Monrovia — Nearly two years into the Unity Party–led administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung has acknowledged that job creation remains one of the government’s most pressing challenges.
By Obediah Johnson
Despite ongoing efforts, VP Koung admitted that the government has not been able to promptly provide adequate employment opportunities for Liberians, citing structural and economic constraints.
The Vice President made the admission Monday, January 12, during the opening of the Third Session of the 55th National Legislature on Capitol Hill. Koung, who also serves as President of the Liberian Senate, said the government is taking deliberate steps to tackle unemployment, though progress will take time.
According to him, the full execution of the over US$1.2 billion national development budget for the current fiscal year is aimed at creating an enabling environment for both domestic and foreign investment, expanding access to reliable electricity, revitalizing large-scale agriculture, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering conditions for a vibrant private sector.
He cautioned, however, that these measures are not immediate fixes.
“These efforts are not overnight solutions, but they are necessary foundations for long-term prosperity,” VP Koung said.
“We acknowledge, with honesty and humility, that job creation remains one of our greatest national challenges. But deliberate and sustained efforts are underway,” he added.
Commitment to ARREST Agenda
VP Koung assured Liberians that President Boakai remains fully committed to the ARREST Agenda, a development framework designed to transform lives, restore public confidence in state institutions, and build a resilient, inclusive economy.
Commending the Opposition
The Vice President also commended opposition lawmakers for playing their constitutional role in holding the government accountable, noting that democracy thrives on scrutiny and dissent when exercised constructively.
“A strong democracy requires vigilance and accountability,” he said. “But accountability is most powerful when it is constructive—rooted in dialogue, evidence, policy debate, and love for country.”
He warned against what he described as politics driven by personal attacks, false allegations, and destructive rhetoric.
“Our people deserve better. Our democracy demands better,” he said.
Call for Focus and Discipline
Turning to members of the ruling party, VP Koung urged them to remain focused, disciplined, and humble, emphasizing that leadership should be measured by tangible results rather than promises.
“Governance must remain people-centered, results-driven, and responsive to the everyday realities of our citizens,” he said.
He reminded lawmakers that Liberians are watching closely.
“They are not asking for perfection; they are asking for sincerity, cooperation, and progress,” Koung said. “They want us to rise above politics as usual and govern with purpose.”
Advancing National Renewal
VP Koung expressed hope that the Third Session of the Senate would be remembered as one marked by unity, maturity, and national renewal.
“Let the annals of our nation reflect that Liberia chose dialogue over division, service over self, and nation over party,” he stated.
He said the resumption of the Senate’s work marks another important chapter in Liberia’s democratic journey, reaffirming lawmakers’ responsibility to advance the hopes, dignity, and future of the Liberian people.
“I believe this Senate stands as a pillar of national governance, a guardian of accountability, and a voice of the people,” he added.
Putting Liberia First
The Vice President also highlighted the Senate’s role in passing Liberia’s first national budget exceeding US$1 billion, describing it as more than a financial milestone.
“It was a statement of national intent—signaling that Liberia is ready to think bigger, act decisively, and achieve greater results,” he said.
VP Koung called on senators, regardless of political affiliation, to collaborate in crafting policies and laws that strengthen governance, deepen democracy, and uphold the rule of law.
He urged lawmakers to view political diversity as a source of strength rather than division, stressing that progress is achieved when Liberia comes first.
