MONROVIA – At the bare edge of his first six-year term, with people now counting mere months and weeks to tenure expiry, President George Manneh Weah still appears to be what he has long been from the onset of his political journey 17 years going: a human magnet. He has seemingly concretely defied the rusting nature of time, and is going all out with his popularity intact amongst citizens. Even while on his way to cabinet retreat in the Northern City of Ganta through the Central City of Gbarnga, the Liberian leader’s convoy got submerged into pools of humans—citizens of the country’s population belt showing love and respect, perhaps a premature overt endorsement of his leadership. But also underlying the immense display of solidarity was the lucrative development hand that President has shown in those areas, and he took some time to dedicate that ones that are already completed. The Analyst’s Elijah K. Gbarweay who arrived in Ganta last evening to cover the Cabinet Retreat, reports.
In what appears to be an attempt by his administration to take Liberia out of Monrovia, President George Manneh Weah is his entire cabinet to the northernmost parts of Liberia to look back at the progress and challenges of Government in a bid to reset governance for the last part of his first tenure.
The President and entourage left Monrovia on Saturday, July 9, 2022 for Ganta, Nimba where he and his entire cabinet will be brainstorming for four days on the implementation status of the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD).
Whirling their way through Kakata City in Margibi County, Gbarnga, Bong County, and Ganta, Nimba, President Weah received tumultuous welcome from the people who lined the principal streets, chanting pro-Weah slogans and displaying placards that clearly depicted their intentions for a Weah second term support.
Making a brief stop in Kakata City, Margibi County, President Weah, having received a rapturous welcome from the people, headed for the Administrative Building where he cut the ribbon to the refurbished Ministry of Transport sub-office that will be involved in the issuance of drivers’ licenses and vehicle license plates.
Testing the decentralization of public services, President Weah went through the process that saw him being issued a new driver’s license and a newly-minted license plate, under the aegis of Transport Minister Samuel Wulue who supervised the entire process.
Later, President Weah and entourage made another brief stop in Gbarnga where citizens again lined the principal streets with pro-government placards, chanting “We want Weah! We want Weah!” as a marching band serenaded the crowd to the tune of the latest now-famous “Buga” music.
Welcoming President Weah and team to Gbarnga, the Paramount Chief of Salala District, Madam Mary Larteh, thanked the Liberian leader for rescuing the people of Bong County and other rural parts of the country.
“We are happy. As you come, this is the land,” Madam Larteh said, presenting a bowl of uncooked ‘country rice ‘and kola nuts to President Weah.
“This is the rice we eat. We are praying for your success to help the local people to get more food to eat. What you are doing in the counties, especially Bong, we say thank you. This is our land. The land we promised you is still available here.”
Commenting on his social media page about the show of affection towards President Weah and his entourage as they travelled from Kakata, Gbanga and onward to Ganta, Presidential Aide Sekou Kalasco Damaro said the rapturous welcome exemplified the citizens’ love for President Weah in appreciation of the numerous development projects his government is undertaking in Liberia.
President George Weah used the occasion to tour the PYJ Polytechnic University College in Ganta Nimba County where the celebration of Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s 70th birth anniversary was held.
During the morning hours following his regular “training exercises” in Ganta, and as part of the Cabinet Retreat, the President and officials yesterday, Sunday, had a thanksgiving and prayer service at the United Liberia Inland Church.
The Retreat, which kicks off Monday, July 11, 2022 will be held under the theme, “Pushing Forward for a Better Liberia.” It is the first since this year and the third since the incumbency of the CDC-led administration in 2018.
Day one of the Retreat will feature discussions and presentations on the implementation status of the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD), zooming specifically on the National Economy, Revenue Generation, Aid Management and Coordination, and the President’s 2022 Legislative Agenda.
The remaining days of the Retreat will place particular focus and emphasis on accountability and transparency issues in government, while Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) will report to the President on their achievements and plans.
President Weah is also expected to hold separate meetings with Ministries, Agencies and Commissions (MACs).
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Liberia Revenue Authority, Legal Advisor to the President, General Auditing Commission, Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, Internal Auditing Agency, and Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission will provide professional and technical insights on the various thematic topics.
On the final day of the Retreat, the Liberian Leader will specifically lead discussions and presentations on coordination and teamwork and will also provide insight on his objectives for the remaining 17 months of his first term.
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