President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on all Liberians and national stakeholders to embrace the true value of freedom. Speaking Friday, July 26, 2024 at Liberia’s 177th Independence Day celebration in Monrovia, under the theme: “Building a New Liberia for All Liberians,” President Boakai said Liberians should redefine the purpose of the nation’s existence as an independent state by working together to create an enabling environment that all citizens would have the opportunity to live a dignified life.
He wondered what good is freedom and independence when so many citizens are struggling, noting that it was time that Liberians embrace the true values of freedom and work together to provide opportunities for every Liberian.
“We are at a crucial moment in our nation’s history. We have a rare opportunity to come together and truly embody the meaning of freedom, and to build a nation that reflects the diversity of Liberia. Let’s work towards creating a country we can be proud to pass on to future generations,” Boakai said.
The President said Liberia is a country with a rich history, but has been slow to progress; however, Liberians now have the chance to change the direction of the country and move away from the self-imposed struggles faced since gaining independence 177 years ago.
He supposed that Liberia has great potential and it’s the responsibility of the current generation to take advantage of the opportunity and improve the country so that everyone has a better chance at a good life.
Boakai said the nation is caught between a challenging past and a hopeful future, but he anticipates that this moment in history has a turning point to leap with faith as the country strives to transition from the past to the future.
He pledged his personal commitment that his government will provide the space to work together across all divides to bring positive change for all. “My fellow citizens, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our country during this crucial time, caught between a challenging past and a hopeful future. I see this moment in our history as a turning point to leap with faith, as we strive to transition from the past to the future,” the President said.
The Liberian leader said it is now the time to come together and use collective strength to propel Liberia towards an inclusive future; stating that the decisions made today will leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
He added that historical structural barriers have not only made it difficult for a large segment of the Liberian population, especially those in the interior of the country to access services, but it has caused them to curtail their ability to earn and sustain respectable livelihoods.
Boakai said that the structure of the economy has led to significant inequality, which has fueled social tensions and conflicts, and these and many other factors have contributed to tensions, creating divisions in society based on wealth, class, ethnicity, and other factors that lead to conflicts.
