“We Will Deliver” -Minister Stevequoh Vows Team Work

MONROVIA – The current political dispensation entered a new epoch yesterday when the newly commissioned Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff, Samuel A. Stevquoah, speaking on behalf of his colleagues delivered a powerful message of commitment, transparency, and action, promising to usher in a new era of focused governance in support of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.’s vision for Liberia.

Speaking at his commissioning ceremony within the historic Executive Mansion, Minister Stevquoah emphasized that his appointment, along with his colleagues’, is not merely a formality but a “sacred obligation” and a “covenant” with the Liberian people.

Minister Stevquoah acknowledged the deep yearning of the Liberian populace for change, dignity, and responsive leadership. He referenced the President’s life journey as a metaphor for the enduring hope of the people, stating the new team is fully aware of the public’s demands: “Our people were yearning for a government that listens. A government that acts. A government that delivers.”

The Minister made a clear pledge on behalf of the new appointees anchored on key pillars including a commitment to transparency and upholding the values of integrity and humility, pledging to work as a team and to approach their duties with professionalism, the crucial shift “from promises to results and from vision to implementation”.

“We stand here with full awareness that public service is not just a privilege, but a sacred obligation. Liberia has entrusted us with her future, and we must honor that trust with our actions, our character, and our performance.”

He thanked the President on behalf of his colleagues for being thought enough to select them to serve in his government and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them.

“On behalf of my colleagues, I want to express our deepest gratitude to you, Your Excellency, for the trust you have placed in us. You did not choose us casually. You chose us thoughtfully. You chose us prayerfully. And you chose us with the conviction that Liberia deserves its very best.

We are also aware that this commissioning is not simply an appointment. It is a reminder that

God has entrusted us with a sacred responsibility. It is an invitation to rise above ourselves, to rise above personal ambition, and to rise toward the higher purpose of nation building.

Your Excellency, as we enter this new chapter, we do so with the understanding that Liberia stands at a crossroads that demands courage, clarity, and character”, he said.

Stevquoah stressed that the team’s primary focus is to support the President in delivering the change that Liberians voted for. He praised President Boakai’s leadership, which he said “continues to inspire confidence,” and pledged to emulate his example that “leadership is service.”

Addressing his fellow appointees, the Chief of Office Staff challenged them to rise above their individual interest, forget about their different counties and backgrounds, and muster the spirit of unity and purpose to deliver for the president the tasks assigned to them.

“To my colleagues, let me say this. And yes, I know we may come from different counties, backgrounds, and professions, but today we rise as one team. The success of the President is our success. The progress of Liberia is our shared responsibility. Let us work with respect for one another. Let us communicate with honesty. Let us support one another. And let us always remember that we are servants of the people”, he said.

In a direct appeal to the citizens, Minister Stevquoah asked for the nation’s ongoing involvement, stating, “We ask for your prayers, your guidance, and your support. Hold us accountable.“

The speech ended on a hopeful note, celebrating the talent, hope, and potential of Liberia, and concluding the team is “ready” to take on the challenge of national building.

Mr. Stevequoh, had earlier paid glowing homage to his predecessor, the late Sylvester M. Grisby who died in the course of this year, whose death according to him was still hard to deal with given the fact that “less than two years ago, he stood at the very podium and you performed similar ceremonies”, adding, “his contributions to your administration are etched in the history of this and past governments”

The veteran Liberian journalist was not chosen to take up the exalted position. For 12 years, he served as the Chief of Office Staff to President Boakai when he served as Vice President from 2006 to 2018. He continued to loyally serve Mr. Boakai out of the Vice Presidency, this time at the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Foundation where he demonstrated a high degree of sincerity, honesty and commitment to duty. When the President was inaugurated, Stevequoh was one of the loyalists brought to the Executive Mansion as Minister of State for Special Duties, the position he held until the demise of his immediate boss, the late Grisby. It was therefore not a coincidence that he was chosen to fill the very important position.