NATIONAL NEWS
Monrovia – As the Boakai administration enters its third year in office, many Liberians interviewed by OK FM 99.5 have expressed disappointment with the Unity Party–led government, which came to power in 2024 on a promise to “rescue” the nation.
Shortly after taking office, the government announced reductions in the prices of some basic commodities, including rice—Liberia’s staple food—and petroleum products.
However, many ordinary Liberians say the price reductions have had little or no impact on their daily lives.
Youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities who spoke to OK FM said they remain hopeful that conditions could improve, but are urging the Boakai administration to take swift and decisive action to address job creation, economic strengthening, and what they described as “bread and butter” issues affecting everyday citizens.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon992seokin@gmail.com
Persons with disabilities, particularly the visually impaired, said without a proper welfare program to meet their basic needs, government efforts have done little to improve their living conditions.
For many disadvantaged youths, commonly referred to as “zogos,” respondents warned that the Boakai administration risks failure if rehabilitation centers are not established to help those battling substance abuse, and if vocational training programs are not provided to support their reintegration into society.
Liberians Lash Government Within Two Years
Elijah Brown (Self-styled Chairman of Disadvantaged Youths):
Elijah Brown, who claims to be the chairman of disadvantaged youths popularly known as zogos, said substance abuse remains a serious challenge.
“We are not satisfied with the life we are living. The government promised to build rehabilitation centers to help transform us, but that promise has not been implemented. We are all still on the streets doing nothing,” Brown said.
Like several others, Brown expressed willingness to leave the streets and rebuild his life in order to care for his three children, who are currently living with relatives.
“Please, we want to leave the streets. Imagine someone not bathing for three months—what do you expect? You need to encourage us and make us useful in society again. As I stand here talking to you, I haven’t bathed since Christmas Day,” he added.
George Sensee Kiadii – Petty Trader:
Petty trader George Sensee Kiadii said conditions in the country remain difficult, despite what he described as some progress since President Joseph Boakai took office.
“Things are not normal in this country, even though there have been some improvements since this administration came in,” Kiadii said.
He acknowledged that prices of some commodities have dropped but stressed that the reductions have not translated into real relief for people living in poverty.
“For example, petroleum prices have gone down, but transportation fares remain the same. This government was elected on the promise of change, but for now, we are not seeing those changes,” Kiadii noted.
He further explained that although commodity prices have declined, customer turnout remains low, making it difficult for petty traders to earn a living.
Sampson P. Nyanwleh – Photographer:
Photographer Sampson P. Nyanwleh described the situation as dire and called on the President to take concrete action.
“I am here to let the President know that things are not okay. The Liberian people are suffering. As the State of the Nation Address is delivered today, we don’t want to hear rhetoric,” Nyanwleh said.
He added, “We are tired of speeches. Mr. President, all is not well. Things are very difficult. People say prices have dropped, but we are not feeling it. Even finding money to buy rice is hard. There are no jobs.”
Salomie Sieh – Single Mother:
Single mother Salomie Sieh said she has been forced into street begging in order to survive.
“I am now on the street begging before I can eat. My daughter, who used to take care of me, has traveled to Nigeria and I haven’t heard from her since,” Sieh said.
According to her, the house she was living in was destroyed by fire, leaving her homeless and with no option but to beg.
“I am not blind, but I sit with blind people to beg. Some people may think I am blind, but I am not. I just want to make ends meet. We need the government to come to our aid,” she pleaded.
