(Monrovia, Liberia):The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has issued a proclamation declaring rape as a national emergency.

The bold move by the President followed the successful conclusion of a 2-day National Anti-Rape and Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Conference that was convened by Government to validate the National Roadmap on Rape and SGBV produced by the Inter-ministerial taskforce set up by him a few weeks ago.

In remarks at the end of the national stakeholders’ conference on September 9, and following the receipt of the communique derived from deliberations at the conference, the Feminist-In-Chief promised that his administration would move with deliberate speed in ensuring that commendations presented would be judiciously and expeditiously addressed.

The declaration of the National Rape Emergency on Friday, September 11, 2020, which has come barely two days out of the national anti-rape conference held on September 8-9, 2020, fulfilled that promise of the President and his zero tolerance stance on rape and SGBV.

Under the National Rape Emergency, President Weah declared initial measures that include the appointment of a Special Prosecutor for rape; the setting up of a National Sex Offender Registry; the establishment of a National Security Taskforce on SGBV, and the allotment of an initial amount of US$2 Million to beef up the fight against rape and SGBV in the country.

Speaking following the issuance of the proclamation, President Weah said his administration would spare no effort in ensuring that the rape and SGBV epidemic scourging the country is curtailed.

The Liberian Chief Executive said additional measures would be announced subsequently including Executive Orders to protect the vulnerable and to ban harmful traditional practices.

He urged all Liberians, activists and as well as local and international stakeholders to work with Government to defeat rape and SGBV in the country.

(July 27, 2020 - Monrovia, Liberia): The President of the Republic,  H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has bemoaned the impact coronavirus is having on the country and its people, severely crippling livelihoods and the national economy.

Like the rest of the world, Liberia remains heavily burdened by the devastating effects of the virus for months.
 

In a speech delivered Monday, July 27, 2020 at ceremonies commemorating Liberia's 173rd independence, President Weah said for several months now the coronavirus plague continues to emit its venomous toxins , causing the destruction to the lives of millions of people across the globe.
 

"Liberia has not been spared by the ravishes of this deadly disease," the Chief Executive said. He however indicated the country was in a much better position in terms of the number of infections and deaths because of its Ebola experience, as well as professional handling of the situation.
 

The Liberian Leader, who recounted precautionary and preventive measures earlier deployed by the government to stamp out the virus, said further, "Our economy and our people are still severely affected by the negative  consequences of the pandemic."
 

"Not surprisingly, it has caused drastic downtown in business activities and a consequent decline in revenue generation, as well as resulted in food shortages, rising inflation and negative projections in GPD growth," President Weah pointed out.
 

The President observed that the country is likely to endure the impact of the virus for a protracted period of time, but stressed that there was light at the end of the tunnel if Liberians came together in unison to fight the virus.
 

He urged Liberians to take cue from the constructive, instructive and  encouraging oration delivered by Rev. Dr. Simeon L. Dunbar, the 173rd Independence Day Orator.
 

The President said recommendations proffered by Orator Duncan’s oration bolstered hope that Liberia can conquer the virus once united,  focused, disciplined and determined.
 

President Weah reiterated his appeal to the people of Liberia to put aside their differences, whether political, social and religious, in order to overcome the virus.

At the same time, the Liberian Chief Executive promised his government's willingness and readiness to go extra miles in heightening its responsibility to the people and to bring to an end the COVID-19 chapter.
 

President Weah said there is a renewed impetus enabling his administration to uphold commitment towards improving the livelihood of the Liberian people.
 

The 173^rd Independence Day, which was officially celebrated Monday, July 27 because the 26 was on Sunday, is the third observance of the National Day since President Weah assumed power.

(Monrovia, Liberia):The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has made a clarion call, urging Liberians to continue to work together in peace and harmony for the collective good of the Country. He said working together for the common good of Liberia is clearly articulated in the National Anthem when it says, “In union strong success is sure”.

Making remarks on Monday, August 24, 2020 at program commemorating Liberia’s 105^th Flag Day, the Liberian Leader said our flag is a symbol of patriotism and national unity.

“Let us put aside our differences and come together as one people, placing the national interest above personal and partisan interests,” Dr. Weah said in a short statement.

He recalled that since the Liberian flag was first unveiled to the world 173 years ago to mark the birth of a new nation on the African continent, the Lone Star’s banner has come to symbolize the deeds and valor of our forefathers, to whom we remain constantly indebted.

 “We cannot fail if we are united and continue to work together,” the Liberian Leader stressed. 

“Today marks the 105th occasion when we celebrate the making of our most important national symbol, the Liberian Flag, with a National Holiday, as decreed by our National Legislature in 1915”, Pres. Weah recounted.

Continuing, the Liberian Chief Executive said the flag has come to represent the pride and dignity of the Liberian people, and to symbolize the hopes and aspirations of all Liberians, with its patriotic colors and design of red and white stripes and a white star on a blue background.

“This occasion presents yet another opportunity for us to reflect on our collective actions as a people, and steer a united course for the continued betterment of our nation,” the President noted, urging Liberians, both at home and abroad, to join forces for the good of the nation.

Dr. Weah congratulated the National Flag Day Orator, Hon. Mamensie Kabba, Assistant Minister for Administration, Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, for delivering an inspiring and insightful message.

President Weah described the Orator’s message as very uplifting, particularly in these times as Liberia and the rest of the world battle the COVID 19 pandemic. 

The Liberian Leader committed himself to do all that is within his powers to turn over to the orator’s generation, the young people of Liberia, a country they would be proud of.

This year’s ceremony was held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.

MONROVIA – President George M. Weah has urged citizens of of Liberia to use the celebration of the country’s 173^rd Independence Celebration to strengthen bonds and forge ahead in order to consolidate the gains made together as a people over the years of independence.

In a brief statement, the President said, “I also beseech all citizens of faith including Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, etc. to offer prayers and kneel in supplication to God for peace, prosperity and happiness for the nation particularly in these difficult times of a global pandemic”.

He added: “Liberians are a strong and determined people, with our resilience and the blessings of the Almighty God, we will overcome all trials and tribulations besetting our country and see even better days ahead.”