Pres. Weah's Farewell Message Highlights Achievements and Financial Transparency

In a farewell message, President George Manneh Weah outlined several key achievements during his administration and revealed crucial financial details, providing a transparent handover to the incoming government led by Ambassador Joseph Boakai.

President Weah highlighted accomplishments such as infrastructure development, the payment of WAEC fees, free tuition for public schools and universities, stabilization of the micro economy, construction of pro-poor housing, and the maintenance of peace in the country. While expressing regret for some unfinished projects, he conveyed confidence that Ambassador Joseph Boakai would see their completion for the benefit of the Liberian people.
Expressing gratitude, the outgoing President thanked the Liberian people for their trust and confidence during his six years of service.

Financially, President Weah disclosed a substantial increase in the net international reserve, rising from $94.99 million to an impressive $222.7 million—a remarkable 136% increase. This significant surplus is handed over to the next government to empower them in managing unforeseen economic challenges effectively.

President Weah further revealed that the total cash balance in the government's consolidated account stands at $40 million, $44,365.90, providing the Boakai-Koung administration with financial stability as they take the reins.
Speaking to newsmen at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia on Sunday, President Weah emphasized the commitment to transparency and a smooth transition of leadership.

“I must report to you that we are leaving behind a better economy than we inherited. Today, President-elect Joseph Nyuma Boakai will inherit a stronger economy than I inherited. There is a bigger net international reserve positioned than was handed me in 2018.”

He noted: “I inherited ninety-four million, nine-hundred and nine-nine thousand United States dollars in net international reserve. And I’m handing over to the next administration a net international reserve of two-hundred, twenty-two million, seven hundred United States dollars. This is a one-hundred and thirty-six percent increase in the net international reserve positioned.”

BELOW IS A FULL TEXT OF H.E. DR.GEORGE WEAH'S ADDRESS:

ADDRESS TO THE NATION
 BY 
HIS EXCELLENCY 
DR. GEORGE MANNEH WEAH 

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA 

THE EXECUTIVE MANSION 

January 21, 2024  

MY FELLOW LIBERIANS

As I speak to you tonight, on the eve of another consequential political transition in the recent history of our beloved Nation, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and humility.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your President and Commander-in-Chief for the past six years. Together, in 2018, we embarked on a journey to build a united, peaceful, and prosperous Liberia, and I am deeply thankful for the trust and support you have bestowed upon me and my Administration during my tenure, as we navigated the complexities of governance. Your partnership was instrumental in the development and implementation of policies and programs that aimed to bring progress and development to our great nation.

Reflecting on the accomplishments of these six years, let me tell you that I am proud of what we have achieved together. We have built roads, supported free WASSCE and free tuition at high schools and public universities, stabilized the macroeconomic challenges we faced in 2018, built hundreds of pro-pro housing units and achieved on so many fronts than we are able to list here today.

However, I acknowledge that there is always room for improvement, and perhaps, more could have been done under different circumstances. Regrettably, some of the long-term projects we initiated did not reach completion during my tenure. I am hopeful that the incoming administration will carry the torch forward and bring these initiatives to fruition for the benefit of all Liberians.

Fellow compatriots, rumors and misinformation have played a large part in our politics over the last six years. It is my hope we as a country will overcome this challenge over the next six years. To begin this, we must start with the facts of the transition. 

I must report to you that we are leaving behind a better economy than we inherited. Tomorrow, president elect Joseph N. Boakai, will inherit a stronger economy than I inherited. 

There is a bigger net international reserve position than was handed me in 2018. I inherited about NINETY-FOUR MILLION, NINE HUNDRED AND NINETY-NINE THOUSAND United States dollars in net international reserves, and I am handing over to the next administration a net international reserve position of TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO MILLION, SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND United States dollars. This is a 136 percent increase in net international reserve position. The total cash balance in the Government’s Consolidated accounts is UNITED STATES FORTY MILLION, FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND NINETY CENTS. In 2018, my Government inherited a Consolidated cash position of about SEVEN MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS.

The next administration thus has more resources to deal with emergency macroeconomic challenges than my administration had at its disposal in 2018.

MY FELLOW CITIZENS: Throughout our time together, I held steadfast to two cornerstones of leadership—keeping the peace and upholding the democratic process and the rule of law. As you are all aware, Liberia, for the first time in over seven decades, experienced a peaceful transition of power when I assumed the presidency in 2018. Tomorrow, we will witness another historic moment as I hand over the reins of Government to my successor, President-elect Joseph Boakai, marking yet another significant milestone in our democratic journey.

I am immensely proud that during my tenure, Liberia remained at peace with itself, and at peace with its neighbors. Our Armed Forces, a force for good, were never turned against our own people, and external action was confined to international peacekeeping missions under the United Nations. This peace, sustained by our own domestic resources, is a testament to the maturity and strength of our Nation.

We protected the inalienable rights of every Liberian citizen as enshrined in our Constitution. Freedoms of speech, assembly, and expression were not only preserved but celebrated. There were no political prisoners or prisoners of conscience during my entire term—a testament to the development of strong democratic institutions that are now not only hailed as competent and professional but as trusted and credible. 

Liberia is now regarded as a pillar of democracy in West Africa and a shining example to the world. This was only made possible through our various collaborative efforts. I want to thank all Liberians, regardless of political affiliation, for staying the course and helping build a stronger and more vibrant nation.

As I step aside as President of Liberia, I will remain actively engaged with the politics of the country as Standard Bearer and Political Leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) in order to ensure the continuation of our strong and vibrant democracy.   

I therefore urge you, my fellow citizens, to continue to be law-abiding and seek peaceful means to resolve differences, embrace tolerance and dialogue. Let us love one another, and come together as One People, One Nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 

In closing, let us remember the strength of our unity, the resilience of our democracy, and the hope that lies in the future of Liberia. As we welcome a new era, let us move forward hand in hand, with a shared commitment to building a united nation that will continue to thrive on observing the tenets of democracy and adhering to the rule of law. 

May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless the Republic of Liberia.

 I thank you.