Joseph Nyumah Boakai is a prominent Liberian politician and the President-elect of Liberia. Born on November 30, 1944, in Worsonga, Lofa County, Boakai has dedicated his life to public service, making significant contributions to the political landscape of Liberia.
The story of Joe Boakai’s rise to national prominence should inspire hope for any African child with courage, determination, faith in God, the spirit of hard work, and dream. Born of poor peasants in the remote village of Wasonga in Lofa County, with extended families straddling across artificial borders into Sierra Leone and Guinea, young Joe was, at an early age, determined that he must go to school.
He walked more than 300 miles twice from Warsonga to Monrovia in search of his dream to be educated. Along the way, on this journey of an uncertain future, he made stops in various places including Bomi Hills in the west of the country and the American rubber giant Firestone Plantation in Harbel (more than 35 miles from the capital), where he helped his guardian in tapping rubber for livelihood.
Once in Monrovia, and as with many African children of limited means, he bounced from one family home to another until he enrolled at and graduated from the College of West Africa (CWA), one of Liberia’s prestigious secondary schools. Joe Boakai later graduated from the University of Liberia with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, as well as from the Kansas State University in the United States.
As someone born in poverty, Joe Boakai has worked hard most of his life, carving a career for himself in the process. At CWA he worked as a janitor, where he rose to become Assistant Dean of boys. He paid his way through school by also working in the Business Office selling books and uniforms.
During vacations, he remained at the dormitory to work for his upkeep and school requirements for the following school term. Joe was later recruited by the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC) and assigned to head its branch in Voinjama, Lofa County. There he introduced many reforms and innovations and empowered cocoa, coffee and oil palm farmers by improving their incomes.
His hard work, diligence and dedication were recognized and he was promoted to the position of Managing Director of LPMC in 1980, becoming the first Liberian to occupy that position. Boakai was later appointed Minister of Agriculture.
In 1991, he served as Managing Director of the Liberian Petroleum Refining Corporation (LPRC) under the Interim Government of National Unity (IGNU) during the Liberian Civil Conflict. Boakai went into private business following the replacement of IGNU and traveled extensively. He spent some time in Ghana but mostly remained home during the crisis.
In the early 2000s, Liberia faced a tumultuous period marked by civil unrest and political instability. Boakai’s dedication to his country became even more evident when he accepted the position of Minister of Agriculture in 2005 under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. In this role, he worked tirelessly to revitalize the agricultural sector, promoting food security and economic development.
Boakai’s reputation for integrity and diligence earned him widespread respect, and in 2005, he became the running mate of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in the presidential election. Their victory marked a historic moment as Sirleaf became the first female head of state in Africa. Boakai’s role as Vice President further solidified his standing in Liberian politics.
During his tenure as Vice President from 2006 to 2018, Boakai focused on issues such as youth empowerment, education, and healthcare. He championed policies to improve access to education and healthcare services, recognizing them as key components of national development.
In 2017, Boakai sought the presidency as the standard-bearer of the Unity Party but faced a defeat against George Weah. Despite the setback, Boakai remained committed to serving Liberia, and in the subsequent years, he continued to engage in public service and political activities.
The turning point in Boakai’s political career came in the most recent elections, where he secured victory and became the President-elect. His electoral success reflects the enduring trust and confidence that the Liberian people have in his leadership.
As Joseph Nyumah Boakai prepares to assume the highest office in Liberia, his biography stands as a testament to a lifetime dedicated to the betterment of his nation. From his early days in the corporate sector to his impactful roles in government, Boakai’s journey is characterized by a commitment to public service, integrity, and a vision for a prosperous Liberia. The upcoming presidency holds the promise of continued progress and positive change under the leadership of President-elect Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
Joe Boakai has always served his country, people, and humanity. In high school, he was a member of the Hi-Y. In College and throughout his adult life he was associated with the YMCA. He became a founding member of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY). He is also a strong Rotarian and served as president of the Monrovia Rotary Club.
His humanitarian work has earned him many honors. He has provided hundreds of scholarships both local and international for Liberians, some of whom have since graduated and are making significant contributions to national development. He has also funded medical treatment and care for many.
Many of the programs which are the focus of the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Foundation are offshoots of his kindness. The Foundation is institutionalizing and sustaining strong discipline to prove that Liberians can indeed make development work.
A reviewer of his official biography captures his humanitarian nature in this tribute “He puts his faith in God and practices what he believes: He lives simply and honestly; he cheats no one and holds no grudges against others, no matter the case; he willingly shares whatever he has, no matter how little, and works very hard while denying himself basic pleasures…”
Joe Boakai is a devout Christian and a Senior Deacon of the Effort Baptist Church. He has been married to Katumu Yatta, his spouse, for 50 years, and together they have 4 children.