As we commenced the 178th anniversary of our independence celebrations yesterday, July 18, 2025, I extend my warmest greetings to every citizen of our beloved nation.
These independence celebrations hold profound significance as we reflect upon our journey, honour the sacrifices of all collectively to reach this far, and celebrate the resilience of the Liberian spirit. Together, let us embrace the values of unity, peace, and progress that define our great nation with fairness and equal distribution of our nation’s resources as Liberians.
Honouring Our Heritage
On July 26, 1847, Liberia proclaimed its independence, positioning itself as a beacon of hope and a symbol of liberty for people across the globe. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles endured by our ancestors who fought for self-determination and the establishment of a society grounded in justice and equality. They envisioned a Liberia where dignity, freedom, and opportunity would flourish for all citizens.
As we reflect on our heritage, let us remember those who paved the way for the power we enjoy today and humble ourselves, cultural identity, and respect for each other. Our sacrifices laid the foundation for the liberty you enjoy today. It is our collective responsibility to uphold their legacy and ensure that future generations inherit a nation that honors the principles of equal opportunities, democracy and justice.
Unity in Diversity
Liberia’s strength lies in its diversity—a rich tapestry woven from an array of ethnicities, languages, and cultures. Today, we celebrate not only our common nationality but also the unique contributions that each group brings to our nation’s identity. This diversity is a source of strength, and it should serve as a foundation for unity rather than division.
As we stand together on this momentous occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusivity and harmony among our people. It is essential that we transcend our differences and work collaboratively toward common goals. Unity is vital for our progress; we must stand as one people, dedicated to the prosperity and future of Liberia.
Commitment to Good Governance
During these celebrations, let us recognize that good governance is essential for the growth and development of our nation. Under the able leadership of President Boakai and Vice President Koung, Liberia is poised to continue its progress toward embodying the ideals of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
The representatives in our 55th Legislature, including the Speaker and the Senate Pro Tempore, play crucial roles in shaping policies that will affect every aspect of our society.
The newly confirmed Chief Justice and the appointed Associate Justice, you have a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of our judicial system. The rule of law is fundamental to our democracy, and it is the duty of our judiciary to ensure justice is served fairly and impartially. Together, as leaders and citizens, we must nurture an environment that promotes legality, social justice, and respect for human rights.
Through good governance, we can build a Liberia that nurtures the aspirations of its citizens, fosters economic opportunities, and safeguards the rights of all individuals. It is essential that we hold our leaders accountable and actively participate in the democratic processes that guide our nation.
Embracing National Development
Liberia stands at a critical juncture in its development. We face challenges that require innovative solutions and cooperation across all sectors. As we celebrate our independence, let us also commit to enhancing our efforts toward sustainable development that prioritizes the needs of our citizens.
Economic resilience is essential for our nation’s future. We must endeavour to strengthen our agricultural sector, improve infrastructure, and provide access to quality education and healthcare. By investing in these areas, we can create jobs, empower our communities, and lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity.
We must leverage our natural resources wisely and ethically. The richness of our land and the talent of our people present opportunities that, if harnessed correctly, can drive transformational change. Let us work together—government, private sector, civil society, and individual citizens—to create an economy that works for everyone.
Youth Empowerment: The Future of Liberia
As we look to the future, we must invest in our youth. They are the torchbearers of tomorrow and the embodiment of our hope as a nation. Education is a basic human right and a powerful tool that equips young people with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. On this Independence Day, I call upon all stakeholders to prioritize initiatives that empower the youth and provide them with meaningful opportunities.
We must create platforms for youth engagement in policy-making and decision-making processes. Young voices must be heard, and their ideas should shape the future of our nation. By fostering an environment that promotes creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation, we can tap into the potential of our young people and drive societal progress.
Advancing Peace and Security
Peace is the cornerstone of development and prosperity in Liberia. Our nation has endured too much suffering from conflict and civil strife, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.
During these Independence celebrations, let us show development and partners our commitment to building a culture of peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion. Having said that, I want to applaud the Liberia National Police for the humidity and professionalism performed on Thursday, 17 July 2025. This is what I call “Ethics, professionalism and Service”
To our political leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens; webmust work together to promote dialogue and understanding. Efforts should be made to heal the wounds of the past and foster an inclusive society where every individual feels valued and respected. It is imperative that we cultivate a sense of community and shared national purpose and responsibilities.
Sustaining Our Environment Friendly Society
As we express our gratitude for the blessings of our land, we must also recognize our duty to protect and sustain the environment. Liberia is endowed with breathtaking natural beauty and an abundance of resources. However, it is our responsibility to ensure that these resources are used sustainably and preserved for future generations.
Environmental stewardship should be a priority for all of us. We must advocate for practices that promote conservation, protect biodiversity, and combat climate change. Working together, we can ensure that our natural environment continues to thrive and supports the livelihoods of our people. Our forests are crumbling as the wild species are gradually migrating to our neighbours.
Reflection and Hope
Today, as we reflect on our nation’s journey, let us renew our commitment to work diligently for the future of Liberia. Despite the challenges we face, there is hope in our shared vision of a prosperous and united nation. It is this hope that will carry us forward and inspire us to overcome obstacles.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us embrace optimism and recommit ourselves to the pursuit of justice, equality, and opportunity for every Liberian. Together, we can build a Liberia that is peaceful, prosperous, and resilient—a nation that honours the sacrifices of those who came before us while empowering those who will carry our legacy into the future.
A Call to Action
As we embark on fruitful and peaceful celebrations, I invite each one of you to play an active role in shaping the future of Liberia. Whether through community service, advocacy, or simply lending a helping hand to a neighbour, we each have a part to play in building a better Liberia. Let our actions reflect our dedication to our nation and our fellow citizens.
Let us take pride in our national identity and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals upon which Liberia was founded. Together, we can create an environment where our collective aspirations are realized, ensuring that Liberia remains a shining example of freedom and unity in West Africa.
Conclusion
In closing, I extend my warmest wishes to each of you on this special day. May our independence be a source of inspiration and a reminder of the strength we possess as a nation. Happy Independence Day, Mama Liberia! May we rise together in unity, hope, and love for our beloved country and support the ARREST AGENDA.
Long Live Liberia!
Long live Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. My Prezo.
Long Live the Spirit of Independence; Together Towards a Brighter Future!
Consistency!
One Day, One Day.
- Amos F. Gbowah (Alias One Day, One Day)
BA, Criminal Justice Administration, AME Zion University. Monrovia, Liberia
Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Intelligence, Ethics and Compliance, Doyen Institute of Intelligence and Investigation, Accra, Ghana.
Certificate, Cybersecurity Investigation.
Cand. Msc, International Shipping and Port Management, Berlin University, Germany (online)
Cand. LLB, Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia.
