KAKATA, Margibi County — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on March 19 delivered a forceful defense of his administration’s development agenda, declaring that investments in education and infrastructure are the true pathways to economic survival and national transformation.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Kakata Senior Secondary Model School, President Boakai directly addressed growing public skepticism about development projects, particularly criticisms that such investments do not yield immediate economic benefits.
“Those who ask, ‘that school we will eat? that road we will eat?’—of course, you are going to eat all of those things,” the President said, drawing huge applause from the audience.
“We are talking about things that build this nation—education, investment in the youth of this country.”
Challenging “Hand-to-Mouth” Thinking
In one of his most pointed remarks, Boakai criticized what he described as a longstanding culture of short-term thinking that has hindered Liberia’s development.
“The time for that is over,” he said. “This is the time to deliver to our people… to give them quality.”
The President emphasized that national development requires a shift in mindset—from immediate consumption to long-term investment in human capital and infrastructure.
He argued that projects such as schools, roads, and agricultural systems are not isolated initiatives, but interconnected components of a broader economic strategy.
Education as Nation-Building
Boakai described the newly commissioned school not merely as a physical structure, but as a cornerstone of Liberia’s future.
“This is not just a building,” he said. “It is an institution that will nurture the future leaders of this country.”
He stressed that education remains central to his administration’s vision of national renewal, noting that the government is committed to expanding access to quality learning across the country—not just in Monrovia, but in all counties.
“The future of this country is beyond Monrovia—it is all over this country,” he said.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
While highlighting government’s role, the President also placed responsibility on communities, educators, and students to ensure that the investment delivers results.
“When we have done our part, we turn it over to you,” he said, urging citizens to take ownership of the school and ensure it functions effectively.
He also warned against complacency, calling on public officials to remain focused on national development rather than distractions.
“Your commitment is to your country… we are here to make the future of this country brighter,” he said.
Partnership and Accountability
President Boakai acknowledged the role of international partners, particularly the World Bank, in supporting Liberia’s education sector, noting that such partnerships are built on trust and performance.
“The World Bank supports people who are serious and mean business,” he said, adding that Liberia must continue to demonstrate accountability in the use of resources.
A Broader Development Vision
The commissioning of the Kakata Model School forms part of a broader government effort to improve education infrastructure and outcomes under the ARREST Agenda.
Boakai indicated that similar model schools are being developed across the country, with the Kakata facility representing one of several in a growing network.
“We want the Liberian people to know that they deserve the best—and that is what we are going to give them,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As Liberia continues to grapple with economic pressures and development challenges, the President’s message was clear: long-term investments—not short-term gains—will determine the country’s future.
For Boakai, the Kakata school is more than a milestone—it is a symbol of a new development philosophy.
One that insists that today’s investments will feed tomorrow’s prosperity.
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