Joseph Boakai Sworn In As New President of Liberia

Former Liberian Vice President, Joseph Boakai has been sworn in after his election victory over one of African football icons, George Weah. The new president promised to tackle corruption and strengthen the economy of the West African nation…

Joseph Boakai has been officially sworn in as the new president of Liberia following his election victory over the ex-leader George Weah.

The former Vice President will overlook the affairs of the West African country for a six-year term after he narrowly defeated former Ballon d’Or winner Weah in November’s run-off poll with 50.64 percent of the votes to 49.36 percent.

The ceremony in parliament was attended by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

Local and international poll observers said the election that brought in the experienced politician country was peaceful in a region that has seen a succession of military coups in recent years in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger.

Boakai vowed to tackle poverty and corruption amid the raging economic downturn in the West African country.

Liberia has been plagued with corruption, high levels of poverty and a weak justice system, after years of civil war and an Ebola outbreak.