George Weah Makes First Appointments As Liberia’s President

L-R: Immediate former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President George Weah

Less than 24 hours after his inauguration as Liberia’s President, George Weah has announced the first set of appointments into his cabinet.

President Weah named seven individuals in his first appointment according to reports by the News Agency of Nigeria.

Former Senate Pro-Tempore Gbezohngar Findley, who local media reports is a close ally of immediate past president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has been named Minister of Foreign Affairs.

His appointment further fueled speculations that Weah was receiving support from Johnson-Sirleaf, who was recently expelled by the UP for anti-party activities as reported by Naija News.

Subject to Senate confirmation, Maj.-Gen. Daniel Ziankahn will serve as Minister of National Defence after he was retired as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).

Brig. Gen. Prince Johnson was appointed to take over from Ziankahn as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia.

Weah also named the Chairman of his party; Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Mr Nathaniel McGill as the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs.

Samuel Tweh, a long-time member of the CDC, who until his appointment, worked as an economic consultant at the Millennium Challenge Corporation under the Ministry of Finance, is to serve as Minister of Finance and Development Planning.

The president appointed Mr Charles Gibson as Minister of Justice, and Mr Sam Mannah as Press Secretary with immediate effect.

Weah has directed that the heads of other government ministries and agencies maintain status quo until further notice.

Weah in his inaugural address renewed his promise to tackle endemic corruption, warning public office holders and government officials to steer clear of corrupt tendencies.

“As officials of government, it is time to put the interest of our people above our own selfish interests. It is time to be honest with our people

“For those who do not refrain from enriching themselves at the expense of the people, the law will take its course,’’ the president said.