Poised to Restore Dignity To Executive Mansion -Stevquoah Unveils Vision for Ministry of State at Confirmation

MONROVIA – In a nation where leadership is often defined by grandeur and power, here comes Samuel A. Stevquoah, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs-designate, whose nomination is widely considered a breath of fresh air. Born into a polygamous family with 16 siblings and raised by five mothers, Stevquoah’s humble beginnings have instilled in him the values of hard work, humility, and resilience. As he prepares to take the reins of the Ministry of State, Stevquoah tells his life story before a committee of senators, a testament to the power of determination and public service. With a vision to restore dignity to the Executive Mansion and improve the lives of Liberians, Stevquoah’s confirmation, some commentators say, would mark a new chapter in the palace of the Liberian presidency, the Ministry of State, and beyond. The Analyst reports.

Hon. Samuel A. Stevquoah, nominee for Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, yesterday appeared before the Senate Committee on Confirmations, outlining his vision for the critical ministry.

Stevquoah expressed gratitude to President Joseph Boakai for entrusting him with the responsibility, describing the honor as a profound responsibility.

“I want to express my gratitude to the president for his confidence reposed in me by nominating me to serve as the Minster of State for Presidential Affairs also the Chief of his Staff,” he said. “And this to me is a very profound honor and such of responsibility that I really do not take likely. I am deeply humble by the opportunity to serve my country at the time when the call to national renewal is very loud and very clear from the president.”

He also extolled the confirmation committee for convening the hearing which afforded him the opportunity to appear before them.

“The Senate has a very long tradition of being guidance, accountability, the promoter of good governance, and the defender sound public service,” he noted. “Your work honorable members of the Committee is to ensure that those who are entrusted with national responsibility like myself come and stand before you to articulate the higher standard and making sure that they have integrity, that they competent, and that they love this country.”

He used the occasion to pay tribute to his predecessor, the late Hon. Sylvester N. Grigsby, whom he described his mentor and friend, and whose legacy he pledged to uphold.

He said: “I consider him as a mentor, a teacher, and someone that I was really privileged to call a friend. His wisdom, his humanity, and the quiet strength had left a deep impression on all of those who work with him including me. His sudden passing was a painful reminder of the fragility of life, and also the lasting impact that life can make in various order.”

As the would-be chief of staff to the President emphasized the need for collaboration, discipline, and performance within the Office of the President.

“Again, Mr. Chairman and Honorable members of the Committee, the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs is the office of the President and the Minister occupies a central role in functioning of the Executive Branch,” he acknowledged, adding that it “serves as the principle coordinating organ of the presidency ensuring that the president vision, the president directive, and his priorities are clearly translated into effect across the nation.”

“The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs must serve as the conductor of an orchestra, ensuring that every instrument of the Executive functions properly and in perfect harmony to fulfill the President’s agenda,” he continued.

Stevquoah’s personal reflections also shone through in his statement, as he paid tribute to his mothers, who he credited with instilling in him the values of hard work, humility, and respect for others.

He recalled his mother, Mamie Wrightyor, teaching him the dignity of labor, and Ma Richael, who exemplified poise and grace under hardship.

He also remembered Ma Noah, who taught him that being Kpelleh means being humble and smart, and Ma Martha, who showed him the importance of respecting tradition and welcoming strangers.

Stevquoah’s tribute to his Kru mother, Ma Victoria, who loved cooking pepper, was particularly poignant, as he recalled her advice: “In life, some things are sweet, but those things can also burn you going in and coming out, so never overlook anything.”

On the renovation of the Executive Mansion, Stevquoah pledged to complete the project, describing it as a symbol of national pride and unity.

According to him, the office of the president should reflect this very value that the president stands for, those values include humanity, integrity, service, and result.

“Together with my team members, we will work together to make sure that the president vision is clear and consistent, and that message is distributed around this country,” he said.

He vowed also work collaboratively with the colleague across the cabinet to strengthen coordination to enhance accountability and ensure that the government operates as a single internal structure within the Ministry of State.

He also emphasized the need to restore other public buildings in Monrovia, improve the working environment for civil servants, and enhance public confidence in state institutions.

Stevquoah reassured the senators about the president’s vision, his restoration plan, that will not just be from assertive value, but be as a part of a broader effort to revitalize the Capitol City to improve the working environment of civil servants and restore public confidence in the State ability to maintain public institutions.

“Mr. Chairman. I am fully aware that the road ahead will not be without challenges,” the Minister of State-designate further noted, but maintained that workers reform, coordination, and modernization is demanding, that the he would comfort in the knowledge that with “your confidence, and your support and with the leadership of our president and with the dedication of the team, I will be working with, those goals can and will be achieved.”

If confirmed, Stevquoah pledged to work with diligence, humanity, and patriotism, ensuring that the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs operates at peak efficiency.

The Senate Committee is expected to deliberate on his nomination soon.