Unity Party Supporters Stage Peaceful Protest at President Boakai’s Residence.

By: Edwin N. Wleh Jr.

On the morning of August 28, 2024, supporters of the Unity Party gathered at the residence of President Joseph Nymah Boakai Sr. in Rehab to stage a peaceful protest.

The demonstrators, numbering in the dozens, were there to press the President on a specific demand that has remained unresolved for months.

According to the protesters, their primary objective is to urge President Boakai to officially appoint Hon. Hanson Kiazolu from Grand Cape Mount County.

Despite being selected for the role by the President in February 2024, Kiazolu has yet to assume office as the CEO of the National Road Fund.

The protesters expressed their frustration over the delay, noting that they had visited the Executive Mansion on multiple occasions to discuss the matter with the President.

However, they claim that their requests have largely gone unanswered, prompting them to take to the streets to draw attention to their concerns.

Leading the charge was James Kanneh, the Youth League Chairperson of the Unity Party in Grand Cape Mount County. Kanneh stated that the group would continue their demonstrations until President Boakai addresses their demands.

He criticized the recent appointments of individuals he considers unqualified for key government positions, highlighting the cases of Hon. Sylvester M. Grigsby as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Hon. Roland Layfette Giddings as Public Works Minister.Kanneh further argued that the National Road Fund, under Kiazolu’s prospective leadership, should not be treated as a “turned position,” a term used to describe jobs rotated or distributed among political allies.

He pointed out that other key positions, such as the Central Bank Governor and the General Auditing Commissioner, have not been subjected to such treatment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistency across appointments.

Additionally, the protesters raised concerns about Public Works Minister Giddings, accusing him of violating the Public Contracts Commission (PCC) law, which mandates that 40 percent of contracts should be allocated under certain conditions rather than 60 percent.

This alleged breach further fueled their dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of public appointments.In response to the protest, President Boakai sent a representative to address the crowd, assuring them that he would seek a resolution to their concerns in the near future.

However, the protesters remain determined to continue their peaceful demonstrations until their demands are met.