Philadelphia, USA – Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung met with the Liberian community in Pennsylvania on Saturday, where he addressed critical national issues and acknowledged a small group of Liberians who staged a peaceful protest during his visit.
The town hall meeting, held under the auspices of the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania (LAP) in collaboration with the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), provided an open forum for diaspora Liberians to engage with the government. The Vice President’s appearance followed his keynote speech at the Powering Africa Summit in Washington, D.C., where he promoted Liberia’s energy sector and investment potential.
During the event, Vice President Koung fielded questions on topics ranging from economic policy and governance to education and public health. Liberians in attendance voiced their concerns about the country’s development challenges while also expressing appreciation for the opportunity to interact with a senior government official.
Koung reassured the audience of the Boakai administration’s dedication to addressing the needs of all Liberians, both at home and abroad. He emphasized the government’s focus on improving public services, strengthening the economy, and fostering inclusive governance.
“I extend my gratitude to the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania and ULAA for organizing this meaningful dialogue. The warm reception my delegation and I received demonstrates the eagerness of our people to remain connected to the issues affecting Liberia. I am committed to engaging with Liberians wherever they are,” Koung remarked.
The Vice President also took time to recognize the small group of protesters who gathered before the event. He welcomed their right to express dissent and reaffirmed his openness to hearing the grievances of all citizens.
“I was informed that a few of our citizens intended to protest. Their decision to voice their concerns peacefully is commendable, and I encourage continued civility in all engagements. My leadership remains accessible to every Liberian, and I will always listen to the voices of our people,” he said.
The gathering brought together a diverse cross-section of the Liberian community, including youth leaders, religious representatives, and professionals from various sectors. Attendees raised questions about the rising cost of living, the state of public education, and the government’s plans to strengthen the health system.
Throughout the meeting, Koung reiterated that the Boakai administration remains focused on addressing these challenges through concrete policies and increased collaboration with stakeholders both domestically and internationally.
