In a move that signals a nod to experience and continuity, Liberia’s President-elect Joseph Nyumah Boakai has announced the formation of a transitional team comprised of several key figures from the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
The decision to include seasoned veterans from the Sirleaf era has sparked both praise for their expertise and criticism for potential political entrenchment.
The newly appointed transitional team, responsible for guiding the country through the post-election period until the new administration fully takes charge, boasts a lineup of individuals with extensive experience in various government capacities during the Sirleaf years.
The 20-man team will work along with another 20 team members from the current administration of George Manneh Weah to complete the Joint Presidential Transition Team (JPPT).
Among the notable figures from Boakai side on the team include Amara M. Konneh , who served as Finance Minister under the Sirleaf administration. Konneh who is also Senator elect of Gbarpolu County is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating the smooth transition of power and ensuring continuity in key policy areas.
Additionally, Boima Kamara, a seasoned financial expert and former Finance Minister under President Sirleaf, Samuel Kofi Woods, former Public Works Minister, Wilmot Paye , former Unity Party Chairman, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, former Minister of Post and Telecommunications, John Morlu Jr, former Auditor General of Liberia during the era of Sirleaf amongst others.
Others are Lusinee Kamara, Louise Kpoto, Dr. Augustine Konneh, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo, Sara Beyslow Nyanti, Rev. Luther Tarpeh, Darbah Vapilah, Edward Appleton,., Sam Gaye, Mr. Sahr Johnny, Noah Zawu Gibson and MacDella Cooper,
While supporters of President-elect Boakai applaud the inclusion of experienced hands from the previous administration, critics argue that the move raises concern about a potential lack of fresh outlooks and a continuation of certain policies that may have faced criticism in the past.
But Mr. Boakai 78, has however, emphasized the need for a steady and knowledgeable hand to navigate the complexities of governance during the transitional period.
Boakai Team not the best
A staunch supporter of Boakai, Stanton A. Witherspoon has expressed a bit of dissatisfaction with the composition of members of the JPTT named by president-elect Boakai.
Stanton who recently took unto his show recently to comment on the team said, the members of the team were not the best but failed to go into details why members of the Boakai’s side of the JPTT was not the best as compare to Weah’s side.
“I think George Weah transitional team is better than Boakai. Boakai team is fecee”, Stanton added recently.
Many critics of the incoming Unity party government believe with the naming of JPTT members by Boakai comprising of ex-officials of the Sirleaf led administration will show no change in the Boakai’s leadership.
However, some supporters of president-elect Boakai argued that drawing on the experience of individuals who have served the country diligently in the past will contribute to a “seamless transition” and effective governance in the early days of the new administration.
As Liberia looks ahead to a new chapter in its political history, the composition of the transitional team will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized.
The success of this team in managing the transition will likely set the tone for the early days of the incoming administration, and observers will be watching closely to see how the blend of seasoned officials from the Sirleaf era and fresh faces shapes Liberia’s trajectory in the coming years.
