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Pres. Boakai Back In Action, After Nearly Fainting From Heat Exhaustion

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Holds Consultation With Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo After Recovering

By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com

Hours after Liberia’s President Joseph Nyuman Boakai nearly fainted and had to abandon his inaugural address, the Executive Mansion announced that he has since recovered from heat exhaustion and he has been meeting with foreign guests that came for the January 22, 2024 inauguration.

Sweating profusely admit soaring temperature, the 79-year-old President Boakai had to be swiftly aided by his EPS bodyguard to his vehicle outside the Capitol Building on Capitol Hill from where he whisked off to his residence in the Paynesville suburb of Monrovia for rest.

Medical experts define heat exhaustion as “a condition that happens when your body overheats. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, fatigue and muscle cramps. It can be prevented by wearing loose clothing, drinking fluids, avoiding sunburn and dehydration. If untreated,” According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC, warning signs are heat stroke, and heat cramps.

Organizers of the Inaugural program and his medical team have been blamed for not taking into consideration his huge number of people in a relatively small space, the thick African gown worn by the new Liberian leader in the absence of fan (s) near the podium with water for him to constantly take in.

After he nearly collapsed at the podium, the inauguration ceremony abruptly ended, as foreign heads of states and delegations as well as the diplomatic corps immediately left the Capitol. Former President Weah also left the Capitol and reports say he shortly thereafter board a flight at the Roberts International Airport for abroad accompanied by his wife, former First Lady Clar Weah.

After standing up for nearly half an hour, President Boakai nearly collapsed while delivering his inaugural speech on Capitol Hill amidst blazing sun.

The presidential EPS guards protecting the president ran to help him up, as he was going down slowly.

The bodyguards were seen fanning the president due to excessive heat just a minute after he swore in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia.

The unfortunate situation left some international guests spelled bound, thus taking away the colour and celebratory mood, something that was not expected.

Meanwhile, In a press release issued later, the new administration said Liberia’s 26th President Boakai began receiving international dignitaries including Ghanain President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and the special representative of United States President Joe Biden, Linda Thomas Greenfield who is US Ambassador to the United Nations.

According to the press release, President Boakai welcomed his brother and thanked him for the visit and the two Presidents discussed Ghana Liberia -relations and agreed to strengthen their already friendly and longstanding relations.

Liberia and Ghana shared cultural ties and common bonds that predate Ghana’s independence. The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to Ecowas and the AU. The meeting was held in an atmosphere of cordiality.

The Ghanaian President then took leave of President Boakai wishing him well on his Inauguration as Liberia’s 26th President, the release said.

 

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