Peace without prosperity is fragile

 The Orator of Liberia’s 178^th Independence Anniversary has called on the Boakai Administration to confront economic disparity with robust, practical policy actions.

By Lincoln G. Peters

 Monrovia, Liberia; July 28, 2025 – Liberia’s 178^th Independence Day Orator, Rev. Dr. Emmett Lafayette Dunn, has urged the Government of Liberia to address skyrocketing economic disparity across the country, warning here that peace without economic prosperity is fragile.

 Delivering the Independence Day speech on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Monrovia, Dr. Dunn recommended that the government must confront economic disparity with robust practical policy action.

  “In a country as rich in natural resources as ours, why are so many Liberians still poor? This is not just an economic issue; it is a moral one. We must focus on economic justice, because peace without prosperity is fragile.” Dr. Dunn urged.

 Over the weekend, the government and people of Liberia celebrated 178 years of Independence, bringing together four African heads of State in Monrovia, namely John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana; President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal; President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone; and President Umaro Sissoco EMBALÓ of Guinea-Bissau.

 This year’s celebration was held under the theme: “One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past, Building the Future”.

 The program was also graced by international partners and members of the diplomatic community, including the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Yin Chengwu, and the representative of the American Embassy in Monrovia.

 Dr. Dunn reminded the government that a hungry child can’t wait for macroeconomic policy, while a farmer without tools can’t wait for committee reports, and a mother who can’t afford healthcare for her child does not need promises; rather, she needs solutions.

 Accordingly, the vocal Independence Day Orator further indicated that Liberians can’t talk about true independence without discussing economic independence, stating that it is time to confront a painful truth, as too much of Liberia’s economy is owned and controlled by foreign interests.

 “While foreign investment is welcome, it must not be at the expense of our dignity. The soul of our economy must be Liberian. Liberians must be actively involved in owning businesses. Liberians must be positioned to create wealth, not just consume it. To do that, we must nurture and grow a vibrant middle class, one built on entrepreneurship, skilled labor, professional excellence, and innovation.” He recommended.

 He believes that a strong middle class is the backbone of every stable society, adding that it generates jobs, drives demand, pays taxes, and anchors democracy.

 Dr. Dunn urged the government to support small and medium-sized enterprises, make access to credit easier, invest in technical and vocational training, and modernize agriculture so that farming becomes profitable again.

 “We must embrace technology so our youth can compete on a global stage. To my fellow Liberian businesses, when government has done all this, as I know this government would, we must endeavor to prove that we are trustworthy by honoring our contracts and commitments”, he concluded. Editing by Jonathan Browne