178th Independence Celebration Described As the Best in Many Years — Says CPPSL Executive Director

The Executive Director of the Center for Policy and Political Studies of Liberia (CPPSL), Mr. Daniel Korvah, has described the 178th Independence Day celebration of Liberia as the most successful and well-organized in recent memory. Speaking in an interview following the national festivities, Mr. Korvah applauded both the Government of Liberia and the Liberian people for what he termed a “joyous, peaceful, and inclusive celebration that captured the true spirit of patriotism and unity.” Mr. Korvah said that for the first time in many years, he observed Liberians across the country celebrate Independence Day in genuine happiness, with a noticeable spirit of unity and shared national pride. “From Monrovia to the rural towns, Liberians turned out in large numbers to mark this important milestone in our national journey,” Mr. Korvah noted. “It was a celebration that showcased the resilience, creativity, and collective joy of the Liberian people.” The CPPSL Executive Director highlighted the major Independence Day events that took place across the country on Saturday, July 26, 2025, noting that they were well-attended and full of energy. He particularly referenced the vibrant musical concert hosted at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex in Paynesville, which featured renowned Liberian musician Christopher the Change. Mr. Korvah said the concert marked a historic moment in Liberia's entertainment industry. “For the first time in our history, we witnessed a full stadium energized solely by the performance of a Liberian artists without the presence of any international performers. That alone speaks volumes about how far our local talent has come and how proud Liberians are to celebrate their own,” Mr. Korvah said. He emphasized that the event was more than just a concert it was a demonstration of national pride and support for homegrown talent. In addition to celebrations in Liberia, Mr. Korvah observed that Liberians in the diaspora were equally involved in the Independence Day festivities. He noted that Liberian communities in the United States, Europe, and other parts of Africa hosted parades, cultural exhibitions, and community gatherings to commemorate the day. “What I found most remarkable was the alignment of joy between Liberians at home and abroad. It was as if we were all in one space celebrating our country’s 178 years of independence,” he remarked. Mr. Korvah attributed the success of this year’s celebration to a number of deliberate and strategic actions taken by the government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. Chief among them, he said, was the timely payment of civil servants' salaries well before the holiday period. “The government ensured that all civil servants were paid before July 20, which gave citizens the financial ability to participate in the festivities. This is the first time in many years we’ve seen such efficiency ahead of Independence Day,” he said. He also pointed to the recent reduction in the prices of basic commodities such as rice and gasoline as a contributing factor to the overall national mood. According to Mr. Korvah, the cost of living has a direct impact on how citizens celebrate, and the government's efforts to ease economic pressures before the holiday season were well received. “The price of rice, Liberia’s staple food, saw a notable decrease, and the cost of gasoline was reduced. These may seem like minor adjustments, but for the average Liberian, it made all the difference. Families could afford to travel, cook special meals, and participate in social activities without worrying too much about basic needs,” Mr. Korvah explained. He further acknowledged the improved road conditions, especially in rural Liberia, which allowed for easier transportation and accessibility during the holiday. He credited the Ministry of Public Works for accelerating road maintenance and rehabilitation projects in anticipation of the celebration. “In the past, many people in the rural areas felt disconnected from national events because of poor road networks. But this year, we saw people travel freely to attend parades, church services, and other community programs. This was possible because of the government’s investment in infrastructure,” he stated. Mr. Korvah concluded by commending the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism for coordinating a well-rounded national celebration, and the security forces for maintaining peace and order throughout the festivities. He said the 178th Independence celebration has set a new benchmark and encouraged the government to continue building on this momentum in the years to come. “This celebration showed what is possible when there is planning, accountability, and a commitment to national unity. We have set a precedent, and I believe Liberians everywhere now expect that every Independence Day moving forward should be this inclusive and joyful,” he said. The Center for Policy and Political Studies of Liberia (CPPSL) remains committed to engaging in research, advocacy, and civic education to support Liberia’s democratic development and national progress.