Dear Mr. President,

You promised us change that we are not seeing. Now you are asking us to hope. Our hope is now deferred, and hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12).

When hope is deferred, it can be a challenging situation for any nation, including Liberia. Sustaining hope in difficult times is essential for national progress and unity. Here are some ways in which Liberia can rekindle hope as a nation:

1. Promote transparent and accountable leadership: A crucial step towards restoring hope is to have leaders who are transparent, ethical, and accountable. This includes ensuring good governance, fighting corruption, and making decisions in the best interest of the nation and its citizens. When people see their leaders acting with integrity, it instills hope and fosters a sense of stability and progress. Something I don’t see in this current government. Why should we hope in you again?

2. Encourage citizen participation and engagement: Involving citizens in decision-making processes gives them a sense of ownership and empowers them to contribute to the nation’s development. Creating opportunities for citizens to voice their concerns, ideas, and aspirations helps to build trust and confidence in the government. This engagement can be facilitated through dialogue, town hall meetings, and participatory decision-making platforms. I expect the insults to start coming for voicing my concern. Why should we Hope in you again?

3. Invest in education and skills development: Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of a nation. By investing in quality education and skills development programs, Liberia can provide its citizens with the tools to succeed, thereby instilling hope for a better future. This includes improving access to education, investing in vocational training, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. Gradually we are crawling to get there when we should be running with speed. How and Why can we hope in you again?

4. Address economic disparities and promote inclusive growth: Economic inequalities can erode hope and breed resentment. Liberia should strive to create an environment that promotes equal opportunities for all citizens. This can be achieved by implementing policies that address poverty, unemployment, and economic disparities. Encouraging entrepreneurship, attracting foreign investments, and diversifying the economy can help create a more inclusive and prosperous society. Now the order of the day and the fastest way to become rich in Liberia is to become a politician or sing praises for corrupt politicians. Even with your education if you don’t join the praise singers of evil you are label an enemy. How and Why should we Hope in you?

5. Foster social cohesion and national identity: Building a strong sense of national unity and identity is crucial for instilling hope in a nation. Liberia should celebrate its diverse cultural heritage while emphasizing shared values, principles, and goals. Encouraging dialogue, promoting social integration, and addressing historical divisions can help reconcile differences and foster a strong sense of national pride and identity. How can we hope when even the very leaders don’t believe in the very system they are leading? When was the last time you Mr president, member(s) of your cabinet or lawmakers went for treatment at JFK? The last time I checked the ones who dare tried it died or nearly die. How and why should we Hope in you again?

6. Prioritize infrastructure development and public services: Providing essential infrastructure such as reliable electricity, clean water, healthcare facilities, and transportation networks is essential for improving the quality of life for citizens. Investing in these areas not only enhances daily living conditions but also gives people hope for a brighter future where basic needs are met efficiently. Mr. President, you and the majority of the members of your team are building private wealth and not public wealth. Why should we Hope in you again?

7. Foster international collaborations and partnerships: Building international collaborations and partnerships can bring significant benefits to a nation like Liberia. Engaging in mutually beneficial relationships with other countries, international organizations, and NGOs can create opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and resource mobilization. These partnerships can help accelerate the pace of development and contribute to restoring hope in the nation. But how can we hope when leaders want kickbacks from investors. Why should we Hope in you again?

Mr. President, when hope is deferred, it becomes essential for a nation like Liberia to take proactive steps towards reinstating hope. By promoting transparent leadership, citizen engagement, education, economic inclusivity, social cohesion, infrastructure development, and international collaborations, Liberia can rebuild hope and work towards a brighter future as a united nation. God bless you richly.

Sincerely yours,

 Pst. Abraham Alexander Woto

(A concern Liberian)