MONROVIA – On January 23, 2026, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe delivered a keynote address at the installation of the Student Council Government at B. W. Harris Episcopal High School, Broad Street, Monrovia. Speaking before students, faculty, parents, and government officials, Cllr. Gongloe used the occasion to issue a sharp critique of Liberia’s leadership and to highlight the urgent need for citizens-centered governance.
“The installation of a Student Council Government is not a routine ceremony,” Gongloe told the assembly. “It is the moment when responsibility is formally entrusted to young people, not only to represent their fellow students, but to practice leadership, service, discipline, and accountability.”
He emphasized that Liberia’s future depends not on slogans or ceremonies, but on deliberate choices made by leaders and citizens who prioritize the interests of the people. “The Liberia we need to build will not be shaped by empty gestures, but by leaders who sincerely put the people first,” Gongloe stated.
Drawing comparisons with other African nations, Gongloe highlighted Botswana as a model of disciplined governance. “Botswana invested carefully and consistently in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure,” he said. “Public office was treated as a trust, not a reward. Over time, discipline and selflessness produced results that made Botswana a model for Africa’s development.”
Gongloe pointed out that countries such as Namibia, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Cape Verde, despite limited resources, have far outpaced Liberia in education, healthcare, food security, infrastructure, and technology. Their citizens enjoy better living conditions and generally do not protest as Liberians do.
He also cited Burkina Faso and Rwanda, noting that even countries that did not rise to power through democratic means demonstrate results when leaders put people first. “Education is prioritized. Public resources are directed toward national development. Corruption is not celebrated. Discipline and order are enforced,” Gongloe said.
The keynote raised a scathing question for Liberia: “Is it not a shame that Liberia, blessed with fertile land, abundant rainfall, sunshine, vast mineral deposits, and direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, is far behind these countries in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, and technology?”
Gongloe was blunt in diagnosing the problem. “Liberia does not lack resources. Liberia does not lack talent. Liberia does not lack opportunity. Liberia lacks consistent, selfless, and committed people-centered leadership.”
He criticized the display of power and extravagance in Liberian leadership. “Too often, leadership in our country has been confused with the display of wealth: long motorcades of expensive vehicles, frequent foreign trips with large delegations, and lavish state banquets. But none of these things educates a child, cures a disease, feeds the people, or builds a road,” he stated.
Gongloe stressed that real development comes from action, not appearance. “A nation develops because its leaders work hard for the development of their country. Leadership is stewardship. Power is not ownership; it is responsibility,” he said, urging young leaders to understand the weight of public service.
He tackled corruption head-on, describing it as both a legal and moral failure. “When money meant for schools is diverted, children remain uneducated. When money meant for hospitals disappears, lives are lost. When money meant for roads is misappropriated, communities remain isolated,” Gongloe warned.
Reiterating a core message, Gongloe reminded his audience: “Government is a place to serve, not to steal. No country has ever developed where greed is the focus rather than service.”
Turning to the newly installed Student Council Government, he emphasized character over title. “Leadership is not about domination or privilege, but about example, service, and fairness. Students, your journey begins here, and your actions must reflect integrity and accountability,” he said.
He challenged young Liberians to reject mediocrity and corruption as normal. “Do not accept the ‘at least’ mentality that has kept Liberia settling for the minimum and lagging behind. Measure success not by how much you take from Liberia, but by how much you give to Liberia,” Gongloe said.
The keynote also included a call to all Liberians, especially those in government: “Leadership that puts the people first makes a better Liberia possible. The Liberia we need cannot be built without citizens who are principled, competent, and committed to service.”
In conclusion, Gongloe’s address at B. W. Harris Episcopal High School was more than a speech to students. It was a sharp critique of Liberia’s leadership failures and a call to action for young citizens to demand accountability and ethical governance. “With leadership that puts the people first, a better Liberia is possible,” he stated, leaving the audience with a message that resonates far beyond the walls of the school.
