Monrovia, Liberia – President, Joseph N. Boakai has called for Liberians to take greater pride in their culture, history, and abilities, stating that rather than constantly praising others, the nation’s progress depends on people learning to value what they have. Speaking on Monday, July 20, at the launch of “Dekonti, Cook, Chat and Chew the Liberian Way,” a cookbook and cultural heritage publication authored by seasoned insurance executive and author Ora Gibson Richards, Boakai described the book as more than just a collection of recipes but rather a celebration of Liberia’s identity, resilience, and traditions.
He commended Richards for overcoming more than thirty years of challenges to complete the project, saying that her perseverance exemplified the spirit needed to preserve and rebuild Liberia’s legacy. “I like to support good ideas because it’s not always that people come up with good ideas. This book has been in the making for more than 30 years, and today it is finally here because of determination and love for Liberia,” he added.
Boakai recalled a friendship that began when he was the managing director of the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC) and described how Richards repeatedly pushed him to get insurance, earning him the loving nickname “Mom” for her determination and advice. In addition to honoring the book, Boakai used the opportunity to preach a more general message about national identity, urging Liberians to support local talent rather than criticize one another.
“We have to learn to love what we have and encourage what we have because the talents are here. Liberians know how to cook, Liberians know how to dress, and we should be proud of who we are,” the President narrated.
Reflecting on Liberia’s years of civil conflict, Boakai recounted an experience while traveling abroad when immigration officials questioned his Liberian passport because of the country’s instability. Despite those difficult years, he insisted Liberia’s resilience has endured. “This is a country you can pawn, but you can’t sell it. Liberia is always there,” he said.
Boakai also urged Liberians residing overseas to continue returning home and contributing to the nation’s success, pointing out that the growing number of returning Liberians shows a renewed hope in the country.
For her part, Richards described the book as a lifetime project driven by the need to preserve Liberia’s cultural identity for future generations. She said that the book was destroyed during the Civil War, but she persisted in working toward her objective and rebuilt the work over a number of years. She praised President Boakai for helping her along the three-decade journey and characterized him as a mentor whose unwavering faith kept her focused despite many setbacks.
According to Richards, the book presents Liberia’s history, customs, and values while encouraging harmony, hospitality, and patriotism. It goes beyond recipes. In order to build a better future and improve Liberia’s reputation in Africa and the globe, she exhorted Liberians to comprehend their history.
After a presentation showcasing Liberia’s historical contributions to regional and international events, the book was formally unveiled, and attendees celebrated the accomplishment with traditional Liberian food that was included in the publication.
