Lack Of Accountability, Transparency, Good Governance, And Rampant Greed Undermine The True Meaning Of “love Of Liberty Brought Us Here”

By Jarwinken Wiah

Although the historical divide between Americo-Liberians and Indigenous Liberians has evolved, the fundamental issues facing ordinary citizens remain unaddressed. Today, many Indigenous Liberians occupy positions of power, yet this change has not eased the hardships experienced by the majority. Families continue to struggle, with young girls often compelled to sacrifice their dignity for school fees and basic necessities, while young boys may turn to drugs or crime to survive.
There exists a prevailing mindset among those in power that their roles bestow upon them a near-divine authority, resulting in governance that favors personal interests over the well-being of the populace. Access to the nation’s resources and opportunities for higher education often relies on personal connections or support from affluent family members, leaving many without essential resources.
As a result, the ideals embodied in “Love of Liberty Brought Us Here” have yet to materialize for most Liberians. This principle was meant to ensure equality of opportunity, rule of law, fair access to resources, good governance, accountability, transparency, decentralized resource distribution, and the provision of basic needs such as clean drinking water, food security, shelter, electricity, road infrastructure, schools, and hospitals.
Liberia is rich in natural resources, including gold, diamonds, timber, rainforests, rivers, mountains, and diverse wildlife. However, the lack of accountability, transparency, good governance, and rampant greed are undermining the true meaning of “Love of Liberty Brought Us Here,” denying all Liberians—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or social status—the benefits it promises.
Ensuring that “reading and writing is a right” will enable our children to develop the skills and abilities necessary to realize the promise of “Love of Liberty Brought Us Here.” This principle serves as a bridge to prosperity and a tool for unlocking the potential of our youth. By nurturing talents in various fields—such as construction, engineering, medicine, research, plumbing, and electrical work—we can build a brighter future for Liberia.