Joseph Boakai
This detailed research provides an in-depth look into the life and political journey of Joseph Nyumah Boakai, the 26th and current President of Liberia. His story is one of remarkable resilience, dedication to public service, and a steadfast commitment to his nation, rising from humble beginnings to the highest office.
Early Life and Education: Overcoming Adversity
Joseph Nyumah Boakai was born on November 30, 1944, in the remote village of Worsonga, located in the Foya District of Lofa County, Liberia. He hails from the Kissi ethnic group and grew up in a rural setting, marking his journey to leadership with humble beginnings. Boakai was one of seven siblings born to poor peasants, with extended family ties across the borders into Sierra Leone and Guinea. His early life was characterized by a profound determination to seek education, a dream he pursued despite significant hardships. He is noted to have walked more than 300 miles twice from Worsonga to Monrovia in search of schooling, often bouncing between family homes due to limited means.
To finance his education, young Boakai undertook various jobs, including working as a janitor and in the business office of the College of West Africa (CWA), a prestigious secondary school in Monrovia. He attended primary and high schools in both Sierra Leone and Liberia before graduating from the College of West Africa. Furthering his academic pursuits, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Liberia in 1972 and also pursued studies at Kansas State University in the United States. This period of his life, marked by self-reliance and perseverance, laid the groundwork for his future in public service.
A Career of Public Service: From Agriculture to Vice Presidency
Boakai's extensive professional career spans over four decades in both the public and private sectors. His journey began at the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC), where he served as a Resident Manager from 1973 to 1980, before rising to become its Managing Director from 1980 to 1982. In this role, he played a crucial part in empowering farmers and improving their incomes through reforms in cocoa, coffee, and oil palm production.
His dedication to agricultural development led to his appointment as the Minister of Agriculture from 1983 to 1985 under President Samuel Doe, where he was responsible for national agricultural policy and the oversight of numerous development projects. During this tenure, he also chaired the 15-nation West African Rice Development Association. In 1992, he served as the Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC). Beyond direct government roles, Boakai also worked as a consultant to the World Bank and founded his own firms, including LUSU Resource Corporation and co-owning AGROMACHINES Liberia, which dealt in agricultural equipment and consultancy.
Boakai's political prominence significantly increased when he was chosen as the running mate to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in the 2005 presidential elections, representing the Unity Party ticket. Following their victory, he served as the 29th (or 30th) Vice President of Liberia for 12 years, from 2006 to 2018. As Vice President, he also held the position of President of the Liberian Senate and oversaw various government institutions and agencies. He played a crucial role in Liberia's post-civil war recovery efforts, earning a reputation as a trusted and loyal figure.
The Path to the Presidency: Persistence and Promise
After his long tenure as Vice President, Boakai contested the 2017 presidential election. Despite the backing of outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in the initial stages, he ultimately lost in a runoff to former football star George Weah. However, Boakai remained undeterred. He declared his intention to run again and, in a hard-fought election, emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential runoff, once again facing and defeating incumbent George Weah. Boakai secured 50.64 percent of the votes against Weah's 49.36 percent in a tightly contested race.
The Presidency: Challenges and Vision
Joseph Boakai assumed office as the 26th President of Liberia on January 22, 2024. At 79 years old, he became the oldest president of the country. His inauguration was notably marked by a brief moment of difficulty, as he was unable to finish his inaugural address due to what was later reported as heat exhaustion during the outdoor ceremony.
Upon taking office, President Boakai outlined an ambitious vision for Liberia, characterized by a "new mindset" and a call for Liberians to "Think, Love, and Build Liberia." His campaign and early presidency have focused on critical national issues, including a pledge to rigorously fight corruption, create more jobs, improve the economy, and strengthen state institutions. He has also committed to ensuring a stable supply of electricity and water, improving road infrastructure to attract investment, fostering tourism, and restoring Liberia's international reputation. In a move signaling his commitment to austerity and leadership by example, President Boakai announced in July 2024 that he would lower his annual salary from $13,400 to $8,000. Furthermore, in July 2025, he issued an official apology to victims of the First and Second Liberian Civil Wars, underscoring a focus on reconciliation and healing past wounds. His administration has also proceeded with new appointments across various government ministries and agencies.
The challenges facing President Boakai's administration are significant, including persistent poverty, the pervasive issue of corruption, a rising rate of drug use among the youth, unreliable power supply, and underdeveloped road networks. Despite these hurdles, his long career and reputation for integrity instill hope among many Liberians for a period of stability and development.
Personal Values and Humanitarian Spirit
Beyond his political and professional accomplishments, Joseph Boakai is widely known for his personal integrity, honesty, humility, and strong ethical principles. He is a devout Christian and serves as a Senior Deacon at the Effort Baptist Church. He has been married to Katumu Boakai since 1972, and their union has been blessed with four children—three sons and one daughter.
Boakai's humanitarian spirit is evident through his philanthropic endeavors. He has personally supervised and financed rural village road construction, including a 7-mile (11.2-kilometer) road near Worsonga. He has also collaborated with youth organizations, such as the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and Danish Youth, to build a school for 150 students and a clinic for a community of 10 villages. Furthermore, he actively organized and fundraised for the rural electrification of Foya Kama in Lofa County. His commitment to community service extends to his involvement with Rotary International, having served as the president of the Monrovia Rotary Club, and as an ambassador for the Liberia YMCA. He has also supported Liberians through hundreds of local and international scholarships and funded medical treatments for many.
This research was conducted by Beyonddennis.