Gbarnga, Bong County — Members of the Short People Association of Liberia, Bong Chapter, on Friday expressed excitement as they joined hundreds of residents gathered to welcome President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Sr. to the county as part of his Assembly of Chiefs and Tribal Governors in Gbarnga.
Speaking to Verity, Paul Kollie, a well-known member of the association, described President Boakai as a “grandfather figure” and said the group felt honored to be present for his arrival.
“We came last night and have been here waiting. We feel good because our grandfather—the President—is coming,” Kollie said. “We are also Arsenal fans, and the President is our Arsenal grandfather. So it’s exciting for us to see him today.”
Kollie said he was particularly eager because, during a previous visit, President Boakai had personally asked for him. “The last time the President passed here, the first person he asked for was me—but I was not around. Today I’m here, and I hope to shake his hand,” he noted.
He added that the association expects a peaceful and successful gathering. “We expect peace and good things today. The security people are not bad; we all want to maintain peace.”
Another member of the association, Daniel Johnson, also expressed joy over the President’s visit.
“I am very happy to be here to see my father, the President of Liberia,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen other presidents before, but this particular President brings me special joy.”
Johnson sent a brief message to President Boakai, asking him to continue supporting the people of Bong County and acknowledging encouragement he said the President had previously given to them.
The Short People Association of Liberia, Bong Chapter, was among several community groups positioned along the roadside as residents prepared to welcome the Liberian leader on a two-day working visit to the county.
