Who is Joseph Boakai? 7 things to know about Liberia’s president trending for ‘good English’
Who is Joseph Boakai? Meet Liberia’s humble president and reform advocate. Photo credit: Mary Altaffer/ Associated Press
Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Liberia’s 26th president, is a seasoned statesman whose rise from rural poverty to the nation’s highest office is a story of resilience, service, and integrity. Known for his humility, reform-minded leadership, and deep roots in public service, Boakai has emerged as a symbol of stability and continuity in Liberia’s post-conflict democracy. As global attention turns toward him following recent headlines, this profile explores his journey—from a barefoot boy in Lofa County to a president focused on healing, reform, and restoring Liberia’s promise.
Early Life & Background
Joseph Nyuma Boakai was born on 30 November 1944 in the rural village of Worsonga, Foya District, Lofa County, near the borders of Sierra Leone and Guinea. One of seven siblings from a humble peasant background, Boakai demonstrated remarkable determination from a young age—walking over 300 miles twice to reach Monrovia in pursuit of education. Despite economic hardship, he lived with different families and supported himself through work, even serving as a janitor and then Assistant Dean at the College of West Africa before enrolling in university.
Education & Early Career
Boakai attended primary and secondary school in both Liberia and Sierra Leone, later graduating from the College of West Africa. He earned a business administration degree from the University of Liberia in 1972 and pursued further study at Kansas State University in the U.S.. He began his public service career with the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC), eventually becoming its first Liberian Managing Director in 1980. His track record offering agricultural support and reforms led to roles as Minister of Agriculture (1983–1985) under Samuel Doe and Managing Director of Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation in 1991.
Political Rise & Vice Presidency
Following Liberia’s civil wars, Boakai emerged as a trusted public servant. In 2005, he was elected Vice President under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, serving three terms from 2006 to 2018. In this role, he also presided over the Liberian Senate and played a key role in post-war stabilisation, governance reforms, and regional diplomacy.
Presidential Campaigns & Election
Boakai first campaigned for president in 2017 but narrowly lost to George Weah. Undeterred, he launched a second bid in 2023, positioning himself as a reformer pledging to rescue Liberia with a clear anti-corruption agenda, infrastructure revitalisation, and youth inclusion . His strategic alliances—including support from regional leaders like former warlord Prince Johnson—and campaign messaging resonated with voters. He won the runoff by a slim margin and was inaugurated on 22 January 2024, becoming Liberia’s oldest president at 79 years old.
Presidency: Direction & Initiatives
Boakai’s presidency has been characterised by steady, if incremental, reforms. In January 2024, he took the highly symbolic step of cutting his presidential salary by 40%, from USD 13,400 to USD 8,000 annually. His administration has prioritized rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, and healing post-conflict wounds, including setting up Liberia’s first war crimes court. Boakai also delivered presidential apologies on behalf of the nation to civil war victims in July 2025 . Notably, his presidency has faced scrutiny due to health concerns—he fainted during his inauguration speech due to heat—and a rough landing in May 2025 when his jet overran the runway.
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Philanthropy & Integrity
Boakai is internationally respected for his integrity, humility, and strong ethics. He founded the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Foundation, supporting rural development projects across agriculture, education, health, and poverty alleviation. His reputation as honest and incorruptible is reflected in his religious life as a dedicated Baptist deacon and Rotarian, and in a personal history of living frugally and serving the underserved .
Personal Life & Legacy
Joseph Boakai has been married to Katumu (Kartumu) Yatta for over 50 years, and they have four children. Boakai’s life story, rising from rural Lofa County to Liberia’s highest office, embodies a narrative of hard work, faith, and national service. He remains active in his local church and in civic organisations, preserving the values of integrity, simplicity, and commitment to public service that have defined his long career.
President Joseph Boakai brings decades of experience, a strong moral compass, and a clear vision of national healing and reform. While his administration balances health and age considerations, his ongoing anti-corruption efforts, wartime justice initiatives, and philanthropic leadership signal a potential turning point for Liberia’s democratic and developmental future.