‘Putting People Before Power’ -Senator Saah Joseph Raps on Mantra of Emerging PAP

By George C Flomo 

Montserrado County Senator Saah H. Joseph, a high ranking official of the proposed newly established People’s Action Party (PAP), says the new party is committed to putting “people before power” and would be offering practical solutions to Liberia’s social, economic and political challenges.

Speaking Monday on the OK Morning Rush with Clarence Jackson, Senator Joseph said PAP is completing its registration process with the National Elections Commission (NEC) and will begin nationwide membership drives.

He clarified that he is not the party’s leader but will be among its early members once official documents are finalized.

“The People’s Action Party will not wait until 2029 to deliver,” Senator Joseph declared. “We will not insult leadership or wish for government to fail. Instead, we will present alternative solutions and work with government because when the government succeeds, the people succeed.”

Joseph explained that the PAP draws its name and inspiration from Singapore’s ruling party, which has governed since 1954 and transformed the small nation into a global economic power.

“Liberia once contributed to Singapore when it was struggling, but today Singapore is far ahead of us,” Joseph noted. “We want to study their success story, engage with them, and see how we can apply those lessons here.”

He said the party has already established chapters in the United States, Canada, and Australia, and Liberians in Europe have expressed interest in joining.

Its founding chair is Ami Sharif, a Liberian with international experience at the UN and in Washington, DC, he also revealed.

Senator Joseph stressed that PAP will prioritize people-centered policies, avoid divisive politics, and focus on practical governance.

Among its proposals is mobilizing Liberian-owned businesses to manage major national assets such as Buchanan Port, instead of leaving them to foreign companies.

“We should make Liberians millionaires,” Joseph argued. “Why can’t we empower our own people to take control of key resources rather than always relying on foreign investors?”

He revealed that while in the United States, PAP representatives developed proposals based on the Boakai administration’s ARREST Agenda and submitted them to potential investors.

“Some companies have already responded positively, and due diligence is ongoing,” he said.

Beyond Politics

Senator Joseph emphasized that PAP does not intend to operate like a typical opposition party.

Instead of waiting for elections, he said, the party will work with the government to address pressing national issues, particularly health and education.

He warned that Liberia’s health sector faces an “emergency” as international aid continues to decline, including the USAID-supported health and school feeding programs.

“If we don’t fix the health system in the next 10 to 20 years, our generation will not survive,” Joseph cautioned. “This is beyond politics. As lawmakers, we must even consider cutting our own benefits to support critical programs that keep our people alive.”

Asked whether PAP would hold government accountable, Joseph replied that the party would speak truth but “not in a negative form.” Instead, it would provide constructive engagement.

“Our responsibility is not to talk too much or to tear government down,” he said. “Our responsibility is to deliver and to create opportunities.”

Joseph also dismissed speculation about his personal political ambitions, including a possible vice-presidential bid. “The issue on the table is not about positions,” he insisted. “It’s about bread and butter for the Liberian people.”

As PAP awaits full accreditation from NEC, Joseph says the movement is opening its doors to all Liberians.

“No one owns PAP,” he concluded. “It belongs to the people, and together we can chart a new course for Liberia.