Africa-Press – Liberia. Grief and solemn reflection filled the air as the National Patriotic Party (NPP) bid farewell to Philip Taylor, son of former President Charles Ghankay Taylor, declaring that he “could not live to see his father’s return.”
Philip Taylor, 42, died on January 20, 2026, at 3:41 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Sinkor. He was laid to rest at Shiata Flower and Vaults in Careyburg, Montserrado County, following a funeral service at Harvest Intercontinental Cathedral in Congo Town.
The ceremony drew past and present government officials, party leaders, clergy, family members, and sympathizers who gathered to pay their final respects to the son of the NPP’s founding father.
Former President Charles Taylor is currently serving a prison sentence in the United Kingdom following his conviction for war crimes.
NPP Chairman’s Emotional Tribute
Speaking on behalf of the party, NPP Chairman George Mulbah said although former President Taylor was absent physically, “he is with us in spirit.”
“We know how it hurts to lose your own child,” Mulbah said. “Philip will go down in history as a blessed child. To be the son of a President and also the son of a Vice President placed him in the position of a prince. Unfortunately, Philip could not live to see the return of his father.”
Mulbah assured Jewel Howard Taylor, Philip’s mother and the party’s Standard Bearer, of the NPP’s continued solidarity.
“Madam Standard Bearer, this party will stand by you. We will work together and put the past behind us. Sometimes good comes out of difficult moments. The pain you are experiencing is not yours alone; it is shared by all of us,” he added.
Many NPP partisans were visibly moved, some breaking into tears as they paid tribute to a man they described as disciplined, reflective, and devoted to his faith.
CDC Extends Sympathy
Representatives of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), led by Acting Chairman Atty. Janga Kowo, also extended condolences during the service.
Philip’s mother, Jewel Howard Taylor, previously served as Vice President of Liberia alongside former President George Weah under the CDC administration.
On behalf of the CDC and former President Weah, Kowo pledged the party’s support to the grieving family.
“The entire membership of the Coalition has come on behalf of former President Weah,” Kowo said. “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and former President Charles G. Taylor for the loss of your son. The CDC will stand by you. Take heart—we remain standing with you.”
Early Life and Faith
Born on September 2, 1983, in Congo Town, Montserrado County, Philip was the only son of Charles Ghankay Taylor and Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor.
Family members described him as deeply grounded in faith. He was christened at age one and raised at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Sinkor, where his maternal grandparents worshipped. Following his parents’ marriage in 1997, he and his mother joined the Baptist denomination.
While studying at the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana, he recommitted his life to Christ at Action Chapel International, where he was baptized. Upon returning to Liberia in 2023, he joined Peace Praise Full Gospel Church in the New Golf Community, serving as Youth Leader and later as a Sunday school teacher.
Education and Public Service
Philip began his early education at the School of Prime Systems in Paynesville before Liberia’s civil conflict forced him into exile in Dakar, Senegal. He later moved to New Jersey in the United States, where he attended The Pennington School, Valley Forge Military Academy, and Richard Milburn High School. He also studied at Marymount University.
In 2017, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from African Methodist Episcopal University in Liberia. He later obtained an International Diploma in Logistics and Transportation and a Master of Science degree in Ports and Shipping Administration from the Regional Maritime University in 2023.
Professionally, he served in several public and private sector roles, including cadet, Ministry of National Defense, operations officer, First International Bank of Liberia, staff analyst, Legislative Information Service (54th National Legislature), and associate director for monitoring, Liberian Maritime Authority
Colleagues described him as analytical and disciplined, while friends remembered his creative spirit.
Music and Youth Engagement
Beyond public service, Philip ventured into Liberia’s music industry, using his platform to promote themes of unity, resilience, healing, and cultural pride. Young artists often cited him as an inspiration for authenticity and positive messaging.
As political allies, friends, and family reflect on his life, they remember a man shaped by faith, education, and service — whose untimely passing leaves a profound void in both his family and Liberia.
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