“A Call to Conscience for Better Liberia”

“Patriots’ Cry” is more than just the theme of a book; it is a vision and a roadmap. It is a plea for every Liberian to examine their relationship to the country, to confront uncomfortable truths, and to assume responsibility for the nation’s destiny.

By: Emmanuel Wise Jipoh 

Monrovia, August 8, 2025: President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, on Wednesday, rallied Liberians with “A Call to Conscience” as he launched the book, “Patriots’ Cry,” authored by former Foreign Minister Olubanke King-Akerele.

The launch, hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and organized by the Liberia Institute for Growing Patriotism in collaboration with the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women’s Empowerment, brought together current and former government officials, civic leaders, and members of the public.

As the chief launcher, President Boakai set the tone for the occasion, urging that “PATRIOTS’ CRY” should not simply be a record of grievances or a collection of complaints. Instead, he called for it to serve as “A Call to Conscience”—a living, breathing testament to the aspirations and responsibilities of all Liberians.

His words were both a challenge and an inspiration: “Let the PATRIOTS’ CRY not be a book that states a complaint, but ‘A Call to Conscience, ’ and give life support from one generation to another.”

President Boakai described the book as an embodiment of “top love, a love of hope, and a moment of consciousness.” In his view, it is not merely the voice of the fearless, but also a drumbeat of urgency—a trumpet sounding throughout the nation and calling its citizens to examine their values and actions.

He pledged to use the book as a symbol, to address societal ills and inspire renewed dedication to the country’s well-being, while encouraging Liberians to use the book as a great testament of what it means to love and be patriots. 

This sentiment is deeply resonant in Liberia, where the scars of conflict and the challenges of development have often tested the nation’s resolve. He later purchased a copy of the at USD 500.

Also speaking, Liberia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti described the launch of the book as a recognition of a voice, a fearless, principled, and consistent voice that has refused to be silent when the nation needed clarity, direction, and truth.

She described the book’s author as her predecessor, former Foreign Affairs Minister Olubanke King-Akerele, a woman whose life and legacy are a masterclass in patriotism.

Minister Nyanti stressed the launch of the book will not only reflect a fearless voice but will also elevate a national dialogue centered around the bold themes of Patriots’ Cry: leadership, love of country, civic responsibility, and the soul-searching needed to move Liberia forward.

She said the moment is also about honoring the unwavering patriotism of the author herself, a woman who has never shied away from confronting the difficult issues. 

“H.E. Olubanke King-Akerele is a patriot not only in title but also in action. Her courage to speak truth to power, especially when such truth is uncomfortable or unpopular, defines her as a true daughter of the soil, Minister Nyanti added.

For her part in the motivation and background of the initiative, the author and former foreign affairs minister Olubanke King Akerele calls on Liberians, especially the next generation, to embrace courageous citizenship, ask hard questions, and speak inconvenient truths.

She urges Liberians to see the launch of the Patriots Prize as a call to action, encouraging them to commit to their country with courage and dedication, and also wishes that the event be seen as an opportunity to spark a deeper commitment to Liberia, serving as a reminder that patriotism is about love in action.

Meanwhile, Madam Akerele, a renowned figure known for her patriotism and leadership, seeks to inspire Liberians to embrace their patriotism not just as a book but as a movement, driven by a burning desire to see their country rise.

She emphasized that patriotism is not about silent submission but about taking active steps to love and serve one’s country.

The former foreign affairs minister urges Liberians to reflect on their patriotism and find ways to contribute to the nation’s progress and development. – Edited by Othello B. Garblah.