As Liberia continues to navigate complex political and economic challenges, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung is distinguishing himself as a results-driven leader whose actions are tangibly improving the lives of Liberians. In sharp contrast, Senator Samuel G. Kogar of Nimba County has increasingly attracted attention not for constructive policies but for his persistent criticisms that many constituents now dismiss as mere political noise.
This has earned him the unenviable nickname, “Talking Tom”a reference to the animated character better known for chatter than substance. Senator Kogar has repeatedly accused Vice President Koung of monopolizing political appointments within the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), while sidelining other party members.
Yet, insiders and grassroots voices within the MDR have categorically dismissed these allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Rather than engage in feuds, Vice President Koung has stayed focused on governance and delivering concrete results. His ability to remain above partisan squabbles has further elevated his standing among Liberians who are eager for leadership anchored in service, not political theatrics. One of Vice President Koung’s most notable interventions was during the procurement of 285 earth-moving machines, popularly known as the “Yellow Machines.”
Initially valued at $80 million, the project sparked outrage over alleged inflated costs and poor transparency. Koung intervened decisively, reopening negotiations and ultimately bringing the price down to $22 million saving the Liberian government a staggering $58 million. This singular action not only protected public funds but also reassured citizens that accountability and fiscal prudence are possible in government decision-making. Vice President Koung has also demonstrated leadership in stabilizing the cost of essential commodities.
As Chair of the Presidential Ad-Hoc Committee on Price Contradictions, he oversaw recommendations that directly lowered the cost of rice, flour, and other staples. Thanks to his leadership, the wholesale price of a 25kg bag of rice dropped from $16.75 to $14.00, while a 100-lb bag of flour fell from $39.00 to $35.00. These reductions, swiftly endorsed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, provided immediate relief to households already struggling with inflation and high living costs.
Community leaders have widely praised Koung for this intervention, describing it as a direct example of governance that touches the everyday lives of Liberians. Vice President Koung’s impact is also visible in infrastructure development. He was instrumental in securing $36.6 million in funding from the Government of China for the construction of two modern overpass bridges in Monrovia one near the Ministerial Complex and the other at SKD Boulevard.
These overpasses, once completed, are expected to significantly ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and improve urban mobility. More importantly, they signal Liberia’s ability to attract strategic infrastructure investment under competent leadership. Meanwhile, Senator Kogar’s political frustrations continue to manifest in frequent media appearances. His loud criticisms are often tied to his dissatisfaction with the District #5 by-election in Nimba County, where he felt excluded from candidate selection. However, party officials maintain that all decisions were made in strict adherence to MDR protocols and broader coalition strategies.
Many observers believe Kogar’s grievances are more personal than political, designed to weaken Koung’s rising influence within Nimba and on the national stage. This approach, however, is beginning to backfire. Constituents have voiced growing impatience with Kogar’s rhetoric. “We need leaders who build, not bicker,” a youth organizer in Sanniquellie remarked. “Vice President Koung is working. If Senator Kogar wants to play Talking Tom, that’s his choice but the people are watching.”
The stark difference between Vice President Koung’s leadership style and Senator Kogar’s political theatrics is becoming increasingly clear. Koung has positioned himself as a bridge-builder, problem-solver, and results-oriented leader, while Kogar risks being remembered more for noise than solutions. Liberians, weary of unfulfilled promises and political grandstanding, are demanding leaders who can deliver. In Koung, many see a refreshing example of grounded, strategic leadership that prioritizes service over self. As Liberia moves forward under President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the need for strong, disciplined, and forward-thinking leadership is paramount.
The Vice President’s recent track record demonstrates that with the right approach, even entrenched challenges such as corruption, high prices, and underdeveloped infrastructure can be addressed effectively. By contrast, the distractions caused by political feuds risk undermining national progress. The Liberian people deserve better than noise and negativity; they deserve results.
In the unfolding political landscape, Vice President Jeremiah Koung has proven that leadership is measured not by words but by actions that uplift the nation. While Senator Kogar continues his slide into the realm of “Talking Tom” politics, Koung remains firmly focused on delivering real results, protecting public resources, and shaping a brighter future for Liberia.
