Recent elections around the world have sent a clear message to Liberian President Joseph Boakai to be cautious in his dealings with former President George Weah. This warning is underscored by the recent elections in the United States and Ghana.
In Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo’s victory over John Dramani Mahama in 2016 was characterized by mutual respect. President Akufo-Addo maintained a cordial relationship with Mahama throughout his tenure, never seeking to undermine Mahama’s political career or restrict his access to state properties or programs. Now that Mahama has returned to power, he is expected to continue this respectful approach toward Akufo-Addo.
In Liberia, former President Weah, who won against Joseph Boakai in the 2017 election by a margin of 274,000 votes, demonstrated respect for both Boakai and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Weah did not attempt to undermine Boakai’s or Sirleaf’s political careers or deny them access to state properties and programs. Instead, he invited Madam Sirleaf to inaugurate government projects that she had initiated during his tenure. Additionally, he saved President Boakai’s life during a critical moment and ensured that Boakai’s children held government positions with competitive salaries.
In stark contrast, President Joseph Boakai, who won against George Weah in 2023 by a margin of less than 25,000 votes, has shown disrespect towards Weah, his family, his Vice President, his officials, and his supporters within just one year of his tenure. From the illegal dismissal of officials appointed by former President Weah to the ongoing unlawful removal of the House of Representative speaker who is affiliated with Weah’s party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Boakai has attempted to undermine Weah’s political career and denied him access to state properties and programs.
The question now arises: If Weah returns to power, should he emulate Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo’s respectful approach or follow President Joseph Boakai’s current actions?
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