MONROVIA, Liberia — The Executive Mansion on Friday, January 9th, hosted its first official press briefing of the year, with Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana outlining President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s key priorities for 2026, reflecting on achievements and challenges from the past year while emphasizing national unity, diaspora engagement, youth empowerment, and sustained governance reforms.
Addressing journalists at the Executive Mansion, Fofana described the briefing as part of the administration’s commitment to transparency and regular public engagement, noting that the President views the press as a critical partner in keeping Liberians informed about government policies, programs, and progress.
President’s Health, Commitment, and Recent Activities
Fofana assured the public that President Boakai is “doing very well” and remains fully engaged in the affairs of state as the new year begins. She recounted that the President concluded 2025 with extensive outreach in Lofa County, where he visited Voinjama, Foya, and surrounding communities, dedicating projects, meeting citizens, and spending the holidays with local residents.
She added that the President also maintained close ties with Bomi County, where he spent time engaging families, community members, and officials, reinforcing what she described as his “people-centered style of leadership.”
According to the Press Secretary, the President resumed full duties in Monrovia immediately afterward, holding briefings with cabinet members and sector leaders on agriculture, mining, investment, and job creation—areas she said remain central to his development agenda.
Diaspora Engagement Takes Center Stage
A major focus of the briefing was the administration’s deepening engagement with the Liberian diaspora. Fofana highlighted the establishment of the Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Executive Mansion and the appointment of a coordinator at the level of deputy minister as key institutional steps taken by the President.
She noted that the Diaspora Annual Return, launched in December and concluding this month, is designed to move beyond symbolic visits and foster sustained investment, skills transfer, and development partnerships.
“The President wants the diaspora to be connected, active, and involved—not only emotionally, but economically and socially,” Fofana said, adding that this year’s farewell program marks the end of one phase but not the end of diaspora engagement.
She also hinted at upcoming visits by high-profile international influencers, signaling continued efforts to project Liberia positively on the global stage.
Youth Engagement and Rebranding Liberia
Fofana used the briefing to congratulate the 20 young Liberians selected from nearly 200 applicants for the Executive Mansion Internship Program, describing the initiative as a cornerstone of the President’s vision for youth inclusion.
She explained that the interns will help tell Liberia’s story through modern communication platforms, countering negative perceptions by highlighting progress in post-war recovery, reconciliation, and development. Some interns, she said, will be deployed to counties and line ministries to strengthen public communication nationwide.
“This is about rebranding Liberia,” Fofana emphasized. “When people search for Liberia online, they should see progress, opportunity, and hope.”
Reflecting on Governance, Economy, and Development
Responding to questions about the administration’s record, Fofana acknowledged that the President inherited significant challenges but argued that tangible progress has been made in key “bread-and-butter” areas.
She pointed to improved availability and affordability of rice, restored water and electricity services, expanded public transportation, and ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation as examples of incremental but meaningful gains.
“Development takes time,” she said, adding that while criticism is part of democracy, the lived experiences of citizens ultimately testify to progress.
Looking ahead, Fofana described 2026 as a “year of implementation and visible results,” signaling intensified focus on delivering programs already designed and financed.
Security, Foreign Policy, and Regional Context
On foreign policy, the Press Secretary reaffirmed Liberia’s alignment with positions articulated at the United Nations, including statements delivered by Liberia’s Permanent Representative on behalf of the government. She stressed that the President’s foreign policy positions are coordinated and consistent with Liberia’s role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and with Africa’s common positions.
She also addressed questions about regional security and infrastructure projects, underscoring the strategic importance of facilities being developed in Lofa County to support regional dialogue and cooperation amid evolving security dynamics in West Africa.
Anti-Corruption and Institutional Reform
On corruption and accountability, Fofana reiterated that while the President has suspended and dismissed officials where allegations arise, prosecution rests with independent institutions such as the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and the General Auditing Commission.
She confirmed that several investigations are ongoing and said the administration supports the establishment of specialized courts to accelerate accountability processes.
A Renewed Call for Unity
In closing, Fofana read extensively from President Boakai’s New Year message, reiterating his call for unity, tolerance, and collective responsibility. She emphasized that the message was directed to all Liberians—government officials, opposition leaders, traditional and religious leaders, youth, women, and the diaspora alike.
“Liberia is greater than our differences,” the President’s message declared, urging citizens to reject division and embrace cooperation as the foundation for national progress. As the briefing concluded, Fofana expressed optimism that 2026 would mark a turning point, with greater implementation of policies, improved service delivery, and renewed confidence in Liberia’s future.
