An analysis of the Presidential Inauguration in Liberia: A lesson in Event Planning

By: Austin S. Fallah, Liberian and a Liberian US-based Professional.

On January 22, 2024, the President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph N. Boakai, was sworn into office amidst numerous challenges.

From a poorly executed inaugural program and merciless atmospheric conditions to a remarkable lack of on-stage coordination, the event highlighted critical planning pitfalls.

Furthermore, this observed disarray prevented news networks from properly capturing this historic moment, thereby diminishing the international image of Liberia.

Most notably, the long-winded inaugural speech prepared for President Boakai, coupled with his restrictive dress code and oppressive climatic conditions, resulted in heatstroke that abruptly ended his inaugural address.

This scenario not only put the health of the President at risk but also mired the entire ceremony with an atmosphere of uncertainty and confusion.

The plan for the inaugural program appeared ambitious initially, with a lengthy speech, but practical considerations relating to the prevalent weather conditions were ignored.

In the Liberian climate, characterized by high humidity and temperature, enforcing a strict dress code while delivering an extensive discourse proved detrimental to the health of President Boakai.

A key takeaway from this event is the importance of context in event planning – the location, weather, and, importantly, the physical condition of participants impact the success of an event. Fundamental principles of crowd management and logistics were seemingly overlooked during this inauguration, setting a perplexing precedent for future events in Liberia.

Moreover, the mishap with the audio output during the inauguration prevented the global audience from partaking in Liberia’s democratic celebration.

This seemingly minor technical glitch had far-reaching implications, limiting the reach and impact of the event that should have been a symbol of Liberia’s democratic progress.

Overall, the 2024 inaugural event in Liberia serves as an essential case study in event management.

 It underscores the significance of meticulous planning, team coordination, and adaptability in unpredictable scenarios.

Moreover, it illuminated the caution that significant occasions like a presidential inauguration are not merely national events; they have a broad international audience whose perspective will inform their perception of the host nation.

The inauguration of President Joseph N. Boakai was a blend of anticipation and trepidation, demonstrating that the success of any event hinges on strategic planning and execution.

It is a reminder that in an increasingly globalized world, national events are under international scrutiny, and nations must strive to execute such functions to uphold their image impeccably.

We wish President Joseph N. Boakai a speedy recovery and all the best as he gets ready to shape our nation for the better for all Liberians, as he cherishes Diversity as the New World Currency in his quest for an inclusive government.