MONROVIA: The University of Liberia (UL) and the U.S. Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs, Sarah Morgenthau have expressed commitment to mutual interest in furtherance of the memorable work of her late mother, Prof. Ruth S. Morgenthau.
Sarah Morgenthau on Friday, December 6, 2024, visited the Ruth S. Morgenthau Reading Room at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, which is named in honor of her late mother.
During Morgenthau’s visit, the University sought more support, coordination, and the promotion of mutual interests to make the institution a more viable one.
In the brief ceremony, the Acting UL President, Prof. Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, presented gifts to Morgenthau on behalf of the University.
Morgenthau subsequently presented books to the Acting UL President, who turned them over to the Acting Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, Cllr. Kpadeson Sumo.
In remarks, Dr. Conteh thanked Morgenthau, and members of the U.S. delegation visiting the University.
He lauded Morgenthau for remembering her mother, who was a significant professor for generations of African scholars.
“I was looking through the books she donated. There’s a significant book, The Politics of West African Political Parties, which I understand influenced the thoughts of many of our leaders,” Dr. Conteh stated.
According to the Acting UL President, the significance of Hon. Morgenthau’s visit also points to partnerships for the University of Liberia.
“We hope you remember us in whatever you’re doing, trade and business, to promote our mutual interests,” he pleaded.
He further urged her to remember the women because they are a significant part of this.
In her remarks, Hon. Sarah Morgenthau expressed excitement to be here as the U.S. Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs from the Department of State.
She highlighted the United States government’s commitment to working with Liberia and the African continent.
“My mother, being an early scholar of West African politics, which gave me the good fortune of being able to travel extensively with her and later to head up Peace Corps response and coming here, was another opportunity to really further that relationship,” she said.
Morgenthau recalled telling government officials at a dinner about Liberia’s former Foreign Minister Madam Olubanke King Akerele being a student of her late mother Prof. Morgenthau.
She added that Madam King Akerele looked up to her mother as a mentor, adding that she thinks it struck a chord.
“I love looking back at those pictures of my mother and my parents and I think it’s a reminder to all of us of the importance of our family history, but also of the history of our two countries,” Hon. Morgenthau indicated.
She disclosed that she is here in Liberia talking with government officials and members of the business community.
Morgenthau expressed excitement about the possibilities of the growth that are here.
“We believe Liberia has what it takes to do it and just want to be alongside in partnership. I am glad that you mentioned the President’s ARREST Agenda. I think that that’s incredibly important.”
“I’ve heard about great natural resources and critical minerals that are in Liberia and so I implore you to let’s work together and to keep pushing that agenda because I think building up that economic security really is important both for Liberia and the United States.”
