VP Koung Holds Series of Community Engagements -Meets Religious Community, Businesspeople in Nimba During Holiday

MONROVIA – Over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr. returned to Ganta, Nimba County, for a series of engagements that brought together business owners, religious leaders, and community members. The activities combined appreciation events with dialogue on economic participation, governance, and social cohesion, reflecting the intersection of local livelihoods and national leadership. Set against the backdrop of holiday travel and community gatherings, the engagements highlighted the continued role of small businesses and faith institutions in sustaining daily life and promoting peaceful coexistence in Nimba County. Throughout the visits, the Vice President acknowledged contributions made by entrepreneurs and religious communities, while also listening to concerns raised by participants regarding representation and development. The interactions offered a snapshot of informal and structured exchanges between national leaders and local constituencies, emphasizing dialogue as a tool for building trust and reinforcing unity at the community level. The Analyst reports.

Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr. undertook a series of community engagements in Ganta, Nimba County, during the Christmas and New Year season.

The activities brought together members of the business community as well as Christian and Muslim leaders and residents, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on economic participation, social cohesion, and direct community interaction.

The engagements took place against a backdrop of rising expectations for government action on cost-of-living concerns, private-sector growth, and national unity.

Over several days, the Vice President used the occasions to reaffirm government commitments to supporting Liberian entrepreneurs, recognize the role of faith communities in national development, and address issues of inclusion and representation raised by local stakeholders.

The holiday-period interactions combined policy discussion, expressions of appreciation, and community dialogue, offering a snapshot of the administration’s outreach efforts at the local level as Liberia entered 2026.

On Sunday, December 28, 2025, the Vice President hosted an appreciation dinner for members of Ganta’s business community at his farm on the outskirts of Ganta City.

Addressing the gathering, he reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to addressing challenges facing Liberian entrepreneurs and strengthening the local business environment.

Vice President Koung disclosed that the Price Stabilization Committee established by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is expected to submit its report, which will inform consultations with retailers and other key stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of policy measures aimed at protecting and promoting Liberian-owned businesses and reiterated his longstanding advocacy for increased Liberian participation in the retail sector.

He also encouraged foreign investors to focus on production and wholesale activities that expand value chains and create employment opportunities.

The event honored members of Ganta’s diverse business community for what the Vice President described as their steadfast support throughout his public service and political journey.

During the program, Vice President Koung recounted a personal experience from Liberia’s civil conflict in the 1990s, during which a childhood friend, Elijah Elliot, popularly known as “Papa,” intervened to save his life by identifying him as a trader rather than a combatant.

In recognition of that act, the Vice President presented financial support totaling US$10,000 to assist with the expansion of Elliot’s business.

The gathering brought together petty traders, farmers, transport operators, hoteliers, retailers, and other entrepreneurs, whom the Vice President described as forming the economic backbone of Nimba County.

On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Vice President Koung participated in a special appreciation program organized in honor of the Christian community of Ganta. He acknowledged the role of the Church in promoting peace, unity, and moral guidance across Liberia, and reflected on its influence in his personal life and political journey.

The Vice President emphasized the importance of recognizing religious institutions as partners in national development and commended the Christian community for its prayers and spiritual support for Liberia and its leadership. He encouraged continued prayer for national leaders, calling for wisdom, understanding, and commitment in the discharge of public responsibilities.

On Friday, January 2, 2026, Vice President Koung convened a thanksgiving engagement with members of the Muslim community of Nimba County at his farm near Ganta.

He expressed appreciation for the consistent political support rendered by the Muslim community from the 2011 electoral cycle through the 2023 general elections and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unity and inclusive governance.

Speaking to the Muslim community, the Vice President reflected on longstanding collaboration with Muslim-majority communities across Nimba County and noted that mutual trust and sustained engagement contributed to the outcome of the 2023 elections.

He stressed the importance of direct community engagement in strengthening democratic participation.

Vice President Koung highlighted shared values between Islam and Christianity, including peace, compassion, and mutual respect, and called on citizens of all faiths to continue promoting harmony and coexistence in support of national development.

Earlier in the program, Nimba County Chief Imam, Imam Kenneh, spoke on the importance of forgiveness and unity, drawing on Islamic teachings that emphasize mercy, reconciliation, and social cohesion. A community representative raised concerns regarding equitable representation in county-level appointments and local governance.

In response, Vice President Koung acknowledged the concerns and described governance as a collective effort that depends on balance, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.

He assured participants that consultations with national and county authorities are ongoing to promote broader representation based on both support and demonstrated competence.

The engagement concluded with recognition of support staff and the sharing of a communal meal prepared in accordance with halal standards, symbolizing fellowship, mutual respect, and shared national purpose.