The Secretary General of the Liberia People’s Party (LPP) Youth League, James P. Kpadeh, says Liberia’s 179th Independence Anniversary should serve as a moment of deep national reflection rather than celebration, arguing that poverty, corruption, poor governance, and underdevelopment continue to define the lives of many Liberians.
In a statement issued following the country’s July 26 Independence Day observance, Kpadeh described Liberia’s current state as an “unhappy independence,” asserting that nearly two centuries after gaining independence, many of the country’s longstanding challenges remain unresolved.
“After 179 years, we still live in a country where the land is rich, yet many of its people endure abject poverty,” Kpadeh said.
The LPP Youth League official criticized what he described as the country’s poor infrastructure, including deteriorating roads, inadequate electricity, and an underperforming education system, saying these conditions continue to hinder national development and limit opportunities for ordinary Liberians.
He also expressed concern over the state of the country’s healthcare system, noting that many pregnant women continue to die from preventable causes while others suffer severe complications due to inadequate access to quality medical services.
Kpadeh further alleged that Liberia’s vast natural resources have not translated into meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens. He claimed that while the country’s wealth continues to be exploited, many Liberians remain impoverished and unemployed.
The youth leader also raised concerns about what he described as increasing lawlessness, disregard for the rule of law, and corruption that benefits a privileged few while leaving the majority of citizens struggling.
According to him, educated young Liberians continue to face enormous challenges in securing meaningful employment despite completing their studies, while the country remains heavily dependent on imported food despite possessing fertile land suitable for agriculture.
Questioning the country’s progress since independence, Kpadeh asked what ordinary Liberians can truly rely on after 179 years of nationhood.
Despite his criticism, he said hope remains alive among the Liberian people, describing them as resilient and determined to overcome the country’s challenges.
“I have never seen a people more resilient and optimistic. Even in the face of hardship, Liberians continue to believe that tomorrow can be better than today,” he stated.
Kpadeh further argued that successive governments have made numerous promises of reform and development but said meaningful and lasting change has remained elusive.
He called on Liberians to remain united, continue demanding accountability from public officials, and work collectively toward building a nation that reflects the hopes and aspirations of its citizens.
“Let us hold firmly to our hope, continue demanding accountability, and work together for a Liberia that truly reflects the dreams and aspirations of its people,” he said.
