MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a press conference held on January 22, 2025, at the Unity Party’s headquarters, National Chairman Rev. Luther Tarpeh reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to addressing Liberia’s pressing issues and fulfilling its promises of reform and development. This event marked the first anniversary of the Unity Party’s leadership following their triumph in the 2023 general elections.
Chairman Tarpeh began his address by expressing profound gratitude to the Liberian people for their trust in the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung. He underscored that the government’s “Rescue Mission” is not merely a slogan but an active effort to confront systemic challenges such as poverty and corruption that have long plagued the nation.
Tarpeh went on to provide a progress report on the government’s achievements over the past year. He highlighted the completion of 50 kilometers of paved roads in critical areas, including Monrovia, Nimba County, and the Roberts International Airport Highway. The reopening of the southeastern corridors and the improvement of road networks in Lofa and Montserrado Counties were also part of the administration’s efforts to enhance national connectivity and facilitate smoother travel.
The Unity Party leader also touched on the government’s success in stabilizing the economy. He noted that under the current administration, petroleum prices in Liberia are now among the lowest in Africa, a significant accomplishment given the volatile global energy market. Furthermore, he praised the government for improving public health by increasing access to clean water in Monrovia and addressing long-standing sanitation issues in urban areas.
A major highlight of the government’s policy was the decision to implement salary increases for 28,200 civil servants, including health workers and security personnel. This move, which reversed the controversial “harmonization” policy of the previous administration, also included benefits like insurance coverage for 5,000 police officers and salary hikes for specialist doctors, reflecting a broader commitment to improving living standards for public servants.
Chairman Tarpeh also focused on the government’s ongoing efforts to root out corruption, referencing recent audits of institutions such as the Central Bank of Liberia and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority. These audits revealed widespread mismanagement, leading to the suspension and indictment of various officials, including those from the prior administration. “We call on the judiciary and relevant agencies to accelerate the prosecution of corrupt officials to ensure justice and accountability,” Tarpeh said during his remarks.
The Unity Party leader further called for a more aggressive stance against the drug epidemic affecting Liberia, urging the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to declare the war on narcotics a national emergency. He emphasized the need for a collective response from all sectors of society, including schools and local communities, to protect the nation’s youth from the harmful effects of drugs.
Turning his attention to employment and youth empowerment, Tarpeh expressed concern over the high unemployment rate and stressed the importance of creating opportunities for the youth, particularly those who played a significant role in the Unity Party’s electoral victory. He reminded the government’s officials that the Liberian people expect solutions, not excuses, and warned that failure to deliver tangible results would lead to consequences.
The Chairman reaffirmed the Unity Party’s commitment to the ARREST Agenda, which focuses on key areas such as agriculture, roads, education, sanitation, and tourism, and underscored the administration’s pledge to empower young people as a crucial part of Liberia’s development strategy.
In a broader political context, Tarpeh congratulated Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon on his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives, urging lawmakers to collaborate for the greater good of the country and to prioritize the advancement of President Boakai’s legislative agenda. He also took a moment to extend condolences to the people of Nimba County following the death of Senator Prince Y. Johnson, recognizing his invaluable contributions to the Unity Party’s success in the 2023 elections.
Concluding his remarks, Rev. Tarpeh emphasized the need for continued unity and resilience to achieve the nation’s goals. “Progress is only possible through unity,” he said. “Together, we will build a brighter future for Liberia under the leadership of President Boakai.” He reaffirmed the Unity Party’s commitment to maintaining transparency, promoting integrity, and ensuring that the country’s journey toward growth and stability remains on course.
