By G. Bennie Bravo Johnson
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has taken a bold step toward restoring economic fairness by establishing a High-Level Presidential Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the persistent surge in local market prices despite a reported drop in import costs.
The move, announced during the country’s 178th Independence Day celebration at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion, is aimed at uncovering and resolving the glaring contradiction that continues to burden ordinary Liberians.
In a firm tone that signaled his readiness to act decisively, President Boakai said while the economy is showing signs of improvement and domestic production is increasing, many citizens are still struggling under the weight of inflated prices for essential goods including flour, sugar, and construction materials. “This contradiction, where import costs have fallen yet market prices remain high, requires urgent attention,” President Boakai declared.
To address the issue, he named Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung—a businessman and experienced public servant—as Chair of the newly established committee. The team has been given a 45-day deadline to investigate the causes of the pricing inconsistencies and present a comprehensive report with clear and practical recommendations for government action.
The committee’s formation marks a defining moment in President Boakai’s vow to align market realities with economic reforms. The President stressed that while infrastructure and agriculture are progressing, market distortions threaten to undermine the gains being made. With transportation costs remaining steep and building materials unaffordable for most families, the committee’s findings are expected to serve as a blueprint for stabilizing Liberia’s market system and strengthening consumer protection.
“I stand before you both as your President and partner in renewal, ready to make bold decisions free of fear or bias, to advance our country,” Boakai emphasized, reiterating his commitment to put the public interest above politics and personal agendas. While prioritizing these economic concerns, President Boakai also highlighted several areas of progress that demonstrate Liberia’s forward momentum. He reported that improved road networks are now providing better connectivity even during the challenging rainy season.
The President noted with satisfaction that increased agricultural output has driven down prices for locally grown rice and vegetables to their lowest levels in years. He also pointed to Liberia’s growing international stature, including its recent election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, as evidence of the nation’s rehabilitation on the global stage. Connecting economic recovery to national reconciliation, President Boakai emphasized this year’s Independence Day theme: “One People,
One Destiny: Healing the Past and Building the Future.” He reviewed several important steps taken toward national healing, including the respectful reburials of former Presidents William R. Tolbert Jr. and Samuel K. Doe Sr., and the issuance of a formal national apology for losses suffered during the civil wars. The President also revealed plans to construct a memorial that will honor both Liberian victims of the conflicts and the ECOWAS peacekeepers who helped restore stability to the nation.
In a moving segment of his address, President Boakai expressed profound gratitude to ECOWAS member nations for their crucial peacekeeping role during Liberia’s darkest days. He specifically acknowledged the sacrifices made by countries including Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, whose soldiers paid the ultimate price to help restore peace in Liberia. The planned memorial, the President explained, will serve as both a tribute to these sacrifices and a permanent reminder to future generations of the value of peace and unity.
Concluding his address, President Boakai called on all Liberians to set aside political and personal differences for the greater good of national development. He stressed that building a stronger Liberia requires cooperation across all segments of society. The President declared July 30 as a National Day of Prayer, inviting citizens of all faiths to join in reflection and spiritual renewal for the nation’s continued progress.
