Former President George Weah has disclosed that he has left the total cash balance of US$40,375.90 million in the Government’s Consolidated Accounts. Ambassador Weah recounted that in 2018 his government inherited a consolidated cash position of over US$7 million from former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
Delivering his farewell message to the Liberian people on Sunday evening, the ex-Liberian leader bragged about democratically exiting the presidency with an economy for the administration of President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung better than what he inherited in 2018.
According to the former Liberian leader, his government inherited over US$94.9 million in net international reserves, and has handed over to the next administration a net international reserve position of US$222.7 million.
Weah added that this is a 136% increase in net international reserve position, stressing that the Unity Party administration has more resources to deal with emergency macroeconomic challenges than the Coalition for Democratic Change regime had at its disposal in 2018.
On Monday, January 22, 2024, former President George Weah officially turned over power to President Joseph Boakai marking yet another significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey after seven decades.
At the same time, the former President expressed that he is immensely proud that during his tenure Liberia remained at peace with itself and at peace with its neighbors.
“Our Armed Forces, a force for good, were never turned against our own people, and external action was confined to international peacekeeping missions under the United Nations. This peace, sustained by our own domestic resources, is a testament to the maturity and strength of our nation,” he noted.
According to him, his government protected the inalienable rights of every Liberian citizen as enshrined in the 1986 Liberian Constitution.
President Weah averred that freedoms of speech, assembly, and expression were not only preserved but celebrated, indicating that there were no political prisoners or prisoners of conscience during his entire term, which he termed as a testament to the development of strong democratic institutions that are now not only hailed as competent and professional but as trusted and credible.
“Liberia is now regarded as a pillar of democracy in West Africa and a shining example to the world. This was only made possible through our various collaborative efforts. I want to thank all Liberians, regardless of political affiliation, for staying the course and helping build a stronger and more vibrant nation,” the former Liberian leader said.
He further said, “As I step aside as President of Liberia, I will remain actively engaged with the politics of the country as Standard Bearer and Political Leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) in order to ensure the continuation of our strong and vibrant democracy.”
Meanwhile, Ambassador Weah therefore urged his fellow citizens to continue to be law-abiding and seek peaceful means to resolve differences, embrace tolerance and dialogue. Let us love one another and come together as one people, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
“In closing, let us remember the strength of our unity, the resilience of our democracy, and the hope that lies in the future of Liberia. As we welcome a new era, let us move forward hand in hand, with a shared commitment to building a united nation that will continue to thrive on observing the tenets of democracy and adhering to the rule of law,” former President George Weah observed.