NEW JERSEY, USA: The Speaker of the 55th National Legislature of Liberia has delivered a spectacular speech to the Liberian diaspora community in the United States of America, urging them to take the lead in the development of their country.
The Speaker made the statement over the weekend at the 50th Anniversary and Inaugural Ball of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) held at Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Speaker Koffa said he was deeply honored to be selected to address and celebrate with ULAA members on their momentous occasion as they celebrate 50 years of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA).
Adding that “this milestone represents a half-century of resilience, unity, and unwavering dedication to Liberia. Over the decades, ULAA has played an indispensable role in shaping the destiny of our beloved country, especially during times of great trial”.
He recalls that in the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, Liberia found itself in the grip of political instability, conflict, and dictatorship.
And it was a period when the voices of the Liberian people were silenced, and human rights were severely undermined. In those dark times, he said ULAA and the larger Liberian diaspora became the beacon of hope.
“From afar, you were our champions—advocating for democracy, pushing for human rights, and calling for transparency when those values were absent at home,” he said.
“Your role was vital because the capacity for meaningful change within Liberia was limited. With civil conflict and authoritarian regimes in Monrovia, those on the ground faced insurmountable challenges. But you, in the diaspora, were able to organize, speak out, and demand justice. The voices you raised, the protests you organized, and the advocacy you championed helped put pressure on those in power and shaped the course of our nation’s history.
He talked about the facade of Change that besets the West African nation of 5.5 million people, urging the diaspora population to help address growing economic woes.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives painted a complex picture of Liberia’s political and economic landscape.
While acknowledging the country’s democratic progress, Speaker Koffa delivered a stark assessment, declaring Liberia to be a “deeply corrupt society characterized by moral bankruptcy, intellectual hypocrisy, and social banditry.”
Koffa’s speech highlighted the persistent class system and the failure to address the “struggle for rice” – a metaphor for the country’s economic challenges. He argued that the fight for rights has not been matched by the conquest of the struggle for economic stability and development.
The House Speaker challenged the Liberian diaspora to evolve their role, shifting from political advocacy to becoming “a catalyst for economic growth.” He emphasized the diaspora’s potential to mobilize billions in investment, business partnerships, and development projects that could create much-needed jobs and drive sustainable growth.
“Even as we engage the struggle for rice, I stand before you today to deliver an important message: the role of the Liberian diaspora must also evolve.
The mission that was critical in those years of political oppression must now shift in this era of democracy. Liberia no longer needs the diaspora to fight for democracy, human rights, or transparency—because those battles are being fought and won by Liberians at home.
What Liberia needs today is for the diaspora to become a catalyst for economic growth. The challenge before us now is not political; it is economic. Our democracy, though not perfect, is in place. But for that democracy to truly thrive, we must lay the foundations for sustainable economic development. And this is where you, the diaspora, come in”.
He disclosed that last year alone, Liberians living abroad sent home more than US$800 million in remittances. “That’s nearly a quarter of our national GDP, more than our national budget. It is a powerful testament to the diaspora’s economic potential. But I stand here to tell you that this is just the beginning. It is just the tip of the iceberg.
“ULAA, your calling has never been higher than it is now. The Liberian diaspora has the potential to mobilize billions, not just in remittances, but in investment, in business partnerships, in tourism, and in development projects that will create jobs and build a sustainable future for our country. You are not just contributors to Liberia—you are builders of Liberia’s future,” he said.
