Africa-Press – Liberia. The President-elect, Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has informed the outgoing administration of President George M. Weah through the Joint Presidential Transition Team (JPTT) to organize a very modest inaugural ceremony for him and his Vice President-elect, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, on January 22, 2024.
Atty. Samuel Kofi Woods, who is a member on the Steering Committee of the JPTT, disclosed that the decision of Amb. Boakai to hold a modest inaugural ceremony reflects his commitment to prioritize the needs of the country over extravagant celebrations.
He made the disclosure on Thursday at the JPTT’s second meeting held at the C. Cecil Dennis auditorium of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
By opting for a simple event, Atty. Woods said, the President-elect aims to set a tone of humility and fiscal responsibility, signaling his dedication to addressing the pressing issues facing Liberia.
“The president-elect emphasized that he will support and encourage a very modest inauguration program, one that will reflect simplicity, his aspiration for the Liberian people and his commitment to ensure that we think Liberia, love Liberia, build Liberia as we should.”
According to him, President-elect Boakai understands that the country is grappling with numerous challenges, including economic instability, healthcare concerns, and social inequality.
Atty. Woods said the incoming President recognizes that resources should be directed towards tackling these urgent matters rather than lavish festivities.
“This approach,” Woods said, “demonstrates his sincere desire to lead by example and foster a culture of accountability within his administration.”
He noted that President-elect Joe Boakai is delighted that the team set up does not see the need to receive compensation, as recommended by the outgoing team.
Meanwhile, Woods said they have sent a communication to President Weah which outlines a number of things that are in good faith for a smooth transition.
“I will not disclose the details of those actions because the letter has not reached President Weah’s desk,” Woods said.
He however said that it is important to reassure the public that those recommendations are intended to safe-guard the public interest and the public trust, as well as to ensure that as this transition proceeds with certain measures to be taken.
“We have the assurance from Minister Kemayah and the team that it will be duly convened. We also have the assurance that given the urgency of that request, that action will be taken in that regard,” he said.
While disclosing the Capitol Building as the venue of the inaugural program, Atty. Woods informed President Weah’s JPTT members that the President-elect selected Madam Miatta Fahnbulleh as chair from their side to lead the inauguration and collaborate with the team from the government to ensure that they have a smooth inauguration.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, who is serving as head for the JPTT, acknowledged the request made by the incoming Boakai administration team to also use the Capitol as venue for the smooth transfer of power.
He also promised to launch the JPTT clean-up campaign to accelerate the ongoing inaugural clean-up exercises.
Minister Kemayah assured the Secretariat of the Joint Presidential Transition Team that President George Weah’s decisions towards the JPTT are irreversible and irrevocable.
“God has blessed Liberia with leaders that have Wisdom — compatriots with love for their country, and Liberia remains the biggest winning party at all times,” he noted.
Kemayah applauded the Secretariat of the team for their level of commitments and contributions toward the process.
The JPTT steering committee meeting was focused on matters relating to the planning and execution of activities leading to the 2024 inauguration and the operationalization of the cluster working group, a team of subject matter practitioners from the incoming government responsible for interacting with various agencies of government.
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