President Boakai to Liberians: ‘We are still here in Japan making the case for our dear country’

Amidst growing public concerns and speculation over his whereabouts, Liberia’s President Joseph N. Boakai, has responded, telling his countrymen and women that he is still in Japan, making a case for the good of the people.

The agitations over the Boakai’s whereabouts followed a pronouncement by the Ministry of Information that the Liberian Leader was cutting short his stay in Japan for other engagements.

What may have further sparked questions from Liberian people about the whereabouts of their president, was a statement issued by the Office of Presidential Press Secretary that President Boakai would continue in Japan as previously planned.

Now, the President himself has clarified in a social Media post: “Fellow Liberians, we are still here in Japan making the case for our dear country.”

Liberia’s Independent Probe News, quoted Boakai to have stated in the post:

“Earlier, I met with Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of JICA, to discuss strengthening Liberia–Japan cooperation. 

“I extended my gratitude for Japan’s  ongoing support in infrastructure, agriculture, and health, and highlighted opportunities to expand collaboration under our ARREST Agenda. 

“Dr. Tanaka expressed JICA’s commitment to Liberia, emphasizing continued support for roads, food security, healthcare, and youth empowerment. 

“Together, we pledged to deepen our partnership to deliver sustainable, people-centered development for all Liberians.”

Either on Wedensday, President Boakai met with Dr. Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city with over 3.7 million residents, where the two discussed opportunities for city-to-city cooperation in water supply, waste management, port operations, and technical knowledge transfer.

President Boakai also extended an invitation for him to visit Liberia and engage with major cities, including Monrovia.

“This partnership holds great promise for strengthening Liberia’s maritime position, advancing urban renewal, and fostering people-to-people ties that support our administration’s ARREST Agenda. ” A statement made by President Boakai during the meeting.