On Friday, December 27, 2024, Madam Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana, Press Secretary to President Joseph Boakai, conducted the final press briefing of the year at the Executive Mansion. During her address to the press corps, Madam Fofana provided a detailed account of the President’s recent engagements, highlighting significant accomplishments and setting the stage for 2025.
Madam Fofana opened the briefing by extending seasonal greetings on behalf of President Boakai and expressing gratitude to the media for their dedication in covering Executive Mansion activities throughout the year. She noted, “This is the final press briefing for 2024, and on behalf of the President, we extend compliments of the season and best wishes for a prosperous new year.”
The Press Secretary highlighted the President’s participation in the 60th anniversary celebrations of Bong, Lofa, Nimba, and Grand Gedeh Counties. She explained that the event served as a unifying platform, bringing citizens, local leaders, and sympathizers together to reflect on progress and chart a course for future collaboration. “The celebrations concluded with a signed resolution by the four counties, reaffirming their commitment to unity, peace, and coordination for development,” Madam Fofana disclosed.
She emphasized President Boakai’s active involvement in various activities during the week-long festivities in Lofa County, including groundbreaking ceremonies for key infrastructure projects. These projects included rehabilitating roads from Foya District to Worsonga and the dedication of a bridge connecting Liberia to Sierra Leone. The President also engaged with women, elders, and youth groups to address pressing concerns and explore potential solutions.
Madam Fofana described the President’s interactions as pivotal in strengthening relationships with citizens and fostering collaboration among community leaders. “The President was energized by the warm reception he received, particularly as he met with women and chiefs to hear their challenges and recommendations for improving their communities,” she said.
The press briefing also acknowledged the challenging nature of journalism in Liberia. Madam Fofana commended the press corps for their resilience and dedication in covering the Executive Mansion’s activities. “It’s not an easy task to cover the presidency, but your efforts ensure that the public is informed about the government’s work,” she remarked.
When pressed on preparations for the President’s upcoming State of the Nation Address in January, Madam Fofana assured reporters that plans were well underway. “The address will be a major opportunity for the President to outline his administration’s vision and priorities for the coming year,” she noted.
Madam Fofana, who responded to inquiries about President Boakai’s recent meetings with critics from the opposition, including Honorable Thomas P. Fallah and Senator Saah H. Joseph, described the discussions as constructive. “The President’s outreach to critics underscores his commitment to unity and reconciliation. These engagements reflect his inclusive approach to governance, aimed at fostering peace and collaboration,” she stated.
The briefing concluded with Madam Fofana reiterating the administration’s commitment to maintaining regular press interactions in 2025. “We aim to strengthen our relationship with the media and ensure transparent communication about the President’s work,” she pledged.
As the session closed, Madam Fofana thanked the press corps for their service, emphasizing their crucial role in informing the public. “Without you, the achievements and challenges of this government would remain unknown. Your work is essential to Liberia’s democracy,” she concluded.
The press briefing sets a hopeful tone for 2025, with President Boakai’s administration focusing on unity, development, and transparency in governance.
