-President Says Liberians Will Continue Hearing Good News as Administration Accelerates Development Agenda
HARRISBURG, Montserrado County – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Friday delivered one of his strongest political messages since taking office, telling opposition critics to “get used to” hearing news of development projects as his administration commissioned Liberia’s first grid-connected 20-megawatt solar power plant.
The President’s remarks, delivered during the dedication of the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE) in Harrisburg Township, Montserrado County, quickly dominated social media discussions across Liberia, overshadowing even the significance of the historic energy project itself.
Addressing a gathering of government officials, lawmakers, development partners, community residents, and executives of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), President Boakai appeared to take aim at political opponents who have criticized his administration’s performance.
“I’ve seen that, like Honorable Ngafuan said, I think unity should focus on development. So, for those people who probably might be in different parties, the best tablets to keep you well—you have to get used to it because every day you will hear good things happening. And so you might as well get used to it. We will continue because this is what we have come to do,” the President declared to loud applause.
The statement immediately drew widespread reactions online, with supporters praising the President’s confidence while critics viewed the comments as a direct political challenge to the opposition.
Historic Solar Project Unveiled
Beyond the politics, the occasion marked a major milestone in Liberia’s energy sector.
President Boakai officially commissioned the country’s first utility-scale, grid-connected solar photovoltaic plant, a 20-megawatt facility constructed under the RESPITE Project with support from the World Bank and other development partners.
The solar farm is expected to significantly improve electricity supply on the national grid while reducing Liberia’s dependence on costly imported fuel.
Calling the project a critical step toward national transformation, President Boakai described it as an important addition to Liberia’s energy infrastructure.
“It marks significant progress in our effort to address one of Liberia’s longstanding challenges—access to reliable, affordable electricity,” he said.
The President noted that the project was completed in less than 24 months after groundbreaking in October 2024, describing the pace of implementation as evidence of his administration’s determination to deliver results.
“We are in a hurry to deliver services to our people,” Boakai emphasized.
Energy Expansion Gains Momentum
The commissioning ceremony also highlighted broader progress in Liberia’s electricity sector.
LEC Managing Director Mohammed M. Sheriff announced that the damaged Unit One turbine at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant has been fully rehabilitated and restored, bringing back 22 megawatts of generation capacity that had been lost for several years.
According to Sheriff, Mount Coffee has now returned to its full installed capacity of 88 megawatts.
He further disclosed that plans are advancing to expand Mount Coffee by an additional 42 megawatts, with procurement already underway and contractors expected to mobilize in early 2027.
“This solar moves us decisively toward our goal. It diversifies our energy mix, reduces our dependence on costly imported fuel, strengthens our energy security, and brings clean renewable power onto the national grid,” Sheriff said.
World Bank Announces More Support
The World Bank used the occasion to announce additional support for Liberia’s energy ambitions.
World Bank Country Manager Georgia Wallen revealed that the institution will support expansion of the solar facility from 20 megawatts to 30 megawatts with battery storage capacity.
She also reaffirmed the Bank’s support for the planned 42-megawatt expansion of Mount Coffee and the future St. Paul II Hydropower Project, which could more than double Liberia’s installed electricity capacity within the next several years.
According to Wallen, the new solar facility will dramatically reduce electricity generation costs.
“Instead of paying $0.28 for every unit of energy from oil generation, this plant helps Liberia harness solar power to generate electricity at just $0.03 per unit of energy,” she said.
Government Targets 24-Hour Economy
President Boakai used the occasion to outline his broader economic vision, arguing that reliable electricity is central to job creation, industrialization, investment, and economic growth.
He said Liberia’s future depends on expanding manufacturing, adding value to local resources, and creating opportunities for young people.
“We are also laying the groundwork for a vibrant 24-hour economy. Modern economies should not come to a halt when daylight ends,” the President declared.
According to him, reliable electricity will support hospitals, schools, businesses, industries, communication networks, and security services while attracting investment and boosting productivity nationwide.
Legislature Praises Progress
Lawmakers attending the event welcomed the development.
Senate Hydrocarbon, Energy and Environment Committee Chairman Sen. Edwin Melvin Snowe praised the leadership of LEC and the Boakai administration, arguing that development projects such as electricity expansion should transcend political differences.
“When the light is on, no one wants to know which religion you belong to or which political party you belong to,” Snowe said. “It belongs to all Liberians.”
House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, who attended as an observer, said the Legislature was pleased to witness projects it had approved and funded reaching completion.
A Political Message Beyond Power
While the solar plant itself represents one of the largest renewable energy investments in Liberia’s history, it was President Boakai’s pointed message to opposition critics that captured public attention.
The remarks come amid growing political debate over the pace of development under the Unity Party administration, which recently celebrated improvements in road construction, youth employment initiatives, digital infrastructure, healthcare investments, and electricity expansion.
For supporters of the President, Friday’s commissioning ceremony provided tangible evidence of progress.
For critics, it added another chapter to the ongoing political contest over who deserves credit for Liberia’s development trajectory.
Either way, Boakai left little doubt about his intentions.
His message was simple: more projects are coming, more infrastructure is on the way, and Liberians should expect to hear more good news in the months and years ahead.
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