Monrovia — The newly elected Political Leader of the People's Action Party (PAP), Senator Saah Joseph, has pledged to transform Liberia's political landscape through the implementation of sustainable projects and people-centered initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods.
Describing his election as both a "victory and an opportunity" for Liberians, Senator Joseph assured that the PAP would operate differently from traditional political parties.
According to him, the party's National Executive Committee will engage partisans, supporters, and citizens across the country to identify key challenges and develop practical solutions.
He made the remarks at the close of the party's first national convention held over the weekend in Bentol City, Montserrado County.
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Senator Joseph emphasized that improving the lives of Liberians remains the PAP's top priority.
"This party belongs to the people. After our certification, we will focus on mobilization across the counties and advancing our development agenda with our partisans. We ask the Liberian people to give us time, and they will see the difference. Our first, second, and third priority is the people."
Not an Auxiliary of Unity Party
The PAP political leader dismissed claims that the party was established to support the ruling Unity Party.
He said critics would soon be surprised by the party's independence and approach, noting that PAP would not adopt the usual confrontational posture of opposition politics.
"We don't have to attack the government. We can offer proposals. We will not focus on weaknesses to destroy institutions or individuals. When there are issues, we will speak; when good things are done, we will commend them. Our concern is the welfare of the Liberian people."
A Proactive Political Force
Senator Joseph stressed that the PAP would not remain passive in national governance but would actively engage on critical issues affecting citizens.
Plans and Regional Engagement
He disclosed that the PAP relief team will travel to Lofa County this week to assist vulnerable communities in Sorlumba Town amid the ongoing Liberia-Guinea border tensions.
Additionally, he revealed that the party intends to play a mediating role among Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone following the deportation of over 400 Sierra Leoneans from Guinea. This effort, he said, aims to strengthen regional cooperation and prevent future crises within the Mano River basin.
Education and Youth Empowerment
Senator Joseph also announced plans to establish a free and compulsory vocational and technical training college within three months. The initiative is intended to address high youth unemployment by equipping young people with practical skills.
He noted that the institution will help empower Liberian youth to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Open-Door Policy
The PAP, he added, remains open to all Liberians regardless of status and is willing to collaborate with other political parties--including his former Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)--to advance national development.
"Our doors are open. Conversations are ongoing, and we already have four political parties willing to work with us after certification. We will sit with all opposition parties, discuss issues, and engage the government constructively. We are not enemies--we are Liberians. Enough is enough; let's move our country forward."
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Political Background
The newly elected PAP executives are expected to steer the affairs of the party for the next three years.
Senator Joseph, a former stalwart of the CDC, rose to national prominence during the Ebola outbreak when, as a Representative, he played a frontline role in combating the crisis. His efforts included providing ambulance services and distributing medical and relief supplies in Liberia and neighboring Sierra Leone.
He was later elected as Senator and chaired key committees during the administration of former President George Manneh Weah.
Following the CDC's narrow defeat to the Unity Party in the 2023 presidential election, Senator Joseph broke ranks and established the PAP.
Political analysts say he now faces the challenge of building influence in a landscape long dominated by the CDC and the Unity Party over the past two decades.
