Liberia: Weah Promises Health, Education Volunteers Full Employment
President Weah speaking at his CDC headquarters on Wednesday, 25 October
— As Runoff approaches, vows to accelerate efforts to ensure traditional leaders are placed on government payroll
In preparation for the presidential runoff, President George M. Weah has made several promises regarding the employment and support of volunteer health and educational workers in Liberia. He acknowledged the need for healthcare and educational reform in the country and has committed to placing all current volunteers on the government payroll by January 2024.
President Weah acknowledged that while the salaries of medical doctors were increased at the beginning of his presidency, this was not extended to all public sector workers, including clinical health workers, nurses, midwives, physician assistants, lab technicians, security personnel, and teachers. He expressed his intent to implement appropriate salary increments for all public sector workers performing critical services, ensuring improved working conditions and wages that align with the country's economic conditions.
“I am announcing the end of voluntary workers’ programs both in the health and education sectors. All health workers and teachers currently volunteering will be placed on the payroll beginning January 2024,” Weah said at the headquarters of the Coalition for Democratic Change on Wednesday at a program intended to appreciate his supporters.
He spoke of his government’s efforts to put voluntary teachers on the public payroll, with the goal of closing the teacher gap and further hiring additional teachers. In addition, the government plans to subsidize public school fees, including registration and graduation fees, and explore a tuition-free policy for grades 1-6 in all public schools. The implementation of a nationwide cadet program for young graduates is also part of their campaign promise.
Additionally, President Weah expressed his desire to include traditional leaders on the government payroll and emphasized his determination to lead Liberia into a brighter future, continuing the work of the CDC-led government and building a stronger, more prosperous nation.
President Weah also discussed plans to expand the capacity of the Liberia Electricity Corporation, promote industrialization, and create more job opportunities. He highlighted the reconstitution of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and his commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability in government.
Addressing concerns about livelihood, employment conditions of civil servants, and youth empowerment, President Weah pledged to empower integrity institutions such as the IAA and the LACC, with a focus on enhancing their collaboration in the fight against corruption. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to the Liberian people for their peaceful participation in the elections and affirmed his dedication to consolidating Liberia's democratic credentials.
“We will similarly continue to empower every integrity institution, including the IAA and the LACC, while making sure that they work together to move the fight against corruption to a new level. We will also double our efforts to address concerns about livelihood, employment conditions of civil servants, and youth empowerment,” Weah said.
“Your dedication to our democracy and the peaceful exercise of your right to vote is a testament to the strength of our nation. I must commend the National Election Commission for their tireless efforts in successfully implementing this massive democratic endeavor in a peaceful, credible, fair, and transparent manner,” Weah said.
“I pledge to continue working tirelessly to do so if the privilege of another six-year mandate is granted to me. To all Liberians who participated in the exercise of their constitutional right to vote, I want to thank you for helping to consolidate our democratic credentials as a nation,” he said.
Looking ahead to his potential second term, President Weah outlined plans to prioritize the completion of Liberia's road infrastructure, ensuring the capital is connected to every nearby county through fully paved roads. He also emphasized the government's commitment to growing the economy, providing more jobs, and supporting sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and small and medium enterprises.
“We will continue to grow our economy in order to provide more jobs for Liberians, including creating jobs in the small and medium enterprises sectors and in key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing,” he said.
He continued: “As a start, we will re-examine the Beach & Waterways Program and bring it back under the supervision of the Liberia Maritime Authority. This is intended to abolish the ad hoc approach that has affected this crucial program, which is a source of income for thousands of young people.”
President Weah acknowledged instances of violence during the campaign period and emphasized the need for national reconciliation, healing, and sustaining peace in the country. Regarding the recent violent incidents in Foya, Lofa County, and Somalia Drive in Monrovia, President Weah assured that the security forces have made arrests, and investigations are ongoing.
The event where President Weah made these commitments was attended by prominent members of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), including First Lady Clar Marie Weah, Vice President Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Bhofal Chambers, Liberia's Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, former Liberia Maritime Authority Commissioner Lenn Eugene Nagbe, CDC party chairman Mulbah Morlu Jr., and others.