Scores of citizens under the banner Ordinary People of Liberia have petitioned the Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) to serve as their voice and advocate leading major reforms in country.
The citizens, including physically challenged, students, market women, civil servants, teachers, housemaids, farmers, motorbike riders, police officers, amongst others, said they cannot stand by and watch national Liberia’s leaders continue to fail them.
The citizen’s petitioned highlighted 14 key advocacy priorities including, to Make Corruption a Serious & Non-Bailable Offense if the Amount Exceeds a Certain Threshold, Free Healthcare for Expectant Mothers and Innocent Children, Free and Compulsory Education for Every Liberian Child, Restoring Dignity to Our Women and Girls, Making Public Service Accountable: Reducing Tenures for Elected Officials, Protection of Civil Servants, Review of Concession Agreements for Equitable Resource Distribution, Prioritizing Community Development in Profit-Sharing and ending child Labor in Street Trading.
Others are, Job Creation and Sustainable Livelihoods, Increased Agricultural Investment for Food Security, Illicit Substance & Cross-Border Drug Trade, Gender-Based Violence and Student Loans- a Pathway to Empowerment.
The petition said that corruption has stifled Liberia’s growth and development for far too long, perpetuating poverty and injustice and preventing vital resources from reaching those who need them most.
The citizens proposed that this reform should establish that any individual accused of corruption involving an amount exceeding a defined threshold will face non-bailable charges which are crucial to upholding the rule of law, preventing flight and tampering, protecting public interest, promoting accountability, enhancing judicial integrity and to protect against potential abuse of this power.
“Hence, making corruption a non-bailable offense for amounts exceeding a specific threshold will establish a firm stance against impunity in Liberia. STAND is urged to lead this vital charge for justice, promoting a future where transparency, accountability, and integrity become the cornerstones of governance,” the petition said.
The citizens said healthcare is a fundamental right and STAND should advocate for free healthcare services for all expectant mothers and innocent children up to age 18, with a phased expansion of these benefits to include civil servants and their families in future.
“Education is the backbone of our nation’s hope and prosperity. Yet, too many Liberian children are denied this basic right, left to labor on the streets or in markets rather than building their minds in classrooms. We call on STAND to champion a future where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn and thrive. We urge you to push for tuition-free, compulsory education from 1st to 12th grade in all public schools, ensuring no child is left behind due to poverty or neglect. Pursuing quality education for our youth must extend beyond public schools to encompass private institutions as well,” the Ordinary Liberians said.
The also called for dignity to be restored to women and girls as prostitution strips away their dignity, hopes, and dreams, reducing them to a life of hardship and despair, adding that It’s not just a social issue; it’s a national tragedy that has fractured the communities, families, and collective souls.
“STAND must be the voice that demands action, advocating for laws that truly protect and uplift our beautiful, yet vulnerable sisters. We call on STAND to lead a movement that offers not just alternatives, but genuine opportunities for education, skill-building, and meaningful work that restores their dignity. Liberia’s women deserve more than survival—they deserve a future where they are respected, empowered, and free. Let us reject exploitation and build a Liberia where every woman and girl can live with pride and purpose,” the citizens said.
The petitioners said Liberia’s progress is often hindered by the long and unchecked terms of public officials, resulting in a government that too easily drifts away from the needs of the people. Lawmakers have become painfully unpopular with the public, and with good reason: prolonged tenures lead to neglect, complacency, and a lack of accountability, saying the people deserve leaders who serve them actively, transparently, and earnestly—not officials who take their positions for granted.
The petition: “In line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations, we call for an urgent constitutional amendment through referendum to reduce the tenures of elected officials and adopt a RECALL provision for non-performance of elected officials. When enacted, this amendment will reduce the term of Representatives from six years to four and the term of Senators from nine years to six. Likewise, the presidential term will be shortened from six years to four, fostering closer connections between the President and the people, and ensuring that every day in office is dedicated to service rather than entitlement.”
The citizens said this reform would be a powerful move to restore public trust and revive the core values of public service, reminding those in power that they are not above the people but chosen by them, answerable to them, and accountable for Liberia’s progress every step of the way.
The petition said civil servants are the backbone of governance and productivity, tirelessly working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of our nation. Therefore, it is vital to recognize their value and ensure they receive livable wages that reflect their hard work and commitment to the state, as they deserve to lead lives of dignity, free from financial insecurity. Therefore, we urge STAND to prioritize the well-being of our civil servants and advocate for policies that uplift their standard of living.
The petitioners urged STAND to spearhead a campaign to critically review and renegotiate Liberia’s concession agreements, which have historically favored foreign corporations at the expense of local communities and allowed for the extraction of our nation’s wealth, resulting in economic hardship for the very people who should benefit from our abundant natural resources.
Renegotiating these agreements, the petition said, will ensure that a fair portion of the revenues generated from our resources is reinvested into local communities. This reinvestment can enhance infrastructure, healthcare, and education, ultimately lifting our citizens out of poverty and creating a more prosperous Liberia.
“Furthermore, we must hold foreign corporations to ethical standards and community engagement practices, ensuring they contribute positively to the social and economic fabric of the regions in which they operate. This is not only an issue of economic justice but also a moral imperative to protect our people’s rights and dignity,” the petition said.
The Ordinary Liberians called on STAND to champion a legislative amendment that increases profit-sharing between corporations and the government, prioritizing the development of communities within concession areas, saying that resources should primarily fund infrastructure, education, and healthcare in these impoverished regions, rather than cover the recurring expenses of Monrovia-based officials who receive high salaries, enjoy luxury travel, and substantial allowances, while ordinary civil servants face daily hardships.
On the issue of child labor, the petition said that the plight of children forced into street trading is a heartbreaking reality that can no longer be ignored, because no child should be deprived of their childhood, education, and potential due to economic hardship or exploitation.
“We urge STAND to take a resolute stand against this injustice by advocating for the criminalization of child labor,” the citizens said.
By criminalizing child labor, the petitions said, “We can send a powerful message that Liberia values its children and their right to education over the exploitation of their labor. We implore STAND to make ending child labor in street trading a national priority. Together, we can ensure that every Liberian child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and realize their dreams, free from exploitation. Let us act decisively to protect our most precious resource—our children—so they can thrive and help shape a brighter future for Liberia.”
In count 12 of their petition, the Ordinary Liberian People said unemployment and poverty plague the nation, urging STAND to prioritize advocacy for job creation and sustainable livelihoods, particularly for the youth, through investment in skills development, entrepreneurship, and local industries, while at the same time calling for advocacy for greater investment in the agriculture sector, the backbone of Liberia’s economy, by providing farmers with the tools and resources to increase productivity and reduce Liberia’s dependency on imported food.
“We urge STAND to intensify advocacy against drug and substance abuse, focusing particularly on identifying the root sources of drugs entering Liberia and the border points through which they flow. It is crucial to expose the high-level drug trafficking networks often orchestrated by influential figures. We must work to ensure that efforts to combat drug abuse are accelerated, and that those responsible for perpetuating this crisis are held accountable. This comprehensive approach will help protect our communities and safeguard the future of our youth,” the petitioners said.
The citizens said in a nation where the rights of women and children are continually undermined, the promise of a brighter future remains dim; the pervasive issue of gender-based violence dose not only inflicts physical and emotional harm but also cripples our society’s potential for growth and harmony.
The petitioners want STAND to adopt a resolute stance against all forms of violence and discrimination, advocating for robust legal protections and comprehensive support systems for women and children, as it is imperative to create an environment where no woman or child suffers violations of their rights without consequence, adding that by championing these vital causes, “we can lay the groundwork for a more equitable society, ensuring that all individuals are empowered and protected, and that the next generation can thrive in safety and dignity.”
The petition said in Liberia, many students come from underprivileged backgrounds, facing significant economic instability that hampers their ability to focus on their academic pursuits. This dire situation often leads to high dropout rates and the adoption of unhealthy alternatives, effectively sidelining young talent and depriving the nation of its future leaders.
“Education should be a right, not a privilege, and it is imperative that we create an environment where all students can thrive without the burden of financial constraints. To this end, we urge STAND to advocate for the national government to establish a comprehensive student loan program. This program should provide accessible, low-interest loans that students can utilize to cover tuition and educational expenses, with the understanding that repayment will begin only after they secure employment after graduation,” the group said.
The citizens further portioned STAND to push for vacation jobs to unlock there potential and build work skills as many students find themselves idle during their school vacations, often engaging in nonproductive activities that do little to prepare them for their future careers.
“By establishing vacation job opportunities, we can provide students with hands-on experience that aligns with their interests and aspirations. These programs should be designed to cover a variety of fields, including education, healthcare, technology, agriculture, and the arts, allowing students to explore different career paths while gaining valuable skills. This initiative will not only help students remain productive during their time off but will also empower them to make informed decisions about their future education and career choices,” the petition said.
Moreover, the citizens said, vacation jobs can foster a sense of responsibility and work ethic among young people. By engaging in real-world work, students will learn the importance of commitment, teamwork, and professionalism—skills that are crucial for success in any career. Additionally, these experiences can enhance their resumes and set them apart in a competitive job market upon graduation.
“We urge STAND to advocate for the implementation of vacation job programs across the country. By collaborating with local businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions, we can create a network of opportunities that not only supports our youth but also strengthens our economy,” the petition said.
