Personalities Of The Year 2024

Our esteemed customers and readers, it behooves our editorial team to return to recognizing personalities this year; same being the first year of the Boakai-led government and this is to motivate public servants to continue doing what they do if the ARREST Agenda is to become a reality.
Normally, it is the public perception that propels this initiative judging from what they see their leaders do; and this in no way means that if a named or recognized individual goes on the contrary, this award cannot be withdrawn through our reports or news articles. This year-end edition is to signal out well deserving public servants therefore, we are recognizing just few individuals bringing under the spotlight Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Pro-tem Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrance, Wilmot Paye, Mohammed Ali, Alexander Nuetah, Josiah Joekai, Dorbor Jallah and Jerolinmek Piah.
Again, the management, and staff of the Inquirer Newspaper say a very big thank you to all our readers, critics, customers and well-wishers. 2024 was indeed a remarkable year.

MAN Of The YEAR- Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa

Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, though an embattled Speaker of the 55th Legislature, yet he is indeed without doubts the MAN of the YEAR.
Some may wonder why we selected him but our judgment does not point to the political upheaval ongoing amongst those expected to be lawmakers but Koffa’s bravery and stance to protect the Liberian Constitution as well as the Rules of the House of Representatives over which he presides.
His recognition by this paper is also a testament that it does not take a crowd to do it right if it should be done properly and that there can be no better time to right the wrong; regardless of who did it severally and now it is a precedent.
Koffa’s commitment to the rule of law, having schooled and as one who is practicing law, even in the face of overwhelming resistance from a majority of his colleagues as well as citizens for his removal, makes him stand tallest as a beacon of legal integrity, thus exhibiting a principle of leadership.
Since October of this year while out of the country, Koffa has found himself at the center of a political storm, facing calls for his ousting from a faction of lawmakers calling themselves ‘Majority’ on accusations of corruption and conflict of interest, among others.
With no ounce of stress, this plan seems not to be finding its way among their very perpetrator as Koffa was away on October 17, 2024 and about 47 members of the House of Representatives signed a resolution after being induced with an upfront US$ 15, 000 and free accommodation at a local hotel for nearly a month.
Till now, they are yet to receive the full number and the resolution seemed to have died upon arrival because the plotters’ strategy was only to get the needed signatures while Koffa’s team has got one message and that is ‘If you find the 49 signatures, return to chambers and in the plenary with a quorum, do the needful.”
However, in time past, whenever the majority speaks of a resolution to remove a speaker, that individual would in no time tender in his resignation; like was done with Edwin Snowe and Alex Tyler as Speakers, when they willingly gave up their posts without testing the law but embattled Speaker Koffa has since reiterated that he will not resign but will only leave his position once it is done in keeping with the Constitution and House’s rules.
Koffa’s decision to uphold the law has not come without personal and political cost because as a speaker, he continues to face intense pressure from his peers, with some even resorting to threats of violence and intimidation.
Yet, he has consistently emphasized the importance of legal adherence over political expediency. “I believe that the rule of law is the foundation of our democracy, and if we allow ourselves to be swayed by political whims and the desires of a few, we risk undermining the very fabric of our society,” he said.
Also, his commitment to legality has resonated with many Liberians who are disillusioned by the rampant corruption and political gamesmanship that have plagued the country for decades.
Koffa’s stance has also garnered him significance following from civil society groups, legal experts, and ordinary citizens who see him as a champion of justice in a time of moral ambiguity simplifying that only brave men dare where others dare to tread.
Now it stands at the point that since the Supreme Court will not adequately address the constitutional issues, all representatives are acting politically correct as the Legislature now has two presiding officers for the pending annual address to be delivered in January by the President.

Managing Director of the YEAR-Mohammed Ali

The new Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Mohammed Ali, has introduced significant reforms to improve the organization’s operations, focusing on transparency, infrastructural enhancement, and financial sustainability.
Combatting Systemic Issues, Mo Ali prioritized addressing fraud, over-billing, and intentional service disruptions, ensuring accountability and transparency in LWSC’s operations.
Improving Infrastructure and Service Delivery, he plans to restore consistent water supply in Monrovia, including the reactivation of critical facilities like the Caldwell booster station and have even proposed the establishment of a Pre-Inspection Unit (PIU) system to streamline and enhance operational efficiency.
Organizational and Financial Restructuring:
Ali Introduced human resource and financial audits to address payroll surges and inefficiencies caused by an oversized workforce, reduced dependency on government funding to achieve financial independence and resolved longstanding employee grievances by initiating the payment of overdue salaries, amounting to over $2 million.
Modernizing Operational Systems:
Currently, he is exploring prepaid water metering systems, modeled after the Liberia Electricity Corporation, to improve revenue collection and reduce losses.
Under Mo Ali’s leadership, LWSC aims to regain public trust, achieve operational efficiency, and ensure reliable access to clean water and his reforms demonstrate a commitment to combating corruption, addressing inefficiencies, and delivering sustainable public services for Liberians and foreign residents alike.

Minister of the Year-J. Alexander Nuetah

Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, a seasoned agricultural economist with more than 20 years’ experience in agriculture and related fields was appointed less than a year as Minister of Agriculture (MOA) under the Boakai-led government and to date, he has empowered more farmers.
Since February, he has hit the ground with tangible progress in the agriculture sector as his performance is closely monitored and a summary of the results of how public funds are expended are catalogued below:
During the period under review, the Ministry of Agriculture is supporting the cultivation of 4,072.1 hectares for rice production in eight counties; namely, Lofa, Nimba, Bomi, Maryland, Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Montserrado and Gbarpolu, respectively.
320 hectares of said land is being cultivated for cassava production in Bong, Margibi, Grand Cape Mount and Montserrado Counties.
The MOA has constructed vegetable booths, otherwise referred to as kiosks in Monrovia to enhance consumers’ access to fruits and vegetables and as well renovated vegetable kiosks at the Catholic Junction, Tubman Boulevard and at the 72nd Junction.
Similarly, vegetable farmers in Bong, Margibi and Nimba Counties were supported with improved seeds for vegetable production and backyard poultry.
The MOA has also increased its support to cash crops production, including cocoa and oil palm while farmers in Lofa, Bong, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Margibi and Montserrado Counties are beneficiaries of the MOA’s poultry and piggery production efforts.
In July 2024, the President of Liberia launched the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP) 2024-2030, which is also known as “Liberians Feed Yourself Agenda” and this six-year plan aims to increase agricultural productivity and empower farmers through improved technology and value addition of their produce.
The success of the just ended National Agriculture Fair (NAF), held in Kakata, Margibi County clearly sends a positive signal that Dr. Nuetah and his team of dedicated staff, stakeholders and farmers alike are prepared to ensure national food security, improved nutrition and sustainable development for all Liberians.
Dr. Nuetah has led collaboration with India to improve diary production, coconut production, soil health and crop production and to empower women and youth in the agriculture sector, while being instrumental in securing scholarship opportunities for Liberians to study in China.
Several young graduates from various universities have been recruited through the Civil Service Agency (CSA) and deployed in the 15 counties of Liberia as District Agriculture Officers (DAOs), County Agriculture Coordinators (CACs) and Regional Agriculture Coordinators (RACs).
In the coming years, he has disclosed plans to improve access to finance and modernization or mechanization of sector.

Transformative Public Servant of the Year-James Dorbor Jallah

The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), under the leadership of Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah, has achieved a remarkable milestone in revenue generation for FY2024.
As of November 12, 2024, the LRA collected an impressive US$572.6 million in domestic revenue, surpassing its year-to-date target of US$568.2 million.
This marks the highest level of domestic revenue collected by the LRA at this point in the year since its establishment.
Commissioner General Jallah projected that the LRA would collect at least US$700 million in domestic revenue by the end of 2024 and by 2025 Liberia’s revenue will be hitting one billion to support the US$880 million national budget, reflecting an optimistic outlook on Liberia’s financial potential.
The 2024 national budget target was set at US$738.86 million, with US$696.4 million (pre-recast) expected from domestic tax collections and US$42.4 million projected from external support; notably, no contributions were received from external sources meaning the entirety of the US$572.6 million collected was so far generated domestically by compliant taxpayers.
The LRA was recognized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its revenue collection performance thereby attracting support for further success.
At the opening of the 2024 budget hearing, Jallah emphasized that although the overall projected budget for 2024 decreased by US$55.8 million compared to last fiscal year’s revised budget of US$715.9 million, the increase in domestic revenue reflects significant progress in effective revenue generation efforts.
With such achievements under his stewardship, Jallah cemented his place as a transformative leader and is undeniably a fitting choice for our Personality of the Year category.

Reformist of the YEAR-Josiah F. Joekai

In a nation striving for accountability, transparency, and efficient governance, Josiah F. Joekai, emerged as that reformist since his appointment by President Joseph Boakai as Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA).
Through strategic reforms and a commitment to public service excellence, Joekai has implemented critical measures that are already yielding significant results for Liberia’s public administration.
One of Joekai’s most commendable achievements is the identification and removal of 687 potential ghost names from government payrolls across four major spending entities.
This bold action is not merely about numbers, it signifies a broader commitment to fiscal responsibility and integrity within the civil service.
By addressing the long-standing issue of fraudulent payroll entries, Joekai has saved the government an estimated $2.6 million annually.
This substantial sum can now be redirected towards essential public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure and beyond tackling payroll fraud, Joekai has also been a vocal advocate for a robust national identification system.
He emphasized that a reliable identification system is not only beneficial for individuals but also serves as a cornerstone for national development.
According to him, such a system allows governments plan and deliver services effectively, manage migration and security, facilitate financial inclusion and access to credit.
For citizens, a reliable identification system means greater access to services, financial participation, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Joekai’s vision highlights a long-term solution to systemic inefficiencies that have plagued Liberia’s public sector for years.
The CSA, under Joekai’s leadership, recently conducted a verification and headcount exercise across government ministries and agencies and that exercise revealed that the employment status of 388 civil servants remains uncertain while 332 employees were blocked pending further verification.
His measures are not just left on the notes, instead employees found wanting face various degrees of sanctions which include recommendations for dismissal, one-month suspensions without pay, or salary adjustments.
Such measures demonstrate Joekai’s dedication to enforcing accountability and ensuring that public servants fulfill their duties with diligence and integrity and well as workplace discipline.
In addition to financial and operational reforms, Joekai has taken steps to address ethical standards and professional behavior within the civil service and that is through circular memorandums, he issues stern warnings against inappropriate conduct, dishonesty, and unethical practices, both online and offline.
The memorandum references Chapter 4, Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of the Standing Orders for the Civil Service, emphasizing the importance of respect, discipline, and professionalism; highlighting Chapter 9, Section 2 of the Code of Conduct for Public Servants, which requires civil servants to maintain good conduct at all times.
This initiative seeks to rebuild public trust in Liberia’s civil service and foster a culture of accountability and respect among government employees.
Joekai’s leadership at the Civil Service Agency has been marked by bold decisions, transparency, and a clear vision for reform and so his achievements are not just policy changes, they represent a paradigm shift in how Liberia’s public sector operates.
Joekai stands out as a beacon of reform and progress in Liberia and honoring him with the Personality of the Year Award would not only recognize his outstanding contributions but also inspire other leaders to prioritize integrity, accountability, and service excellence in their respective roles.
Under his leadership, the CSA is not just an agency it is becoming a model institution for governance in Liberia and we encourage him not to waver but to be focused as he sets a standard that future leaders will undoubtedly strive to meet.

Director of the Year- EPA Boss, Emmanuel Yarkpawolo

We chose Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo to be the Director of the year because of his many achievements within a shortest time at the EPA, ensuring accountability and value for money.
The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a hard-working man who demonstrates attributes of honesty and integrity; a humanitarian, environmental specialist who grew up in rural Liberia and experienced suffering on a personal level, but has the quality to help change the environmental system for the better.
He is a ranking member of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP) and also contested on the party’s ticket as the vice standard bearer to Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe during the 2023 Presidential election as well as an aspirant for a seat in Bong County.
However, after being engulfed with some court issues due to a lawsuit filed by the former Executive Director, Wilson Tarpeh over his removal, Dr. Yarkpawolo, a focused young man, took over an entity that was financially challenged and hit by leadership crisis among others.
Key Achievements of 2024
~Fighting Pollution: The EPA launched a nationwide campaign against illegal dumping and created waste management systems in both urban and rural areas.
~Climate Change Adaptation: The agency secured international support to implement projects that helped vulnerable communities adapt to climate change. Thousands of Liberians benefited from these initiatives.
~Environmental Monitoring: Increased monitoring led to a 20% reduction in illegal logging and mining.
~Policy Reform: New environmental policies were introduced to improve governance. The EPA also attracted additional funding from global partners to expand its programs among others.
~EPA expanded its work in new regional offices in Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Bensonville, as well as Rivercess County with ongoing offices in River Gee and Grand Kru, which aims to enhance the agency’s service delivery to local communities.
~Liberia, through the EPA also ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury, becoming the 150th party to join the global treaty which is focused on reducing mercury pollution, as well as demonstrated its commitment to nuclear safety by acceding to five International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) legal instruments.
~Also, over 350 inspections were carried out, 60 environmental permits were granted, and fines totaling US$1,020,000 were imposed, contributing to national revenue, coupled with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Cambridge University, which will provide 150 scholarships to Liberian professionals in climate law and education among others.
Dr. Yarkpawolo has since acknowledged ongoing challenges. Limited resources, resistance to environmental regulations, and the need for more public awareness about sustainable practices were among the hurdles the EPA faced.
He said, “We still have a long way to go. So, fighting pollution and climate change is not just about policies it’s about changing how we think and act. Every Liberian has a role to play in protecting the environment.”

Senator Of The Year: Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence

We are elated that Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence was chosen as our senator of the year after an editorial justification surrounding her explicit leadership style in keeping a male-dominated Senate together; standing tall and ensuring that the Senate functions in the interest of the Liberian people.
After becoming a Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate on a “give-n-take” arrangement, Karnga-Lawrence, in her first year hit the ground running with the pronouncement of several reforms and modernization plans intended to enhance accountability, research, oversight, and dignity at the Senate.
In what appears to be a robust reform and rebranding effort for the Senate, she sets her sights on improving sanitation by providing piped water in all bathrooms; a situation that has been a major challenge for years at the Capitol, although a situation that falls within the purview of the committee on Rules and Order.
The water sourced from a bore hole dug on the Capitol grounds has solved the aged-old problem of “No water in the bathrooms.”
The availability of running water in the Senate’s wing by the Senate Pro-Tempore has so far enhanced sanitation to a greater extent at the Senate wing of the Capitol.
Continuing her modernization efforts, Pro-tempore Karnga-Lawrence also commenced work on installing public Wi-Fi at the Liberian Senate.
Upon completion, the Wi-Fi Service currently covers various corridors at the Senate’s wing, as well as the chambers where regular sessions and hearings are held.
Her far-sightedness and efforts to set an agenda for the workings of the Senate led her to organizing a three-day retreat in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, for a robust oversight, focusing on transparency and accountability, reviewed of the Senate rules and setting the pace for necessary changes which include; a provision to confirm all life time positions by two-third votes instead of a simple majority.
At that retreat, the Senate also voted to separate the lands, mines and energy as well as the environment committee to have a new committee called the energy and environment committee in the spirit of adequate division of responsibilities, for a more robust oversight.
As part of her efforts to promote transparency and accountability, Pro-tempore Karnga-Lawrence also initiated a System Audit, in collaboration with the General Auditing Commission (GAC), to accomplish this task.
To date, the Audit initiative taken by the Liberian Senate is geared towards promoting accountability, transparency, and fiscal prudence in Senate’s management.
In response to the GAC findings, a financial advisor was hired to implement the necessary systems and controls. The modernization efforts, led by the Modernization Committee, will ensure the Senate’s website provides comprehensive legislative information, making the Senate’s work more accessible to the public.
In more effort to ensue transparency and credibility, the Senate under her leadership agreed to set up a mini-desk at the Capitol’s Senate wing for staff of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to enhance the process of assets declaration for senators who have yet to complete the process.
According to the Senate Pro-tempore, the LACC desk at the Senate wing was there to provide guidance on filling out the asset declaration form to submit on time.
Amongst many challenges that are still pending, Senate Pro-tempore has recorded some notable achievement of passing 13 key legislations, 8 ratifications, 1 amendment, and 4 enactments, and the confirmation of over 950 government officials, among whom is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
Emphasis was placed on the Senate’s continued focus on pressing national issues such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and electricity. The launch of the Senate’s official website was also announced, representing a significant step toward improving transparency and public access to legislative activities.
Also, the plenary of the Senate, under her leadership took a major step toward boosting economic growth by voting to grant autonomous authority to seaports in three of Liberia’s counties: Greenville, Harper, and Buchanan. If approved by the Lower House of the 55th Legislature, this initiative will: enhance port operations in Sinoe, Maryland, and Grand Bassa Counties, and increase local revenue and employment opportunities. Expand port capacity through critical projects like dredging and promote social and corporate development within the counties.
This groundbreaking decision led by Karnga-Lawrence, was reached in her first year as Pro-tempore.
The office of the President Pro-tempore also initiated the process of a regular Senate session journal to keep the public informed about the daily or weekly activities of the Liberian Senate, a measure believed to bring about openness to the Senate.
For the first time in many years, the Senate, under the leadership of Pro-tempore Karnga-Lawrence, met with the President of Liberia to encourage regular engagements for the smooth operation of both branches.
Signing resolution for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court:
During the year in review, Senate Pro Tempore encouraged 28 of the 29 Senators to sign a resolution endorsing the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Courts in Liberia.
In her efforts to give staff of the Senate dignity and a better working condition, the Senate under the leadership of Pro-tempore Karnga-Lawrence instituted employees head counts through the Civil Servant Agency (CSA) an exercise that has given the Senate a realistic database and monitoring that has helped with timeliness, efficiency and a retirement plan to be executed soon.
She has also purchased employees’ buses for staff to commute to and from work on a daily basis and for the first time in six years,

Jerolinmek Piah – Innovative Minister of The Year

Information and Cultural Affairs Minister, Jerolinmek Piah, is indeed our Innovative Minister of the Year.
Though he has been in government times without number, aside from his political judgments, our decision to highlight this public servant is based on his innovative, exemplary and mature leadership style exhibited during the year in review.
His recognition also comes as a result of his significant contributions to transforming the once filthy and forgotten Ministry into a more collaborative and welcoming space for staff, visitors, and journalists (his major constituents) alike.
Since his return to government through the appointment by President Joseph Boakai, the once widely discussed MICAT has undergone significant internal changes aimed at improving communication and collaboration among staff members.
He has also implemented regular team-building exercises, opened forums for feedback, and mentorship programs that have empowered employees at all levels making him a reach-to or easily reachable Minister and these strategies have not only boosted the morale but have also enhanced productivity and efficiency within the Ministry.
One of the most notable achievements for Piah’s leadership this year has been the comprehensive refurbishment of the Ministry’s building. The renovation project, which began the second half of this year, has transformed the once-dilapidated structure into a modern, functional workspace.
The upgrades include improved office layouts, state-of-the-art technology, and comfortable meeting spaces, including the Charles Gbayan Conference Room, designed to facilitate better interaction among staff and visitors and the holding of its regular Thursdays press briefing.
The refurbishment has also extended to creating a dedicated media center, which serves as a resource hub for journalists seeking information and support, as this initiative has been particularly well-received by many Liberians including staff, praising the Minister for his efforts to bridge the gap between the government and the media.
So, the Inquirer Newspaper’s decision to recognize Piah as an Innovative Minister of the Year especially in less than a year, reflects a broader recognition of the critical role effective communication plays in governance and public service.
In a country where the media is often seen as a watchdog and most times misunderstood and misjudged, the Minister, who picks his words despite being the official spokesperson of the government, has strived to strengthen the relationship between the government and the press, promoting transparency, building confidence and showcasing responsibility internally and externally.
Minister Piah seems to be a lead-by-example leader by his broader vision for a collaborative and friendly working environment which is not only aimed at transforming the Ministry of Information but also geared towards setting a standard for other government institutions to follow.

Visionary Administrator of the Year-Wilmot Paye

Liberia’s Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye is our visionary administrator of the year who is being held accountable for his strong call for Liberian mining cooperatives to end partnerships with foreign entities that are engaged in illegal mining practices.
Sometime in November, his team concluded an endeavor to strengthen guidelines surrounding Liberia’s mining sectors through a technical exercise, revising the existing Mining Law of 2000.
For almost 24 years, mining activities in Liberia had been carried out using the current law, which, the Mines and Energy Minister, Wilmot Paye, placed under review to advance recommendations to amend key portions, where necessary to put Liberia on par with global counterparts.
This policy would compel investors interested in mining Liberia’s minerals to comply with laws that commensurate with global standards and acceptable practices, in a move intended to create a conducive atmosphere.
With series of irregularities in the sector such as re-profiling all mining license holders, particularly those operating under Class ‘B’ and ‘C’ licenses, and increasing regulatory oversight, his commitment is to create a sustainable mining sector, including establishing fully operational county offices to handle license renewals, resolve disputes, and provide other essential services.
Our honoree has plans to equip county offices with mobility and field equipment to enhance the Ministry’s reach and effectiveness, ensuring accessibility for miners in every region.
It is the determination of Minister Paye to reform and strengthen Liberia’s mining sector to ensure sustainable development and equitable distribution of benefits to Liberians.
Paye is keen on prioritizing transparency, accountability, and local empowerment, as under his watch, the Ministry of Mines and Energy transforms Liberia’s mining sector into a pillar of national growth and prosperity.
Paye and his team have carried out several administrative enforcement measures and the most recent is the shutting down of the MELEK Sand Mining Company for its failure to adhere to safety requirements and comply with its social cooperate responsibility.
Indeed, with less than a year in office, one can safely deduce that Minister Paye has a vision for Liberia’s mining sector by his administrative principles that is a testament to the transformation already ongoing on the building and within the premises that host the policies and administration on Mines and Energy.
Also, a notable aspect of this cultural shift is the implementation of a new work schedule with employees now required to report to work by 7:00 A.M. This change is part of Paye’s broader strategy to instill a sense of discipline and urgency within the Ministry, ensuring that officials are present and engaged in their duties from the start of the day.
This discipline by Paye also set a standard for accountability and commitment owing to the fact that the work of those at the Ministry of Mines and Energy is crucial for the development of Liberia which needs to be approached with seriousness, dedication and commitment.