Monrovia, Liberia – July 22, 2025 – In a bold and uncompromising address, African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina delivered a powerful message to Liberia’s political leadership during a High-Level Expanded Cabinet Meeting held on Tuesday. Speaking directly to members of President Joseph Boakai’s administration, Dr. Adesina called for an end to complacency and urged ministers to take their roles seriously or step aside.
“You asked for the opportunity to serve. Now serve! This country needs transformation, not decoration. No more excuses!” Dr. Adesina declared to loud applause from the audience. “If you don’t want to be a Minister, don’t ask for the job!” he added, delivering a stinging rebuke to officials who he said have failed to meet the urgent demands of national development.
The event, which also marked the official launch of the Liberia Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB), underscored the AfDB’s growing partnership with Liberia and its focus on tackling youth unemployment through innovation and private sector development.
Seated beside President Boakai, Dr. Adesina addressed a room filled with key government leaders, including Speaker of the House Richard Koon, Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan, Agriculture Minister Nuetueh, and Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah. His message was clear: titles mean nothing without results.
“The time for rhetoric is over. Liberia needs decisive leadership, not ceremonial positions. The people are tired of promises they need action,” Adesina said.
His remarks come at a time when public frustration over slow development, youth joblessness, and lack of infrastructure remains high. As Liberia marks 178 years of independence this week, Dr. Adesina’s speech served as both a wake-up call and a challenge to the Boakai administration to deliver on its mandate.
The AfDB President’s intervention, delivered with conviction and urgency, is likely to spark national debate and renewed pressure for results-driven governance in a country eager to turn a new page.
