President Akufo-Addo has congratulated President-elect of Liberia, Joseph Boakai.
He revealed that through the peaceful exercise of their sovereign and democratic right to elect their own leaders, the people of Liberia have strengthened the frontiers of democracy for emerging democracies on the continent to emulate.
According to him, the consolidation of democracy in Liberia, in the wake of Liberia’s painful civil war, continues to gather pace.
“I extend warm congratulations, on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Ghana, to the presidential candidate of the Unity Party, Joseph Boakai, on his victory in the presidential run-off election of 14th November 2023, thus, becoming the next President of the Republic of Liberia.”
President Akufo-Addo
The results from the elections held in Liberia marked a considerable shift compared with 2017 when former international football star and President of Liberia, George Weah had succeeded in defeating Boakai comfortably by garnering 62 percent of the vote.
George Weah commended on conceding defeat
Commending the decision to concede following the run-off, President Akufo-Addo praised President George Weah for his “gracious and statesmanlike concession of defeat”.
He noted that the decision by George Weah to concede has allayed to rest any lingering suspicion and anxiety about the fate of Liberia in the aftermath of the elections.
“I wish him well in his future endeavours…”
President Akufo-Addo
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo expressed the need for both countries to develop stronger ties and relations, especially with the incoming government of President-elect Boakai.
“It is my hope that President-elect Boakai would continue on the path of his predecessors and deepen further the friendship that exists between Liberia and Ghana, which has been based on a shared agenda of democracy, stability, security, development and prosperity. Warm congratulations, once again, to President-Elect Joseph Boakai, and best wishes for his and his country’s success.”
President Akufo-Addo
Following his election, President-elect Joseph Nyuma Boakai, expressed gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him by the Liberian people. He equally outlined his commitment to ushering in a new era of responsible and accountable governance.
In his victory speech delivered at his Rehab residence in Paynesville, Boakai acknowledged the close contest in Liberia’s political history, thanking his opponent, President George Manneh Weah, for his gracious concession.
He emphasized the importance of unity in the face of political diversity and called on all Liberians to join hands in realizing the transformative change demanded by the electorate.
The President-elect vowed to establish a responsible and accountable government, one which will “address the major problem of corruption in government especially in high places”.
Boakai elaborated on the significance of the recent elections as a testament to the power of the Liberian people and a marker of progress since the end of the civil war.
To this end, he commended the international community for their solidarity and pledged to lead Liberia to be a shining example of a functioning democracy.
The President-elect equally called for national unity, emphasizing that all Liberians are winners, and urged citizens to embrace one other, magnanimous in victory and gracious in defeat.
Moreover, Boakai promised to extend development across the country, addressing historical neglect, particularly in southeastern Liberia.
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