MONROVIA, Liberia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Tuesday commissioned ten senior government officials, including two key figures at the Central Bank of Liberia and eight ambassadors, as his administration seeks to address mounting economic challenges and elevate Liberia’s role on the global stage.
The ceremony, held at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, was framed by two major national priorities: stabilizing the country’s struggling economy—where the Liberian dollar has fallen to 198 per U.S. dollar—and advancing Liberia’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
In his remarks, President Boakai called on the newly appointed officials to serve with integrity, emphasizing that public office is a responsibility to the people, not a privilege.
“When you take a public office, you’re not doing that for me. It’s the Liberian people you’re working for,” Mr. Boakai said. “And not just those in Monrovia, but all Liberians across the country.”
A Struggling Economy in Need of Reform
Liberia’s economic woes have been deepening, with inflationary pressures, rising living costs, and currency depreciation putting strain on businesses and ordinary citizens. The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) is expected to take center stage in addressing these issues, with the newly commissioned Executive Governor Henry Saamoi and Deputy Governor for Operations James B. Wilfred tasked with implementing urgent reforms.
“We will work towards modernizing Liberia’s payment infrastructure, strengthening international reserves, and ensuring a more stable economic environment,” Mr. Saamoi said after taking the oath of office. “Under President Boakai’s leadership, we are committed to rebranding the Central Bank as the cornerstone of Liberia’s economic reset.”
The depreciation of the Liberian dollar—trading at 198 LRD to 1 USD—has exacerbated the cost of goods and services, making life increasingly difficult for average Liberians. President Boakai’s administration has pledged to tackle exchange rate volatility by strengthening the country’s monetary policy and boosting investor confidence.
The government is also prioritizing financial inclusion, aiming to integrate more citizens into the formal banking system through digital finance solutions. Officials believe that modernizing Liberia’s payment infrastructure could help curb illicit financial activities and stabilize the economy in the long run.
A Push for Global Influence
Beyond its economic struggles, Liberia is looking to elevate its presence on the world stage. One of the most ambitious diplomatic goals of the Boakai administration is securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations SecurityCouncil, a move that would give Liberia a stronger voice in global decision-making.
President Boakai reminded the newly appointed ambassadors that their role is not just ceremonial but a critical part of Liberia’s global ambitions.
“You who are going to be ambassadors, you have an even greater task,” Mr. Boakai said. “The way you commit yourselves and represent this country will help to promote us. We have put up a date to be on the Security Council as non-permanent members.”
Among those tasked with leading this diplomatic charge is Al-Hassan Conteh, newly appointed Ambassador to the United States. Speaking on behalf of his fellow ambassadors, he pledged to advance Liberia’s foreign relations and economic partnerships.
“Mr. President, we are truly humbled by the confidence you have placed in us,” Mr. Conteh said. “We pledge to work diligently to strengthen Liberia’s ties with the global community and to serve with distinction in our various missions.”
Other ambassadors commissioned at the ceremony will be posted in strategic nations, including Belgium, Qatar, Japan, and Morocco—countries with which Liberia is seeking stronger trade and development partnerships.
An Administration Still Struggling
The challenges ahead are significant. Liberia’s foreign exchange crisis, a widening trade deficit, and limited foreign direct investment have all contributed to economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, securing a seat on the UN Security Council will require extensive lobbying and strategic partnerships though the claims that it’s on track to obtaining the seat.
As the newly appointed officials take office, President Boakai’s message was clear: their performance will be measured by results, and the expectations from the Liberian people are high.
“Let’s serve our country honestly. Whatever it is, the one God designed for you will come to you,” Mr. Boakai said as he closed his remarks.
With these words, Liberia’s new ambassadors and economic leaders set forth on their respective missions—some to stabilize the nation’s fragile economy, others to champion its interests abroad. Their success, or failure, could define the trajectory of the Boakai administration in the years ahead.
Joseph Daniels reports for OK FM Liberia as Executive Mansion Correspondent. With a vested interest in making the voices of people from different walks of life heard, he has covered investigative stories relating to education, health, the environment, corruption, and violence against women and girls, among others. He graduated from the United Methodist University with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Mass Communications in 2020. Joseph is also a fellow at New Narratives, a non-profit organization helping media deliver independent, truthful information to its people so they can make informed decisions.
