MONROVIA – The Unity Party National Youth Congress (UPNYC) has declared its decision to boycott the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, citing allegations of exclusion and discrimination from the Presidency. This announcement comes after ongoing efforts by the UPNYC to secure a meeting with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, which they claim have been consistently blocked by the President’s staff.
In a detailed press release dated Monday, July 22, 2024, and signed by Deputy Secretary General Chris D. Pokan, Chair of 15 Counties Youth Chairs Dolo S. Tokpah, and National Secretary General Amb. Evans B. Tuku, the UPNYC expressed profound disappointment and frustration. The statement highlights the organization’s attempts to engage with the President since his inauguration, only to be met with repeated obstacles that hindered their access.
The UPNYC’s decision to boycott the Independence Day celebrations is framed as a protest against what they view as a lack of independence and fair representation within the National Youth Congress (NYC). They criticized the unilateral planning and execution of a youth town hall meeting with the Presidency by Cde. Chairman Melvin Cephas, partisan Cornelia Kruah-Togba, and Joseph K. Vallal, noting that $15,000 was reportedly spent on this initiative without proper consultation with other NYC leaders.
This controversy is compounded by allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the NYC. The UPNYC’s release outlines several grievances against Chairman Cephas, including minimal appointments or placements for NYC leaders, misuse of NYC assets, and soliciting funds in the organization’s name without transparency. These issues reflect broader concerns about accountability and governance within the NYC.
The press release also highlights Chairman Cephas’ persistent disregard for fellow leaders, including his failure to respond to communications and to convene required National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings as stipulated by the Unity Party’s 2022 Constitution. The UPNYC criticized his practice of recommending friends and relatives for positions while Congress leaders remain jobless, which they argue undermines the integrity of the organization.
The decision to boycott the Independence Day celebrations also reflects broader frustrations with the current leadership’s approach to engagement and representation. The UPNYC leaders argue that the lack of meaningful dialogue and collaboration with the Presidency has exacerbated existing tensions and contributed to their decision to abstain from the celebrations.
In light of these issues, the UPNYC is preparing to issue a formal resolution outlining their future actions and responses. This resolution will aim to address the pressing concerns of NYC members and to propose a plan for moving forward with greater transparency and accountability.
The UPNYC’s boycott is intended to serve as a call to action for all stakeholders to recognize and address the grievances of the youth congress. The leaders and County Chairs emphasize their commitment to advocating for a more inclusive and responsive organizational structure, which they believe is crucial for achieving meaningful progress and representation.
By taking this stand, the UPNYC hopes to prompt a reassessment of current practices and to foster a more collaborative and equitable environment within the NYC. Their commitment to integrity, transparency, and fair representation emphasizes their dedication to improving the governance and effectiveness of the organization.
As the situation develops, the UPNYC remains focused on advocating for their members’ interests and ensuring that their voices are heard in the broader political discourse. Whether their boycott will lead to substantive changes within the NYC and the broader Unity Party remains to be seen, but their actions highlight ongoing challenges within the organization and the need for reform.
