Oldest Congo Town Commissioner Calls for Positive National Image, Greater Citizen Participation
By Johnson Gbarntolmah
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Commissioner of Oldest Congo Town, Edward Lahai, has called on Liberians to become ambassadors for their country by promoting a positive national image while also encouraging greater citizen participation and skills development to drive community growth.
Speaking Thursday on “What’s Your View” on Truth FM 96.1, Commissioner Lahai said Liberians should use every opportunity to showcase the country’s strengths instead of focusing solely on its challenges.
He argued that although Liberia faces economic and social difficulties, many other African countries experience similar conditions but continue to market themselves positively to attract tourists, investors, and development opportunities.
Drawing from his travels to countries including Tanzania and Ethiopia, Lahai said poverty, unemployment, and homelessness are common challenges across the continent. However, he noted that many countries emphasize their tourist attractions, culture, and investment potential rather than allowing their problems to define them.
According to the Commissioner, changing the narrative about Liberia could help attract more visitors and investors while boosting national pride.
“We need to project our country positively and, at the same time, work together to solve the challenges we face,” he said.
Lahai also underscored the importance of citizen participation in governance, describing it as one of the major achievements of his administration in Oldest Congo Town.
He said local leaders have a responsibility to encourage residents to take part in community development because government belongs to the people.
The Commissioner further stressed that local authorities must move beyond identifying problems and instead create opportunities that improve the lives of residents, particularly unemployed youth.
As part of those efforts, Lahai disclosed that his administration has launched a vocational skills training program aimed at equipping residents with practical income-generating skills, including soap making, bread baking, and other small business ventures.
He revealed that the first cohort of 80 participants has successfully completed the training and is already applying the skills to earn a living.
Lahai cited the example of one beneficiary who recently presented him with 30 gallons of locally produced soap as a token of appreciation after establishing her own business through the training.
He also said several graduates are producing locally made clothing and other products, which he described as evidence that the initiative is helping residents become economically self-reliant.
The Oldest Congo Town Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the vocational training program, expressing confidence that investing in practical skills and entrepreneurship will reduce dependency, create sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen community development.
