Liberians Honor Legacy of Kromah

-Leaders hail integrity, national service

In a solemn yet reflective gathering marked by tributes, political introspection, and calls for national unity, Liberians from diverse political, professional, and community backgrounds assembled Wednesday, February 11, to honor the life and legacy of Professor Alhaji G. V. Kromah. The memorial service, held at the ALCOP Operational Office—commonly known as the Aluminum Factory—along Somalia Drive in Gardnerville, celebrated a public servant whose career traversed journalism, academia, government, diplomacy, sports administration, and transitional leadership. Speakers described him as a principled intellectual and patriot whose life embodied honesty, compassion, and commitment to democratic governance during some of Liberia’s most consequential historical periods.  THE ANALYST reports.

Organizers said the public memorial and legacy celebration was intended to bring together Liberians across political, ethnic, and religious lines to reflect on a life defined by public service and national commitment.

Kromah served in several senior government roles, including Special Assistant to then Vice President Bennie D. Warner, Assistant Minister of Information under President William R. Tolbert, Director-General of the Liberia Broadcasting System in 1982, and later Minister of Information under President Samuel K. Doe in 1984.

In academia, he chaired the Mass Communications Department at the University of Liberia, mentoring generations of journalists and shaping professional media practice in the country. He also served as vice chairman of the Council of State of the Liberian National Transitional Government, helping guide the country through a fragile post-conflict transition.

Fahnbulleh Highlights Honesty, Compassion, Humility

Dr. H. Boimah Fahnbulleh

Delivering the keynote reflection, Dr. H. Boimah Fahnbulleh described three defining characteristics of the late statesman: honesty, compassion, and dignity in both victory and defeat.

“Honesty is the only subject that is not taught in any university in the world,” Fahbulleh said. “No matter how good the university is, they do not teach a course called honesty. It has to be born in you.”

He recalled Kromah’s generosity and openness, noting that “what little food he had, he would share with you,” adding that this quality endeared him to many.

Fahnbulleh also recounted an incident during the 1996 conflict when Kromah warned him of imminent danger and insisted he leave for safety. “God does not come down to say to you get out; I am saying to you get out,” Fahbulleh quoted Kromah as telling him.

On political character, Fahnbulleh said Kromah handled victory and defeat with equal composure. “The greatness of a man comes in defeat and victory,” he said, noting that Kromah neither boasted in triumph nor acted bitterly in loss.

He urged Liberians to resist dishonesty and corruption, appealing to national leaders to ensure accountability. “Go after these rascals,” he said, in reference to alleged public corruption, while emphasizing that history would ultimately judge leaders by their integrity.

Tributes from Political, Civic Leaders

Lusinee F. Kamara described Kromah as “a bridge between generations, between communities, between ideas,” adding that his voice carried “the conscience of Liberia.”

“Leadership is not about power, but about service,” Kamara said, noting that Kromah believed in dialogue over discord and national cohesion over division.

Commany B. Wesseh reflected on working alongside Kromah during peace negotiations, including meetings in Liberia, Abuja, and Geneva. “There was always a friend, a comrade on the other side that I could talk with,” Wesseh said, describing him as one who fought for justice in multiple forms.

Unity Party Secretary General Amos Tweh characterized Kromah as “a man of many chapters” whose life spanned journalism, public service, and political leadership. Tweh noted that Kromah viewed information as a tool to educate, stabilize, and unite society, particularly during his tenure as Minister of Information and Director-General of the Liberia Broadcasting System.

CMC Musa Bility emphasized unity within the community, urging Liberians not to allow politics to divide them. “Let Alhaj unite us,” Bility said. “Let his spirit keep us together.”

CDC Chairman Janga Kowo placed Kromah’s legacy within the context of contemporary political developments, raising concerns about what he termed hypocrisy within Liberia’s political class. He questioned whether the root causes of the civil war had been fully addressed and called on intellectuals to “speak truth” and confront injustice.

Broad Participation

The program drew a wide cross-section of attendees, including former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, NPA Managing Director Sekou Dukuly, Senator Amara Konneh, Serenius Cephus, Karbeneh Jarneh, intellectuals, students, political party leaders, and current and former government officials.

Organizers said seating was provided on a first-come, first-served basis and that established protocols of remembrance were observed.

The event was organized by the Professor Alhaji G. V. Kromah Memorial Service and Legacy Celebration Group.