The Vice President Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr. has been named the Keynote Speaker for the 16th Edition of the Golden Image Award (GIA). The GIA is one of Liberia’s premier national recognition events held annually as part of the country’s Independence Day celebrations.
The National Secretariat of the Golden Image Award announced that Vice President Koung has accepted the invitation to deliver the keynote address during the awards ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia.
In announcing the selection, the Secretariat cited the Vice President’s exemplary leadership, dedication to national unity, and steadfast commitment to Liberia’s development as the basis for choosing him to deliver this year’s keynote address.
“As Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Honorable Jeremiah Kpan Koung has continued to champion national unity, economic development, and inclusive governance.
His commitment to advancing Liberia’s growth and supporting initiatives that strengthen the nation reflects the very ideals the Golden Image Award has celebrated for sixteen years,” the organizers stated. Established in 2010, the Golden Image Award was endorsed by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf through the then Minister of Internal Affairs, Harrison S. Karnwea.
Since its inception, the award has become an integral feature of Liberia’s Independence Day observances, recognizing individuals and institutions whose contributions have advanced peacebuilding, leadership, investment, public service, and cultural development.
The Golden Image Award is the brainchild of Juli Endee, Liberia’s Traditional Queen, former Cultural Ambassador, Commissioner General for World Expo, and Executive Director of the Liberia Crusaders for Peace.
This year’s celebration will be held under the theme: “Peace, Leadership, Investment, and Cultural Excellence,” reflecting Liberia’s collective aspirations for national unity, sustainable development, and inclusive progress.
The event is expected to attract several distinguished international guests from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and across Africa, underscoring the growing global significance of the Golden Image Award as a platform for celebrating excellence and fostering international goodwill.
