hands.

GBARNGA — Voters are turning out in force in Gbarnga for Liberia’s presidential election on Tuesday, October 10.  Polling stations in Gbarnga are having long lines of some of the over 234, 000 registered registered voters that snaked around the city, including a large portion of first-time voters.

At the Lelekpayea School in District Two, Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor came out to vote, calling her vote a “highly emotional” moment.

“I’m so, so happy to cast my vote. I’m happy for the weather. I’m encouraging all residents of Bong County to remain peaceful, ” she said.

Almost all the presidential candidates have called on Liberians to be peaceful during the election, and at polling stations around Gbarnga, many have joined the line, some with their children in tow as Tuesday’s vote was declared a national holiday.

One voter named Prince Kollie told FrontPageAfrica he had gone to the polling place at 5:30 AM, in order to make sure he was one of the first in line when polling places opened at 8 AM.

“The youth were a little bit rowdy, they wanted to overtake everyone in the queue, so we moved to another polling station,” says Kollie. After he moved to another polling places in his area, he says the process was peaceful and went smoothly.

“I was glad they were assisting the old age people to go vote,” although he says some people complained that there were a lot of elderly people, who were put at the top of the queue. He finally voted at 8:30AM.

There have been reports of people being turned away because their registration number was different from the one on their voter card. Others were not listed on the voter’s roll.

MONROVIA – In an effort to bolster trade and promote self-employment opportunities for ordinary Liberians, Vice President Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor of Liberia has generously donated 1.5 million Liberian Dollars to three women’s groups in Bong County Electoral District#2.

Vice President Taylor emphasized the critical need for support for women in the county, affirming her commitment to women’s empowerment and training, a cause she has championed for years in Bong County and throughout Liberia.

The first female Vice President of Liberia distributed five hundred thousand Liberian dollars to each of the three women’s groups, totaling LD $1.5 million. She firmly believes that women’s empowerment programs are of utmost importance and should be extended throughout Liberia.

Vice President Taylor explained that the cash donation aims to supplement the women’s efforts in self-empowerment and improving their living conditions within their respective communities.

The Vice President addressed a gathering at the Nathaniel Varney Massaquoi High School campus on September 5, 2023, during the joyous graduation ceremony of over two hundred women who had completed a life skills program. This program was organized by the Bong Concerned Youth Movement in collaboration with CDC Bong County Electoral District#2 Representative candidate, A. Victor Tokpah.

Vice President Taylor commended candidate A. Victor Tokpah for his substantial financial support in making the program a reality. She also encouraged the attendees and eligible voters in electoral district #2 to turn out in large numbers on October 10th to elect Victor Tokpah and re-elect the Weah-Taylor Administration to further advance the country’s development agenda.

The first female Vice President of Liberia also cautioned the district’s citizens against supporting the incumbent lawmaker, James M. Kolleh, citing his perceived arrogance and harsh treatment of County elites and National government members. Madam Taylor urged the district’s residents to choose Victor Tokpah in the upcoming October 10th elections, emphasizing that the region had faced developmental challenges in recent years due to their decision to elect an opposition figure during the 2021 district by-election.

In his remarks, A. Victor Tokpah expressed confidence in the successful completion of the training program, despite doubts from some of his critics. He pledged his commitment to implementing more transformative development initiatives in the District.

During the event, beneficiaries of the five-week intensive life skills training expressed their joy and optimism about the positive impact on their lives. Many of them stated that the training had put an end to their long-standing dependency and praised CDC Representative candidate A. Victor Tokpah and Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor for their support and initiative for the women of Bong County District.

Monrovia – The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Jewel Howard Taylor, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Maryann Cheeseman School of Home Economics and Cosmetology, has labeled vocational and technical education as the key to Liberia’s illiteracy problem and urged the graduates of the Maryann Cheeseman School to use what they have learned to change their society for good.

By Francis G. Boayue

VP-Taylor, made the statement over the weekend, when she served as guest speaker for the 51^st graduation ceremony of the Maryann Cheeseman School of Home Economics and Cosmetology.

She said: “Having learned these skills, it’s expected that professionals from this school will not put their certificates on the shelves for decoration only but put their skills to work by engaging in some business ventures that would improve their lives and those they will employ.”

“To the graduating class, I say congratulations and well done. To all those who contributed to the success of these graduates, I say thank you; keep up the good work to help transform the minds of our people.

“Having considered the importance of vocational and technical education and the economic challenges in Liberia, we can agree that this nation finds itself at a crossroads as we strive to minimize the level of illiteracy in the country in fulfillment of the government’s Pro-poor Agenda and maximize the development of professionals through career and technical education,” she said.

She added: “We are privileged today, to witness the graduation ceremony of 100 professionals who form an integral part of the nation-building process.”

Also speaking, Mrs. Joyce Crayton, Principal of the school said the transformation of Liberia depends on a program to transform the citizenry and society.

” For this to happen, the program that prepared these students need to have well-structured curricular, trained faculty that will build the knowledge and skills of the trainers”, Mrs. Crayton said.

Madam Crayton used the time to call on the graduates to be good entrepreneurs and ambassadors of the school as they go about creating jobs for many families in the larger society.

“Finally, to the graduating class of ” Aii-kpeh” I urge each of you to use your skills and make the change that we all desire to see” she concluded.

MONROVIA – The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Jewel Howard Taylor, speaking over the weekend in commemoration of ‘World Breastfeeding Week,’ called on stakeholders to use advocacy to change women’s perception about the issues of breastfeeding in Liberia.

By Francis G. Boayue

World Breastfeeding Week, with the theme: “Let’s make breastfeeding and work, work!,” is an annual event that is held every year from August 1-7 in more than 120 countries and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Ministry of Health (MOH), and civil society partners to ensure necessary actions by policymakers, employers, and colleagues to support continued exclusive breastfeeding in working women to their infants.

VP-Taylor, addressing the press and WHO representatives on Friday, August 11, 2023, said while it is true that there are laws on the book in Liberia to promote breastfeeding for infants, it is also important to amend these laws to work in the best interest of the kids.

“We have a policy across our government for a three months maternity leave. Let’s also use advocacy to change women’s perception of breastfeeding,” VP Taylor said as Liberia joins the global community in recognition of World Breastfeeding Week.

Madam Taylor being named WHO Ambassador this year, labelled breastfeeding as an important part of being a mother. And that everyone should go beyond the ordinary to ensure that our babies are felt for at least up to the six months that the baby needs.

The Vice President in an interactive engagement with a team of reporters at her office in Monrovia stated that there are scientific reasons why these processes are now being advocated for women to consider all of the issues concerning breastfeeding.

“It is said that it boosts the brain of a child during the first six months, thereby providing immunity for them.” In Liberia, infants die between the first days to six months if they are not breastfed properly.

Monrovia – In a season of political discontent when leading candidates for the October elections have coined monikers in a bid to build momentum, the incumbent George Manneh Weah is waiting in the wings and gearing up for what is inarguably the biggest game of his political life as he prepares to defend his presidential turf and fend off rivals looking to stake their claim.

By: Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

POLITICAL PARTY: Coalition for Democratic Change

RUNNING MATE: Jewel Howard Taylor

DECIDING BASE: Vote-rich Montserado, Bong and southeastern counties of Grand Kru, Sinoe, Maryland, Rivercess, Margibi and the Western Belt of Gbarpolu, Bomi and Cape Mount. During the 2017 presidential elections, Weah and his CDC won all but one county, Lofa, the base of former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai. The nation’s capital, Montserrado has historically been an opposition territory since the post-war democratic turn, making it a major challenge for the incumbent in October. While the CDC is expected to do well in Montserrado, the county is expected to split between the top candidates running for the presidency. The selection of former first lady, Jewel Howard Taylor proved to be a smart move in 2017 for Weah. This time around, however, the VP’s once powerful base is becoming a major battleground with other contenders pitching the county for votes. Support from the influential Senator Emmanuel Nuquay in Margibi could prove pivotal for the incumbent. 

THE LOWDOWN:  Six years after winning the presidency, the footballer-turned President has faced mounting criticisms over his handling of the government he inherited from his predecessor Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Despite the criticisms, however, the Weah-led government points to the ongoing road project and its grassroots base to propel it to a second term.

In 2022, annual message the incumbent defended his first six years by saying: “Let me assure you that the state of our nation is strong. The state of our nation is stable … The state of our nation is peaceful and secure. We intend to keep it this way.”

However, over the past few months, leading to the October elections, President Weah has come under criticisms from its major ally, the United States of America for allowing two key officials who were sanctioned amid allegations of corruption.

In August, the incumbent was forced to suspend three government officials who were sanctioned by the United States for what it said was their ongoing involvement in public corruption. The sanctions target Weah’s Chief of Staff Nathaniel McGill, Liberia’s Chief Prosecutor Sayma Cyrenius Cephus and Bill Twehway, the managing director of the National Port Authority.

Much has been made about the government’s failure to put a halt to the legislative candidacies of two of those sanctions, Nathaniel McGill, and Bill Twehway.

While describing the actions for which the officials were sanctioned as “grave”, US authorities have felt slighted by President Weah’s failure to put his foot down on an issue US authorities fear could dampen relationship between the two countries.

The incumbent has also struggled to lure investors as stated in a recent U.S. State Department Investment Climate Report on Liberia. The report noted that since the inception of the Pro-poor-led Agenda, the government has struggled to attract investors to Liberia, and the situation appears to be exacerbated by actions that deter rather than encourage foreign investments. Business leaders have reported difficulties in even securing meetings with government representatives to discuss new investment opportunities or policies without offering bribes, according to the 2023. According to the report, key factors contributing to the unfavorable investment climate, include a weak legal and regulatory framework, lack of transparency in contract awards, and widespread corruption. Instead of viewing foreign investors as potential partners in fostering long-term growth for Liberia, some government officials perceive them as opportunities for short-term graft.

Upon assuming the presidency in 2018, the incumbent promised to end endemic corruption his predecessor, Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, was widely accused of failing to address.

Under President Weah, corruption remains endemic in the country, with the watchdog Transparency International ranking Liberia 136th of 180 countries in its 2022 corruption perceptions index. In 2018, a corruption scandal in which Liberia lost $100m in newly printed central bank notes sparked widespread allegations of misuse of public funds within Weah’s administration.

STRENGTHS: Love him or hate him, Weah’s street creds and appeal to a loyal base have eclipsed much of the criticisms regarding his re-electability at bay. Ironically, the incumbent’s most important asset lies not much in what his government has achieved over the past six years, but in the perceived gifts in the form of the opposition disunity that has presented him.

As a campaigner, the incumbent is a natural. While much of loose jabs at his opponents may lack substance to his critics and detractors, the appeal to the ordinary masses who still see him as one of them, is a major asset many of his opponents lack. For example, during a recent political stomping rally, the incumbent took former Vice President Joseph Boakai, one of his rivals in the upcoming race to task, labeling him as the “Joseph, who squandered opportunities during his time in national government.”

Speaking before hundreds of CDC’s partisans at the party’s headquarters in Congotown on Monday, July 17, President Weah drew a biblical analogy to distinguish between two types of Josephs. He referred to himself as “Joseph the Dreamer,” alluding to the biblical Joseph, Jacob’s son, who was sold into slavery at the age of 17.

In contrast, he labeled Boakai as “Joseph the Sleeper,” suggesting that the former VP had failed to make the most of his chances.

President Weah highlighted Boakai’s admission of the Unity Party squandering opportunities when it ruled for 12 unbroken years, asserting that the former VP had served as the agriculture minister in the past but failed to deliver meaningful benefits to the Liberian people.

The President’s jabs were in response to recent criticisms from the former Vice President that Weah’s time in the Senate was ineffective.

Separately, the incumbent also recently threw jabs at another one of his rivals, the former Coca-Cola executive, Alexander Cummings, who he criticized for “doing nothing” when Coca-Cola closed its production in Liberia, despite serving on the Board of Coca-Cola Global in Atlanta, Georgia. According to President Weah, the departure of Coca-Cola and other companies and NGOs that left at the inception of his regime intended to embarrass him and his government.

The incumbent, in reply to his critics, insists that the democratic tenets of Liberia have remained intact since he assumed the affairs of the state as citizens have been allowed to enjoy all the freedoms ascribed to them in the Constitution.

In the last five years since his election, President Weah’s economic achievements supported by the IMF and his significant efforts in rebuilding infrastructure have astonished his opposition. Initially, many doubted his ability to lead effectively due to their perception that he lacked the necessary background, competence, and education typical of previous Liberian presidents. However, their campaign against him proved futile.

When the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) assumed power in 2018, they believed they had inherited a stable macroeconomic foundation from the previous Unity Party (UP) Government of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. This belief was based on the substantial influx of funds and development assistance during UP’s 12-year governance. However, this perception was shattered in January 2018 when the country plunged into macroeconomic instability, indicating that the UP government had left behind a precarious economic situation.

The most significant sign of this economic collapse was the rapid and severe exchange rate volatility, which caused a sharp depreciation of the Liberian dollar. During Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s tenure, the exchange rate went from US$1.00: LR$56.501 to US$1.00: LR$1252, a depreciation of over 127 percent over more than a decade. In contrast, the new CDC administration experienced a faster depreciation, leading some to believe that the mismanagement of the economy was the cause of the rapid currency decline. This, in turn, led to price hikes and created significant macroeconomic uncertainties. Between March and July 2018, the exchange rate depreciated by over 22 percent, going from US$1.00: LR$131.483 to US$1.00: LR$159.564. By November 2019, it had further depreciated by an additional 20.1 percent to US$1.00: LR$191.695.

WEAKNESSES: Many political analysts point to the incumbent’s knack for holding grudges as a key lapse that could hurt his re-election chances, especially in the event of a second round in the October elections. Voters impacted by the government’s controversial policies could turn their support elsewhere. Many of the President’s strongest supporters from the 2017 elections have complained about the lack of jobs and unfulfilled promises for inclusion in the CDC-led government as a potential deal breaker in the event of a second round. The government’s massive downsizing and salary deduction on civil servants is also an issue that is likely to pop up as the ruling party looks toward garnering support in its second-term bid.

KEY CAMPAIGN THRUST: The incumbent continues to insist that “enormous progress has been made” in achieving peace in Liberia by “ensuring the strict adherence to the rule of law”. The general crime rate in the country has spiked with mob action becoming normalized making nightlife nonexistent in Liberia, which greatly affects the night economy. Adherence to the basic standards of decency is practically nonexistent in the enforcement of the country’s traffic laws. Nearly every government official and some civilians drive around with sirens and motorcades. If President Weah wishes to win reelection, there must be some recalibration. The president must consolidate his base by reaching out to disaffected CDCians, who feel the last 5 years have left them in the wilderness. He must also reach out to former allies, especially his alienated friends who supported him over the years but have fallen out. As most of the voters in the 2023 election will be under the age of 35, it means wooing first-time voters with a message that appeals to their basic needs, such as education, jobs, and income.  

KEY TO WINNING: In the buildup to the 2023 Presidential elections, the incumbent has vowed to shut the mouth of his opponents because he will defeat them by higher margins than he did in the 2018 presidential run-off between himself and former vice president Joseph N. Boakai. “I refuse, I refuse (to be a one-term president), God in heaven knows. I Gbekugbeh, I will defeat them more than (I did in) 2018.” Weah said to a huge applause and shouts from his supporters, in a rally last October. The incumbent’s comments came as a sharp response to one of the constituent leaders of the opposition Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) Alexander B. Cummings, who told partisans that the opposition will win the 2023 presidential election to make Weah a one-term president. Political observers say, for the incumbent Weah to pull a victory off and starve off threats of losing his Presidency, he will have to broaden his appeal and transcend beyond his base as he did in 2017.

CHANCES OF WINNING?  The powers of the incumbency, access to resources amid opposition disunity and uncertainty gives the incumbent a 50-50 shot at retaining power. 

COMING TUESDAY: JOSEPH NYUMAH BOAKAI, ‘THE RESCUER’

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MONROVIA – Stressing for the opening of Emmanuel Bowier Library could not have been over emphasized at the Memorial service of the late Rev. J. Emmanuel Z. Bowier, who passed away last year.

The memorial service, which was held at the Monrovia City Hall, brought together many sympathizers including Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, clergymen and women, family, former schoolmates, friends, students, well-wishers and the media, to grace the program.

By Mae Azango, mae.azango@frontpagefricaonline.com

The late Rev. Bowier, former Minister of Information during the Samuel K. Doe regime, was known for his historic programs on various radio stations in Monrovia and Firestone. He was considered a great wealth of knowledge to many Liberians, including Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, who, too, paid her tribute.

“The idea of a library that will house all of his many books is actually in order. We hope the family will consider it and call on us at another time to see what we can do to help. I believe that will be the legacy that we will not just own a library that people won’t go there, but that it become a center of learning, research and information so that we get the Liberian History right,” said Vice President Taylor

According to the Veep, when one lives right, not only heaven belongs to that person but their legacy lives on.

“I was one of Rev. Bowier prodigies at the Foreign Service Institute. He would call me some mornings and say, ‘You girl come here.’ He would tell me all kinds of stories. I think what he wanted most, was a legacy where people would know their history and find our path we lost over the years. He wanted Liberia to find that path back to the greatness that God has given us as a nation,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of Mr. Charles Snetter of Radio Monrovia, clergywoman Clr. Pearl Browne Bull said Bowier used to invite her on his show to share knowledge to the Liberian people. Writing a book is not the thing, because people would usually say write a book, but when you publish a book, nobody will buy it.

“Those in radio land and those who are here, we must pay Bowier by trying to open a library in his name. All President [William V. S.] Tubman’s paper, he has it there. I can make photocopies on Tubman’s Open Door Policy from 1944, Dr. Edward Dunn wrote it. Every newspaper and all the old gossips to correct these people are all there.”  

She stated that one day they were called by the State Department to speak on OAU Day. “I told Bowier that we should go on Radio Monrovia and share the education. But everybody who called in and said the program was nice. They all said that they wanted copy of the recordings. Unfortunately, not a single copy out of the 200 copies was purchased. So Bowier, could not write his book, because he did not have any money. I beg you, I do not know who the head of this library rally is, but my office is on Randall Street, young people please come and buy some of those recordings to contribute to the library,” Clr. Bull pleaded.

In the City Hall room that the memorial service was held, it brought back old memories of Rev. Bowier’s former old friends and roommates. Each spoke highly of him and the kind of man they knew him to be and the principals he stood.

Former Ambassador George Wallace said Rev. Bowier taught history at the Foreign Service Institute, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was always engaging his students.

“He was a man of actions. He used to take his students to the Centennial Memorial Pavilion, the Providence Island and other places and taught them the importance of those places.

“At the Pavilion, he would let the students know what statute of President J.J. Roberts and President Tubman shaking hands represented and the statute of an indigenous lady and an Americo-Liberian lady meant. He would also take them inside of the building of the Pavilion to a particular spot within the building. He would tell his students that every president is inaugurated under that star before taking office. On the outside of the Pavilion, he would show them the Tomb of former President Hilary W. R. Johnson, the man who saved Liberia from being under the British rule. He said President Johnson stopped the British from hosting their flag on Liberia’s soil. Bowier lived a good life; he was an educator, who wanted people to know their history. He is alive through his books. You can open a library for the man in his name,” Amb. Wallace, a very long-service Foreign Service official, said.

Also speaking was Dr. Augustine Konneh, who during some point, headed the Foreign Service Institute. Dr. Konneh said Rev. Bowier had vast knowledge and his story-telling ability was good because his accounts were so accurate.

“He had the power of collection that was tremendous and because he kept good notes and preserved papers. He educated vast Liberians through his radio programs. Let me end by saying Rev. Bowier contributed to peace in this country, reconciliation and national building and therefore, he was a patriot and may his soul rest in peace.”

The late Rev. Bowier’s roommates, headed by Mr. Ounzuba Kemah Gama, spoke about their student life at the University of Liberia in the early 1970s. He narrated how their room 099 in the boys’ dormitory, was a lively room and they had so much fun those days. He recalled that they used to have university symposiums and Rev. Bowier delivered a paper on the case for the creation of a multi-campuses University system in Liberia.

“One thing we all would like to emanate from him, is that Bowier did not put much value on material things and that is something that is not very much common today, and those who came close to him realized that a few dollars did not make a difference to him. Whether he had money of not, it did not matter. His life was not defined by material things. Typical example, his house is still not finished, while people are building houses in six months. But even as a Minister of Information, he had no inch of greed in him. Even as Minister of Information, he was still Emmanuel, because there are friends of ours who became big people and when we went to look for them, we had to fill in forms, but Emmanuel was not like that, power did not get to his head. He was honorable, honest and did not have an inch of greed in him. That was the greatest example as an older brother I did not have,” said Mr. Gama.

Dr. Jonathan Taylor said he and Bowier were like brothers because they grew up together from their teenage days at Todee Mission, where they formed part of the debating club.  According to him, they used to debate and do public speaking. He explained how both he and Bowier served as Cabinet Ministers during the Samuel K. Doe-led Administration and they usually hung heads in handling situations.

“Few years ago, people used to call and ask me, ‘Are you listening to the radio’, and when I ask why are they asking me, they would say, ‘Rev. Bowier mentioned your name and said if you think I am lying, ask Jonathan Taylor, he is my witness,’” he said.

Member of the Muslim Community were also present at the Memorial service and paid tribute to the late Rev. Bowier, Imam Sheik Mohammed A. Kiazolu said Rev. Bowier was a very good man, who always told the truth and he was also a friend to the Muslim Community and they miss him, dearly.

At the same time, students of an Islamic school said the late Rev. Bowier used to call them at his house and educated them, and he was a great mentor to them.

Monrovia – Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, represented H.E. President George Manneh Weah and Liberia last week in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire at the just-ended Africa Investment Forum (AIF) organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB). 

The three-day event, held from November 2nd to 5th, 2022 in the Ivorian commercial capital, Abidjan, attracted the participation of several African Heads of State and Government. The African leaders chaired boardrooms and led transactions with potential investors. 

They included Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné of Côte d’Ivoire, who represented President Alassane Ouattara.

Others were President Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia; President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana; President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe; Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor of Liberia; Vice President Philip Mpango of Tanzania; Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva n of Cabo Verde; and Prime Minister Patrick Achi of Côte d’Ivoire.

The event according to a dispatch crowded in $31 billion in investor interest in supporting various investment opportunities on the African continent.

During the event, VP Jewel Howard-Taylor remarkably captivated the crowd with her brilliant ideas on Africa’s governance, investments, agriculture, gender, development, and youth issues. 

On the sidelines of the event, VP Jewel Howard-Taylor had bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Ivory Coast and Ghana and other distinguished personalities. 

VP Taylor met with Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank to talk about a wide range of development issues in Liberia. 

Dr. Adesina assured VP Taylor about his commitment to supporting the Government and people of Liberia.

He committed to supporting the Via Dam 800mw energy project in Liberia; gender empowerment issues through the AFAWA (Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa) framework, a pan-African initiative to bridge the $42 billion financing gap facing women in Africa; Youth empowerment issues through the establishment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank activities in Liberia.

The ADFDB President also pledged to support the agriculture sector of Liberia to scale up rice production to ensure food self-sufficiency and food security in Liberia to allow Liberia to be a net rice exporting country.

He used the occasion to thank President Weah for his leadership and invited the Liberian leader to the agriculture summit in Senegal scheduled for January 2023.

VP Howard-Taylor then extended greetings on behalf of President Weah and the great people of Liberia and pledged the Country’s support to the Bank’s success.

GBARNGA, Bong County – Jewel Howard-Taylor is facing backlash in her county for her comment that President George Weah will win re-election “with or without the support of Bong County,” with many locals taking to radio stations to call out the vice president for what they deemed an “ungrateful and unacceptable” comment.

As of the 2008 Census, Bong had a population of 328,919, making it the third most populous county in Liberia.

Howard-Taylor’s comment came in response to a concern raised by 26-year-old Beatrice Myers, a resident of Gbarnga, on Monday at the start of the vice president’s week-long dialogue with residents of the county.

Beatrice was concerned as to why there was no cabinet minister from the county appointed by President Weah, since the dismissal of former agriculture minister Dr. Mogana Flomo, Jr in 2019, despite the overwhelming support received by the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) in both rounds of the 2017 elections in the county.

Beatrice said: “Madam Vice President, as the third-most populous county in the country, taking into consideration our (citizens of the county) role played in making George Weah president, and you our “daughter” vice president, what would be our reward as a county if we elect the CDC government for another six years?”

“The Bong County Technical College is still an unfinished project, there is no market being built in Gbarnga despite the president talking about ongoing market in his state of the nation address, and the stalled Gbarnga street pavement construction.”

Jewel: “I’m sorry, didn’t mean harm”

The vice president backtracked Wednesday and pleaded for forgiveness, saying: “I spoke in context, and was misinterpreted. I was simply trying to say that one county can’t make a president. In 2017, the people of Lofa County overwhelmingly voted former Vice President Joseph Boakai, and he still couldn’t win the election.”

“I can’t betray the trust of the people of Bong County. If what I said didn’t go down well with the people of Bong, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean harm.”

History of VP Taylor’s “insensitive” statements in Bong

This is not the first time Howard-Taylor has faced backlash over “provocative” comments.

In May of 2018, Howard-Taylor had gone gone to Gbarnga to install 13 commissioners of that county who were appointed by the CDC.

During that program, she made a “divisive statement” that angered residents of the county. 

After greeting everyone who was in attendance, she said: “Truthfully, all of the 13 Commissioners [here] might not be members of the Coalition; we have got one or two who might not be members. Y’all must join because other people joined the Unity Party, too. So, I am waiting for y’all to call me from your districts to tell me that you are joining the ruling Coalition those of you who are not members. The Bible says ‘How can two walk together if they don’t agree?’ So, all ‘two’ of you must all be on the same side. So you see, if you can’t make it, you tell us so that we can find somebody else. Anybody, who feels that they are not able to make it must say it now before we go far,” she said.

“When I call a meeting of the Coalition and someone [among you] is not part of the Coalition, the thing I want to talk, will I be able to talk it there? So you all just come on board with your whole hearts and minds.

“To show that you all that some people who are sitting here are not members of the Coalition, you know we don’t have nothing in our hearts against you’ll because I would have said removed everybody. What would you have done to me? Nothing! This is my time. Nothing you will do to me. This is my time. We are not coming to give our birthrights to other people. This is our time to eat. We will eat but we are going to eat in a way that everybody will be able to eat, too.”

Fury over VP comment

On Tuesday, wrath erupted in the county following the comment, with locals accusing Howard-Taylor of being “ungrateful” to the people of Bong, and called on the president not to select her as running mate ahead of the 2023 presidential elections.

Francis Smith, a resident of Gbarnga, told FrontPageAfrica, said that Howard-Taylor’s comment was unacceptable by all measures, and called on the people of the county to take firm measures against the vice president’s words and the CDC in 2023.

The statement is offensive not only to the people of Bong County, but also to the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change of which is a ranking member,  Smith added.

“This is what you get from someone who continues to benefit from the people of Bong County with nothing to show for,” he said. “It’s now time the people of Bong County shun the vice president and the ruling CDC because they have nothing to offer, as per the statement made by the vice president.”

Prince Gorlormator, a native of Gbartala who was a delegate at the meeting, said: “The comment by the vice president should make residents of the county to rethink ahead of the 2023 presidential elections. We have voted for Howard-Taylor with high hopes and expectations only to hear statements of such from her. This is not only disappointing to the people of Bong County, but those who have voted her over those years.”

‘Ungrateful’ Jewel?

Howard-Taylor’s political career began in earnest when she was elected in 2005 as a senator in Bong, the county where her former husband and former Liberian president Charles Taylor’s legacy still lives among some locals. 

She won re-election in 2014, defeating eight men, including now senator Dr. Henrique Tokpa, former Bong County superintendent Ranney Jackson, and others.

Howard-Taylor was a surprise pick for vice-president on the ticket of the footballer turned politician, as many expected her to run for the top job herself.

But her selection paid off as Bongese (residents of Bong) overwhelming supported the CDC at the detriment of another prominent son of the county, Jeremiah Solunteh, who contested as running mate to Alexander Cummings of the Alternative National Congress (ANC).

In upper Bong County, the Coalition for Democratic Change obtained 37,439 votes (63.1 percent), while Unity Party of Vice President Joseph Boakai received 21,859 votes (36.9 percent) of a total of 61,136 votes.

In lower Bong, Weah’s CDC secured 33, 229 (65.5 percent), while Boakai’s UP accumulated 17,512 (34.5 percent). Invalid votes in this area amounted to 1,640.

That was the first time the CDC had won both rounds of presidential elections in Bong, a feat many attributed to the presence of Howard-Taylor on the ticket.