By Jeremiah Gayflor
Liberia – Businessman-turned-pastor George B. Kalando has acknowledged efforts by the Unity Party (UP)-led government to address Liberia’s longstanding challenges, while lamenting the continued struggles faced by Liberian-owned businesses and ordinary citizens.
Speaking on OK FM, Kalando said the current administration inherited enormous national problems that cannot be solved overnight.
“As a Man of God, I have conscience, so I have to speak out. I think they are trying. It’s not an easy thing to fix the kind of problems that they came and met. It’s not an easy thing to govern,” Kalando stated.
He described corruption as deeply rooted in Liberian society, calling for moral and religious values to be instilled in younger generations.
“Corruption is endemic. It’s part of our DNA. We need to teach our children the Ten Commandments,” he added.
Kalando, however, stressed that the government must do more to unite the country and address concerns from citizens who feel excluded.
“It’s no secret that the country is divided. Some people feel left out, which is not good for our country,” he noted.
The businessman also pointed to ongoing infrastructure improvements, particularly road connectivity to southeastern Liberia, as evidence that the government is making progress.
“Getting in your car and reaching Grand Gedeh in 24 hours, they are trying,” he said.
Despite acknowledging those gains, Kalando criticized the administration’s handling of the growing number of disadvantaged youths, commonly referred to as “zogos.”
“We campaigned heavily that we will rehabilitate the zogos, but the number of zogos keeps increasing,” he said.
Kalando further expressed disappointment over what he described as limited access to President Joseph Boakai, despite his support and contributions during the Unity Party’s election campaign.
“The other time I went to see the president, they could not allow me to even sit with the president for three minutes. Is this the pay I get for the time and resources that I put in the campaign?” he questioned.
He also revealed the economic hardship affecting his businesses.
“No business. We are struggling. But thank God that I have good health. I can take care of myself. I can feed myself,” Kalando stated.
Kalando’s comments come amid growing public debate over the pace of economic recovery, governance reforms, and social rehabilitation programs under the Unity Party-led administration.
