The Golden Image Award, Liberia’s highest national honor, celebrated its 16th edition Tuesday at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex. The event drew dignitaries from across the world and honored Liberians and international partners who have advanced peace, leadership, and community change.
We hail the Golden Image Award as one of Liberia’s greatest institutions. It reminds us who we are and who we can become. Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung delivered the keynote address. He praised the awards as a powerful force for national unity.
“The Golden Image Awards have established a powerful tradition of celebrating excellence and inspiring hope,” he said. “Tonight is more than an award ceremony. It is a celebration of resilience, determination, and the spirit of Liberians who refuse to surrender their dreams.”
We agree. These awards do more than give trophies. They tell young Liberians that their efforts matter. They show the world that Liberia values service over power.
The Vice President called on all Liberians to work together for national development. He urged citizens to reject division and embrace dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual respect. He also encouraged young people to take active roles in building the nation. He described them as partners whose creativity and energy are among Liberia’s greatest assets.
This message is timely. Liberia’s future depends on unity. The Golden Image Award brings us together across political and social lines. The ceremony recognized outstanding Liberians across 11 categories. These include Leadership Development, Investment, Democracy and Human Rights, Education, Gender Empowerment, Agriculture, Peace and Security, Health, Arts and Culture, Tourism, and Journalism. Every sector of national development was represented.
Among the Liberian honorees were Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, National Fula Governor Alhaji Mohammed Bailo Sow, Ecobank Managing Director Salamata Diallo, and Marketing Association President Madam Lusu K. Crawford. First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai, Bong County Superintendent Honorable Loleyah Hawa Norris, and Gender Minister Honorable Horace Gbeme-Kollie were also honored. Their presence shows the growing role of women in Liberia’s development.
This paper celebrates these honorees. They have earned national recognition through service, not politics. International honorees included Georgia House Representative Honorable Gabe Okoye, Ghanaian Parliamentary Committee Chairperson Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, and Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister Honorable Dr. Isata Mahoi.
Also present were Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, Grenada’s Prime Minister Honorable Dickon A. T. Mitchell, and humanitarian Khalilah Camacho Ali, former wife of Muhammad Ali. Their attendance shows that the world respects Liberia’s progress.
Liberia should be proud. Twelve countries from four continents sent representatives. This is not just an awards ceremony. It is a diplomatic achievement. House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon praised the organizers, led by Ambassador Juli Endee and the Liberia Crusaders for Peace. He said the Golden Image Awards promote peace, leadership, innovation, and humanitarian service.
He also pledged the Legislature’s continued support for initiatives that strengthen national unity and cultural diplomacy.
We urge the government to protect and promote this national institution. The Golden Image Award belongs to all Liberians.
The Golden Image Award was founded in 2010 by the Liberia Crusaders for Peace under Ambassador Juli Endee. The first ceremony was held in 2011. Previous recipients include Nelson Mandela, Jerry Rawlings, and Olusegun Obasanjo. These names show the award’s global stature.
This paper commends Ambassador Endee and her team. For 16 years, they have built something that unites Liberia and connects us to the world.
The GIA medal carries deep meaning. The globe shows Liberia’s place in the world. The lady with traditional hair honors Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female president. The peace symbol reflects Liberia’s post-war success.
These symbols tell our story. They remind us of where we have been and where we are going. The Golden Image Award is not just about the past. It is about the future we are building together.
The 16th edition of the Golden Image Award proved once again that Liberia has much to celebrate. The nation has come far since the dark days of civil war. We now host global leaders. We honor heroes from every sector. We show the world that peace and progress are possible.
That is a story worth telling. That is a story worth celebrating. And that is what the Golden Image Award does best.
