‘Our Democracy Thrives When Pillars In Tanten’ -Speaker Koffa Tells ALJA, Cites Polarization a Challenge

The battle to pull Liberia out of its socioeconomic and political stagnation continues unabated as one group of political leaders after another endeavors to play a part and leave a laudable legacy. The Liberian Legislature, particularly the House of Representatives, is key to achieving the long-sought transformation needed by the country. The current House of Representatives, fondly called the ‘people’s duties” is headed by Grand Kru Senator Jonathan Fonati Koffa who, in a statement delivered in the United States last week, requested that all hands be on deck, including those of journalists, in meeting the country’s intractable woes of underdevelopment and polarization. THE ANALYST reports.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 55th Legislature says “today, Liberia stands at a critical juncture in its governance and development,” having endured decades of hardship and still struggling to balance the aspirations of a people yearning for economic prosperity with the limitations of an evolving political landscape.

“In the Legislature where I serve as Speaker, we are constantly faced with tough choices,” the House Speaker said at a conference of the Association for Liberian Journalists in the Americas”. “We represent divergent political ideologies, but our mandate is clear: we must work in the interest of all Liberians, regardless of their party affiliations.”

The House Speaker acknowledged that this is no easy task in a polarized environment but he has endeavored along with others to seek taking pragmatic positions, ones that strive to balance partisanship with the greater good of our people.

“Sometimes, that means taking a middle road, one that may not please everyone, but that ensures the stability and growth of our country,” he said. “It is a position that often requires sacrifice, compromise, and, above all, vision.”

He continued: “But I cannot do this alone. Our democracy thrives when its pillars—the executive, the judiciary, the legislature, and the media—work in tandem for the greater good. In this, you, the journalists of ALJA, play an indispensable role.”

Koffa reflected on Liberia’s rich potentials, stating that “our country is blessed with natural beauty, rich culture, and untapped economic potential” but also warned that while the role of a watchdog remains vital, “ALJA can and should also play a crucial part in marketing Liberia to the world.”

“You have the reach, the platform, and the influence to change the narrative about our nation,” he told ALJA, the conference conveners, indicating further that Liberia is not just a place of challenges—it is an emerging African travel destination, a land of opportunity, and a beacon for investment in sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism, and renewable energy.

“By amplifying this message,” he said, “ALJA can contribute directly to the economic prosperity of Liberia. We need to shift our focus from merely holding leaders accountable to building the kind of nation that attracts investors, tourists, and innovators. When the world sees Liberia as a place of potential rather than just a place of problems, we all benefit—especially the Liberian people.”

He challenged the diasporic Liberian journalists to broaden their mission; to continue to stand as advocates for justice and accountability, but also become ambassadors for Liberia’s future.

The Grand Kru Representative called on the journalist group to partner with the government, private sector, and international stakeholders to showcase the progress Liberia is making and the potential that lies ahead.

“Advocate for policies that improve the business environment and encourage entrepreneurship, and use your networks to promote Liberia on the global stage,” he said. “We must recognize that Liberia’s economic prosperity is tied to the strength of its global partnerships.”

“ALJA has the power to build those bridges, not only through activism but also through collaboration and strategic communication. Your role is no longer just to shine a light on Liberia’s governance issues; it is to illuminate its possibilities,”

Together, the House speaker urged, “let us work toward a Liberia where good governance, accountability, and economic opportunity walk hand in hand. Let us envision a future where the freedoms we have fought for are matched by economic progress that uplifts every Liberian.”

Thank you, and may God bless the work of ALJA, the people of Liberia, and our shared futu

However, as the local media has risen to meet these challenges, I believe it is time for ALJA to evolve. ALJA has long been a critical voice in applying pressure to Liberian leaders. You have spoken truth to power, challenged injustices, and reminded those in authority of their sacred duty to the people they serve. But today, Liberia needs more from you. It needs you to join other diaspora organizations in promoting Liberia as an investment destination, as a nation on the rise.