Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to addressing the challenges confronting Liberian entrepreneurs and strengthening the local business environment. According to a December 29, 2025 release, the Vice President disclosed that the Price Stabilization Committee established by President Joseph Boakai is expected to submit its report to the Liberian leader this week, which will subsequently inform consultations with retailers and other key stakeholders.
He underscored the importance of policy measures aimed at protecting and promoting Liberian-owned businesses, reiterating his longstanding advocacy for a Liberian-dominated retail sector. VP Koung passionately pleaded with foreign investors to concentrate on production and wholesale activities that expand value chains and employment opportunities.
He made the remarks on Sunday, December 28, 2025, during an appreciation dinner hosted by him and his wife, Second Lady Stephanie Dahn-Koung, at their farm on the outskirts of Ganta City, Nimba County. The event honored members of Ganta’s diverse business community in recognition of what the Vice President described as their steadfast support throughout his public service and political journey.
In a deeply moving moment, Vice President Koung recounted a personal experience from the 1990s civil crisis, during which a childhood friend, Elijah Elliot, popularly known as “Papa,” courageously intervened to save his life by affirming to soldiers that he was a trader and not a combatant. In appreciation of this act of bravery and loyalty, the Vice President presented Papa with US$10,000 to support and expand his business. The gathering brought together petty traders, hoteliers, transport operators, farmers, retailers, and other entrepreneurs who collectively constitute the economic backbone of Nimba County.
