Maryland County Residents Grade Boakai Administration 80% for Development Gains ‎

‎By: Emmanuel Tobotinho Quiah
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‎‎Pleebo, Maryland County – Liberia—‎Several citizens of Maryland County, including civil servants, marketers, business operators, artists, and youth leaders, have collectively graded the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at 80 percent, citing notable improvements in road infrastructure, employment opportunities, reduced foreign exchange pressure, and the gradual lowering of prices for goods and services across the country.

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‎The assessment was shared during recent public festivities in Pleebo City, where a team of journalists engaged residents on their views regarding the performance of the Boakai-led government.
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‎Speaking to journalists, Mr. Cisco Sunday Williams, District Education Officer (DEO) of Karluway Educational District #2 in Maryland County, praised the government for its intervention in the education sector, particularly the massive employment of volunteer teachers.
‎“I honestly grade the Boakai government 80 percent.

‎For the first time in years, many volunteer teachers who worked tirelessly without salary have been placed on the government payroll. This has brought motivation, stability, and hope to the education sector in rural Liberia,” Mr. Williams stated.
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‎He further noted that improved road conditions are also enhancing school monitoring and access to education services in remote communities.
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‎Also speaking, Brother Aloysius Walker, a permanent businessman in Pleebo, commended the government for improving road connectivity and easing the cost of doing business.

‎“The government deserves an 80 percent score. Roads are now passable, goods are moving faster, and transportation costs have dropped. We are also seeing a reduction in prices of basic goods and better stability in the U.S. dollar exchange rate,” Walker said.
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‎He added that improved infrastructure has boosted local trade and increased customer access to markets across Maryland County.
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‎Artists and Entrepreneurs Laud Inclusive Development
‎Renowned gospel artist and businesswoman Louise Karydor described the Boakai administration as inclusive, noting that development is gradually reaching ordinary Liberians.
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‎“I applaud the government for thinking about everyone — artists, women, business people, and rural dwellers. Development is becoming inclusive, and Maryland County is beginning to feel the impact,” Karydor remarked.

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‎She encouraged the government to continue empowering creative artists and women-led businesses.
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‎Meanwhile, Raphael Clark, Secretary General of the Pleebo Youth Association, praised the government for prioritizing youth empowerment through skills training and employment initiatives.
‎“The Boakai government has shown commitment to empowering young people through vocational training, capacity building, and employment opportunities. This is helping to reduce crime and give young people a sense of purpose,” Clark noted.

‎Additional residents interviewed echoed similar sentiments, applauding the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy, rehabilitate roads linking farming communities to markets, and improve public sector accountability.
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‎However, they also urged the administration to intensify efforts in healthcare delivery, electricity supply, and sanitation services, particularly in rural areas.

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‎While acknowledging existing challenges, Maryland County residents emphasized that the progress made so far under President Boakai’s leadership is visible and encouraging. They called on the government to sustain the momentum, deepen decentralization, and ensure that development reaches all parts of Liberia.
‎As one resident summarized, “There is still work to be done, but we are moving forward.”

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.