Liberia Makes Vital Breakthrough -Minister Jerolimek Piah Celebrates MCC Compact

By George C. Flomo

MONROVIA – Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah has described Liberia’s renewed eligibility for the MCC compact as a vital breakthrough for national development, particularly in the areas of energy and road infrastructure.

Speaking Tuesday this week, he clarified, however, that this does not guarantee automatic funding but allows the country to begin developing a proposal that addresses critical economic constraints.

Being reaffirmed for eligibility means we can now craft a compact proposal to the MCC Board for approval, he said, adding that if successful, this could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in development financing.

He dismissed negative commentary circulating on social media regarding the MCC process, stating that such criticisms were based on misinformation.

“Liberia is ahead of many nations in this compact journey,” he asserted.

Switching from policy to reflection, Minister Piah recalled Liberia’s difficult history, referencing the eruption of civil conflict in 1990.

He praised the resilience of Liberians and emphasized the need to safeguard the nation’s peace.

“We must never take peace for granted,” he said.

Piah Tuesday statement were tied into the government’s official declaration of Wednesday, July 30, as a National Day of Prayer, to be observed as a public holiday across the country.

Reading from a proclamation signed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Minister Piah said the day is intended for solemn spiritual reflection, national healing, and prayer.

“This is not a day for partying or celebration,” the Minister stressed. “It is a moment of unity in prayer and submission to God for guidance, protection, and reconciliation.”

Addressing public concerns about the legality of the holiday, Minister Piah clarified that the President acted within the law.

“A one-time declaration of a national holiday is entirely within the powers of the President,” he said. “Only permanent or recurring holidays require legislative approval.”

He also conveyed a message from President Boakai, who expressed deep gratitude to Liberians at home and abroad for their enthusiastic participation in the 178th Independence Day celebrations.

“I was moved by the overwhelming display of unity and joy both in Liberia and the diaspora,” the President said. “From Monrovia to communities in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Egypt, Liberians demonstrated they are ready to move forward with dignity and hope.”

President Boakai described the National Day of Prayer as an opportunity for the country to realign with its moral compass and renew its collective vision for peace, unity, and progress.

After the proclamation was made, several Liberians, including stakeholders, government officials gathered in their places of worship in commemorating the National Day of Prayer to pray for the national peace and stability of the country.

Preparing for the moment of national reflection, citizens gathered in their places of worship, churches, mosques, homes, and communities to seek divine intervention—not just in words, but through action and renewed commitment to a better future the country.

Minister Piah also sighted his own experience after washing a shot Facebook video about a Ghanaian lady who wished to be a Liberian, after following the Independence Day celebration of Liberia. 

He also point out the spectacle of Davido, a well-known Nigerian musician in the United States displaying Liberia Independence in the country national color.

The information Minister described “great musician icon’ who, he said, was “dressed up in your national color to help celebrate the Lone Star nation”, something he noted was a sign that everyone should embrace and be proud of.

He urged Liberia to get rid of petty criticism and unit to move the nation forward.

Meanwhile, on foreign engagements, Minister Piah reported that Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, representing Liberia at the African Union Food Systems Dialogue. 

He said, the Vice President is sharing Liberia’s plan to revamp its agricultural systems using climate-smart techniques and inclusive governance models.

High-level meetings are also expected with the AU Chairperson, the President of Ethiopia, and other development partners to attract investment in the country’s agriculture sector.

He also used the occasion to highlight alignment in the government, the coordination between the President and the Vice President.

The journey that the VP is on is for Presidents, Minister Piah, said noting that because of the integrity of the government officials, the president is free to send his Vice President on any engagement.