Monrovia, Liberia – Vice President Jeremiah Koung of Liberia has urged hard effort and togetherness via reconciliation in order to advance the nation. The 14th Golden Image Award (GIA) 2024, with the theme “Building Liberia through Peace and Reconciliation,” took place at Monrovia City Hall over the weekend, and Vice President Koung gave a speech.
As they worked to create a new Liberia, Vice President Koung chastised Liberians for putting aside partisan animosity and being more pragmatic. He urged Liberians to put an end to the spirit of division, which has impeded the country’s progress, highlighting the urgency of rekindling the spirit of love, unity, and reconciliation.
“Hate has no place in this world.” Regardless of color, if you were employed by the CDC administration and are currently employed by the Unity Party Administration that is, if you were blue and then became green then this shouldn’t be the case, stated Mr. Koung. “For example, Andy Quamie and Minister Tanneh Bruson were both blue before joining the green.”
He warned that although “we are all Liberians, and we need to be practical, and we can work, and we all can get the job done,” there is no such thing as blue or green.
Vice President Koung asserted that the only ways Liberia may advance are via reconciliation and diligence, highlighting the fact that getting the issue off the paper and into the real world and focusing on wealth are the main obstacles to the country’s success.
House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, for his part, cautioned Liberians to put an end to the divisive politics that have split the country over the years.
He declared to the assembly that since Liberians are all one people, the days of them warring amongst themselves are over. The esteemed Golden Image Award was given to more than fifty exceptional people on Saturday, July 19, 2024.
Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah won the National Excellence Award; Bong County Senator Johnny Kphee was given the GIA economic development award for 2024; and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Woman of Courage was given to Banica Stephenie Elliott, President of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY).
The George Manneh Weah Legend Sports Award recipient, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports G. Andy Quamie, and Mrs. Dama Yekeson-Koffa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Administration at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, who was honored for her outstanding contributions to the health sector, are among the others.
Every year, the Golden Image Award shines a light on people and organizations both domestic and international that have made a substantial contribution to bettering the lives of Liberians and people everywhere else.
The recipients of the medal are recognized for their commitment, unselfish service, and exceptional humanitarian endeavors that have had a significant influence on society.
Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has represented the award from its founding in 2011, and former President George Manneh Weah was its most recent convener.
