Capitol Hill, Monrovia – President Joseph N. Boakai cautioned recently appointed government personnel on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, that public service is a heavy national burden that calls for integrity, discipline, and measurable results rather than being a reward for allegiance.
During a commissioning ceremony at the Executive Mansion, President Boakai declared that the authority bestowed upon public officials belongs solely to the Liberian people and should never be abused for personal gain, political favoritism, or institutional rivalry.
“This is not about being loved. Love can come for any reason, but respect is earned by conduct, decisions, and results,” he narrated.
The President reminded the authorities that service delivery, accountability, and the day-to-day experiences of citizens who rely on government institutions are what determine leadership in public service, not titles or speeches.
They emphasized that misuse of power quickly erodes public trust and urged those commissioned into the judiciary, immigration, national security, tourism, energy, natural resources, foreign affairs, veterans affairs, and public administration to exert authority firmly but legally. “Authority exercised without fairness becomes abuse, and abuse erodes trust,” Boakai said.
The Liberian leader noted that stewardship of state assets is a true measure of leadership and underlined the need for transparent and responsible management of the nation’s borders, public resources, and institutions. He cautioned that Liberia’s natural resources land, minerals, energy, and public institutions must never be seen as private property and must instead be protected for both current residents and future generations.
President Boakai connected the officials’ duties to his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, emphasizing that the policy framework is a useful road map meant to boost livelihoods, rebuild trust, and advance the country rather than a ceremonial document.
“Our people are watching. They measure leadership not by promises, but by performance,” Boakai said.
He pointed out that professionalism and interagency coordination are crucial to the country’s image and confidence since Liberians returning home from overseas start evaluating the level of governance as soon as they land at the airport. The President warned that although leadership may seem glamorous, it comes with sacrifice, pressure, and ongoing criticism from friends, family, and the public. He compared public office to carrying a heavy load.
“You may see the position, but you don’t always see the burden that comes with it,” he explained.
President Boakai advised officials to stay humble in their service, collaborate across institutions, and prioritize the interests of the country over their own. He emphasized that while criticism is inevitable for leaders, integrity must never be compromised and reminded authorities that the oath of office is a legally binding pledge to God, the Constitution, and the Liberian people.
“The measure of leadership is service rendered, not privilege enjoyed,” the President said. He ended the ceremony with a call for wisdom, strength, and integrity in governance, praying for divine guidance as Liberia continues its path toward national renewal.
Those commissioned include: Hon. R. Matenokay Tingban – Minister of Mines and Energy,
Hon. Ethel Davis – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Cllr. Kuku Y. Dorbor – Judge, Criminal Court “E” (Temple of Justice), Hon. Cllr. Anthony D. Kollie – Judge, Criminal Court “E”, Lofa County, Hon. Cllr. Rennie Moses – Judge, Criminal Court “E”, Grand Gedeh County, Hon. Cllr. Daniel D. Dolokelen – Judge, Debt Court, Bong County, Hon. Cllr. Eric B. Morlue – Judge, Debt Court, Lofa County, Hon. Ernest R. Hughes – Managing Director, Liberia Airport Authority.
Others are, Hon. Fabian Michael Lai – President-CEO, National Oil Company of Liberia, Hon. Hanson S. Kiazolu – Director General, National Bureau of Concession, Hon. Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah – Chairman, Law Reform Commission, Hon. Atty. Jackson N. Morlu – Director General, National Bureau of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo – Executive Director, Environmental Protection Agency, Hon. James M. Fromayan – Chairman, Liberia National Commission on Arms, Hon. Princess Eva Cooper – Director General, Liberia Tourism Authority, Atty. Ahkpanah B. K. Wymon (Rtd) – Vice Chairman, Liberia National Commission.
The rest were, Hon. Cllr. Massa Jallabah – Commissioner, Law Reform Commission, Hon. Atty. Vivian D. Dogbey – Commissioner, Liberia National Commission on Arms, Hon. Nelsco A. Wolo – Deputy Commissioner-General for Administration, Liberia Immigration Service, Hon. Atty. A. Kundukai Jaleiba, Sr. – Deputy Commissioner-General for Operations, Liberia Immigration Service, Hon. Att. N. Dickson R. Tamba – Deputy Commissioner-General for Naturalization, Liberia Immigration Service, 1st Lt. Isaac T. Wallace (Rtd.) – Deputy Director General for Veteran Affairs, National Bureau of Veteran Affairs and Hon. Varfin V. Donzo – Assistant Minister for State Without Portfolio, Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
