Joseph Boakai: Liberia's President-Elect to Succeed George Weah

Joseph Boakai, a 78-year-old opposition candidate, has emerged as the winner of Liberia's closely contested presidential election. The incumbent president has congratulated him on his victory. Boakai defeated former football star George Weah in the tightest poll since the country's civil war ended. Despite being known as "Sleepy Joe" for reportedly falling asleep at official events, Boakai has promised to restore hope in Liberia and prevent the country from deteriorating further. Having served as vice-president under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for 12 years, he is no stranger to running a country. Boakai will officially start his term in January 2024. During the previous 2017 elections, Boakai famously referred to himself as a "race car parked in a garage," expressing his desire to do more as vice-president. His website lists numerous achievements, including championing community colleges and reconciling disputes in Liberia. However, his most significant accomplishment was maintaining peace during his tenure, following nearly 15 years of war. Boakai was born in a remote village called Worsonga in Liberia's northernmost county. His parents, who were illiterate, instilled in him the importance of education. He studied in Sierra Leone before completing a business administration degree at the University of Liberia. Boakai's journey to the presidency was long and challenging, driven by his determination to improve the lives of millions of Liberians living in poverty, facing disease, ignorance, and insecurity. Throughout his career, Boakai has demonstrated his commitment to development projects. In his old village, he personally financed the construction of a seven-mile road and contributed to the establishment of a school and clinic for the community. He also played a crucial role in decentralizing agriculture to create regional hubs, ultimately supporting the country's subsistence farmers. In this election, Boakai's campaign focused on agriculture and accusing Weah's administration of mismanagement. He pledged to fight corruption, boost agricultural production, lower food costs, and improve infrastructure, particularly the country's roads. Boakai promised to investigate the reasons behind high food prices and support farmers to leverage Liberia's agricultural potential. Now, as the president-elect, Boakai is ready to take on the challenges facing Liberia. He envisions a country that Liberians can call their own, free from corruption, and characterized by progress and development. Boakai's dedication and determination offer hope for millions of Liberians longing for a brighter future.