SOURCE: Liberian News Agency (LINA)
By Michlyne N. Williams and Catherine J. Nagbe
MONROVIA (LINA) – President George M. Weah will on February 14, 2022 begin official work at the Executive Mansion up Capitol Hill following years of renovation works on the facility.
After the official launch of the Bicentennial program which is slated for February 14, the Liberian Leader will lead government officials, foreign delegates to the grounds of the Executive Mansion where he will officially begin his work, said Information Minister Ledgerhood J. Rennie.
It can be recalled that on July 26, 2006 at the official Independence Celebration, the Executive Mansion was gutted by fire – an incident which led to a major damage of the facility. Since then the building has been closed for rehabilitation and renovation while the set of the Executive was moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Addressing reporters on Monday at the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) on Monday, Minister Rennie said, the President will be returning for the first time after 16 years to the Executive Mansion.
“After 16 years of inactivity of the Presidency at the Executive Mansion, the official authority of our Country, We believe that this is very important because the Executive Mansion is an important symbolism of the authority of the state, the central government,” he said.
He also added that on Friday, February 11, 2022 religious leaders will be at the grounds of the Executive Mansion to convene a thanksgiving service aimed at consecrating the grounds of the official seat of the Executive Branch of Government.
The MICAT boss highlighted that currently the fourth floor of the Mansion which contains the office of the President is nearing completion while the second floor of the building which holds the power of the executive Mansion to receive guests and officials has been completed up to 90 percent. According to him, the fifth floor is still undergoing further renovation.
He said the Liberian Leader has affirmed that it is better to move his office to the Executive Mansion now while it is being completed to ensure that those who are responsible to continue the renovation will work and even do more and accelerate the process while he is working from there.
Minister Rennie noted that the President is demonstrating great courage to begin work at the Executive Mansion where he will continue to provide leadership for the people of Liberia
He however said, the President will be marching to the Executive Mansion with supporters, government officials, well-wishers, other leaders to celebrate the return to the seat of the presidency.
LINA MNW/CJN/WSG