In a candid Independence Day address, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai acknowledged that many Liberians continue to suffer under the weight of high prices for basic goods and services, despite reported progress in the economy. Speaking during celebrations marking Liberia’s 178th Independence Day, the President announced the creation of a High-Level Presidential Ad Hoc Committee to investigate persistent price hikes and recommend solutions within 45 days.
“While our economy is making steady progress, our domestic revenue remains limited, and many families continue to feel the weight of high prices,” President Boakai said at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion. “Transportation costs are too high. The prices of flour, sugar, and other essential goods continue to be a burden. Building materials are still expensive, making it hard for ordinary Liberians to construct homes and businesses.”
The committee, which will be chaired by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, is tasked with probing the contradiction between falling import costs and rising market prices. President Boakai described the situation as a matter of urgent national concern and promised swift government action based on the committee’s findings.
Tackling Economic Realities Head-On:
While celebrating diplomatic achievements ~ such as Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council ~ the President grounded his address in the lived realities of Liberians facing daily financial strain.
He acknowledged the paradox of economic recovery coexisting with worsening household hardship, particularly in transportation and food prices. The rising cost of construction materials, he noted, is also stifling home-building and small business growth.
“This contradiction… requires urgent attention,” Boakai stressed. “We must restore fairness and stability in our market system.”
Broader Themes: Healing, Unity, and National Reflection:
Beyond economic concerns, President Boakai’s speech focused heavily on national healing, reconciliation, and honoring Liberia’s past. He highlighted efforts such as the reburial of former presidents William R. Tolbert Jr. and Samuel K. Doe, and a national apology for the country’s civil war as critical steps toward unity.
This year’s Independence theme, “One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past and Building the Future,” was reflected throughout the President’s message. He emphasized the need for Liberians to move beyond historical divisions and commit to a common national purpose.
“We must rise to build a society that values knowledge over ignorance, unity over discord, and progress over stagnation,” Boakai urged.
ECOWAS Honored, National Memorial Announced:
In a moment of solemn tribute, the President extended deep gratitude to ECOWAS and the countries whose troops helped restore peace during Liberia’s civil wars. He announced plans to commission a National Memorial to honor victims of the conflict and the peacekeepers who died on Liberian soil.
“Your thank-you plenty, yah,” he said, using a heartfelt Liberian phrase.
Day of Prayer Declared:
To further encourage national reconciliation, President Boakai declared Wednesday, July 30, 2025, as a National Day of Prayer, calling on Liberians of all faiths to gather in places of worship to seek divine guidance and renew their covenant for peace.
A President’s Pledge:
In closing, President Boakai pledged to lead with boldness and impartiality, calling on all Liberians to set aside political differences for the greater good.
“I will work with every Liberian, regardless of their political affiliation,” he said. “Building our nation is bigger than any one group or any one interest.”
With high inflation and public frustration mounting, President Boakai’s Independence Day remarks reflected both a sober acknowledgment of Liberia’s pressing economic challenges and a renewed push for national unity and accountability.
