Monrovia, Liberia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has reappointed members of the Board of Governors of the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), months after dissolving the board as part of a restructuring process.
An Executive Mansion release issued on January 4, 2026, said the President reappointed all other members of the BWI Board to enable them to complete their unexpired terms. The reappointment follows the President’s decision in late October 2025 to dissolve the boards of directors of three major institutions, including BWI, pending reforms aimed at improving governance and effectiveness.
In a related move to strengthen oversight at the institution, President Boakai appointed Mr. Emmanuel Lawrence as the Representative of the Visitor on the BWI Board. The appointment is intended to reinforce governance and accountability at one of Liberia’s premier technical and vocational institutions.
The reconstitution of the BWI Board forms part of a broader set of appointments announced by the President affecting technical and vocational education and other sectors. According to the Executive Mansion, the actions are consistent with the administration’s agenda to strengthen human capacity development and institutional effectiveness across the country.
Meanwhile, the Liberian Leader announced a new leadership team for the Tappita Technical Vocational Training Institute (TVTI).
Dr. Yar D. Gonway-Gono has been appointed President of TVTI.
Mr. Menleby Towah will serve as Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Mr. Ebenezer Strother has been named Vice President for Administration.
Alongside the management team, the Board of TVTI was constituted to reflect broad stakeholder representation.
Mr. Cyril Lurlay will serve as Chairman, with Mr. Takpor Nuahn as Co-Chair and Dr. Yah Gono as Secretary. The board also includes representatives from the Liberian Senate, House of Representatives, religious community, district education authorities, faculty association, civil society, and local government structures.
In the aviation sector, President Boakai appointed Mr. Abner Wanah Yorly, Sr. as Port Manager for Regional Airports, specifically the James Spriggs Payne Airport.
Mr. Yorly was highly recommended by the Managing Director of the Liberia Airports Authority (LAA) and brings extensive aviation experience, including air safety investigation, cybersecurity, and aviation systems management. A retired U.S. Army Sergeant with aviation program support experience, Mr. Yorly also holds top-secret security clearance and is widely noted for completing a historic solo transatlantic flight.
Call for Service
President Boakai urged all newly appointed and reappointed officials to serve with diligence, integrity, and professionalism in support of national development and the collective aspirations of the Liberian people.
