Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has publicly acknowledged the mounting hardship Liberians face amid soaring prices of essential goods and services, despite steady economic indicators. Speaking during celebrations of Liberia’s 178th Independence Day at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion, the President announced the formation of a High-Level Presidential Ad Hoc Committee to probe the price crisis and deliver recommendations within 45 days.
“Our economy is showing signs of progress, but domestic revenue remains limited and too many families are still burdened by high prices,” President Boakai stated. “Transportation costs are excessive. The prices of flour, sugar, and other staples are high. Building materials remain out of reach for ordinary Liberians.”
The special committee will be chaired by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and is expected to investigate why market prices continue to rise despite reports of reduced import costs. President Boakai emphasized that the issue demands urgent national attention, vowing swift government action based on the committee’s findings.
Confronting Liberia’s Economic Paradox
While celebrating Liberia’s recent diplomatic victory—securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council—President Boakai remained grounded in the day-to-day struggles Liberians endure. He underscored the contradiction between an economy showing recovery signs and the continued rise in transportation fares, food prices, and construction material costs.
“This contradiction… requires urgent attention,” Boakai stressed. “We must restore fairness and stability in our market system.”
A Call for Healing and National Unity
Beyond economic challenges, the President’s address focused on national healing, reconciliation, and remembrance. He highlighted symbolic efforts such as the ceremonial reburial of former Presidents William R. Tolbert Jr. and Samuel K. Doe, and the national apology for the civil conflict, as pivotal steps toward unifying the country.
Speaking under this year’s Independence theme, “One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past and Building the Future,” President Boakai called on Liberians to rise above divisions and embrace a collective national vision.
“We must rise to build a society that values knowledge over ignorance, unity over discord, and progress over stagnation,” he urged.
Honoring ECOWAS and Fallen Heroes
The President extended profound gratitude to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and nations whose peacekeeping troops helped stabilize Liberia during its civil unrest. In their honor, he announced the forthcoming establishment of a National Memorial to commemorate the victims of the conflict and the peacekeepers who died in service.
“Your thank-you plenty, yah,” President Boakai said in an emotionally charged moment, using a popular Liberian phrase to express heartfelt gratitude.
July 30 Declared National Day of Prayer
In a bid to foster national reflection and spiritual renewal, President Boakai declared Wednesday, July 30, 2025, a National Day of Prayer, urging all Liberians, regardless of religion, to gather in worship and seek divine guidance for the country’s future.
A Renewed Pledge for Inclusive Leadership
Closing his speech, President Boakai pledged to govern with integrity and fairness, calling on citizens across political lines to prioritize nation-building over partisan interests.
“I will work with every Liberian, regardless of their political affiliation,” he declared. “Building our nation is bigger than any one group or any one interest.”
As Liberia faces rising inflation and economic uncertainty, the President’s message reflected a sober understanding of the nation’s hardships—coupled with a clear commitment to finding practical solutions and fostering national cohesion.