President Boakai Administration's Latest Appointments Spark Collaboration Controversy

Liberia’s 26th President, Joseph Boakai, has made new appointments after halting the process for 24 hours, drawing public attention. On Thursday, February 1, 2024, President Boakai announced significant appointments, totaling 31 new government officials, including ministers, directors, deputies, and city mayors.

However, following the release from the President’s office, collaborating parties that supported President Boakai during the November 14 runoff election expressed concern. Sources within these parties informed K-NEWS that some of President Boakai’s appointments do not align with the interests of the collaborating parties, potentially straining their relationship.

Collaborating parties such as The All Liberian Coalition Party (ALCOP), Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), Grassroots Development Movement (GDM), among others, could be affected.

Notably, none of the appointments from the President’s office favored the party’s National Chairman. Some party members have indicated that protests may ensue if President Boakai does not appoint the party’s National Chairman.

Here are the new appointments:

Ministry of State, National Port Authority, National Investment Commission, Ministry of Defense, Armed Forces of Liberia, and Office of the President:

1.     Madam Mamaka Bility - Minister of State Without Portfolio, Ministry of State

        2.     Mr. Samuel A. Stevquoah - Minister of State Without Portfolio/Special Services, Ministry of State

        3.     Attorney Cornelia Kruah Togba - Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of State

        4.     Madam Ora Richards - Deputy Minister for Budget and Finance, Ministry of State

        5.     Mr. Sekou Dukuly - Managing Director, National Port Authority

        6.     Mr. James Bernard - Deputy Managing Director for Administration, National Port Authority

        7.     Mr. Jeff Blibo - Chairman, National Investment Commission

        8.     Mr. Melvin Sheriff - Executive Director, National Investment Commission

        9.     Major General Prince C. Johnson (retired) - Minister of Ministry of Defense

        10.   Brigadier General Geraldine George (retired) - Deputy Minister for Operations, Ministry of Defense

        11.   Major General Daniel D. Ziankahn - Ambassador-Designate

        12.   Col. Davidson T. Forleh - Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (promoted to Brigadier General)

        13.   Col. Theophilus Dana - Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia

        14.   Ms. Morie Yaude Nemah - Executive Assistant, Office of the President, Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs

These nominations are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate. The Ministry of Defense and Chief of Staff are directed to conduct appropriate procedures consistent with established military protocols.

Other appointments include:

        •       Ministry of Internal Affairs

        •       Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-Information Services

        •       Monrovia City Corporation

        •       Ministry of Public Works

        •       Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection

        •       Roberts International Airport

These nominations are also subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.

President Boakai has appointed Mr. Massaquoi M. Kamara as Officer In-Charge of the Roberts International Airport, effective immediately.

Additionally, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has withdrawn the nomination of Mr. Eric Gabriel Jenn-Judgges as Deputy Minister for Technical Services, Ministry of Public Works, and nominated Mr. Prince Desea Tambah for the position, pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate.