By H. Matthew Turry
The Alternative National Congress (ANC) has successfully concluded its 4th National Convention under the theme, “A Real Alternative for Liberia.” The event brought together delegates, partisans, and supporters from across Liberia and the diaspora to promote peace, reconciliation, and progress, while electing new leadership to steer the party’s future.
Held from October 3 to 5, 2025, at the City Hall in Kakata, Margibi County, the convention featured vibrant participation and key decisions, including the adoption of the party’s revised constitution in the presence of official observers.
During the convention, Mr. Alexander B. Cummings was re-elected as Political Leader of the ANC, while Atty. Lafayette E. O. Gould was elected National Chairman. Other elected officials include:
Nimba County Representative Taa Wongbe – Vice Chair for Administration, Victoria Koiquah – Vice Chair for Political Affairs,Musa B.M. Swaray – Vice Chair for Inter-Party Affairs, Desmond Ujay Nimely – Secretary General, Alieu Kiadii – Youth Chair, Lawrence Spencer – Youth Vice Chair, and Obediah Sundaygar – Youth Secretary General
In his keynote address, Mr. Cummings emphasized the ANC’s commitment to being more than just a political party, declaring, “We are the real alternative and the answer for all Liberians—a party where everybody is somebody.”
He pledged to end the failures of past and present leadership by delivering good governance and sustainable economic growth, with a strong focus on job creation. “Fellow partisans, we have work to do and sacrifices to make if we truly want to reduce the suffering of the Liberian people,” he said.
Cummings highlighted the daily struggles faced by ordinary Liberians, noting, “Too many go to bed hungry, struggle to send their children to school, pay rent, or access medical care. It is for these Liberians that we are fighting.”
He further stated, “We are fighting to reduce inequality in a country where a few benefits from our natural resources while the majority suffer. Liberia is too rich for its people to be so poor.”
Calling for competent leadership, he stressed the need for leaders who can manage the economy and create jobs. “We graduate thousands of young people from universities, yet there are no jobs for them,” he said. “What we offer is leadership that understands how to create jobs, attract foreign direct investment, and build an enabling environment for Liberian businesses to thrive.”
Cummings also invoked the metaphor of Liberia’s economic “bowl of rice,” promising to expand it so that every Liberian can partake without discrimination. He underscored the ANC’s vision of empowering youth and women and called on partisans to remain energized and committed.
“To deliver this future, we need a revitalized party. Every partisan must believe we can win—and be willing to do the work and make sacrifices,” he urged.
Concluding his remarks, Cummings said, “In these trying times, the ANC must rise as a beacon of hope. As we depart from this historic convention in Kakata, let us do so united and reinvigorated.”
