Monrovia, Liberia: President George Manneh Weah conferred the highest National Honor, the “Collar of State-Most Venerable Order of the Pioneers” upon former Ghanaian President, His Excellency John Kofi Agyekum Kufour. The Liberian leader performed the honoring on the former Ghanaian leader as well as several high-profiled dignitaries on Friday, August 24, 2018 during the commemoration of Liberia’s 171stFlag Day at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex (SKD). 

 

It can be recalled that during Liberia’s turbulent history, the former Ghanaian Head of State played critical role in the peace process. As President of Ghana and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the former Ghanaian President oversaw Liberia peace efforts and coordinated with parties to the Liberian conflict, comminuting in the signing of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Accord, which laid the roadmap for the successful restoration of peace and stability in Liberia.

 

President Weah also conferred the “Knight Commander-Humane Order of African Redemption” upon Sir Arsene Charles Ernest Wenger, Former Coach of Arsenal and Mr. Claude Marie Francois Le Roy, Coach of the Togolese National Team respectively.In his 22 years at Arsenal, Sir Arsene Wenger’s tiring accomplishments made him a legendary team manager and one of the most successful in the history of the English league.

 

Sir Wenger proved his worth as a Professor as he was dubbed, when he revolutionized the approach for scouting young talents all over the planet, particularly throughout Africa. With that approach, he recruited some of the finest African players the world will ever know, including the legendary, world best, His Excellency, Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia. Mr. Claude Marie Francois Le Roy, who was also honored served as Coach of the Togolese National Team contributed to the development of some of the best and renowned African players on the continent. 

 

Others conferred honor upon included Alhaji Frank Jerico Nagbe and Mr. Dominic Vava George, both former Coaches of Lone Staras well as Ms. Gbuor S. Wilson, a Liberian Basketball Icon, were bestowed the honor of “Commander-State of the Star” for their exceptional roles played in the Liberian sporting arena. 

 

Meanwhile, during the indoor ceremony the Education Ministry through the efforts of President Weah awarded a five-year scholarship to the seven students who passed the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) with distinction to study abroad. He encouraged them to maintain the excellence when abroad and come to serve the Liberian people.

 

Earlier, the National Orator, Atty. Phil Tarpeh Dixon, called on Liberians to maintain the hope for a better Liberia and become one.Speaking on the theme: “Realizing Hope and Becoming One: A Logical Outcome of Mental Freedom;”Atty. Dixon stressed, “We should never motivate individuals to become bearers of words alone while being destitute of any action in pursuit thereof. 

 

Atty. Dixon said Liberians ought to have a sense of the urgency of the moment- Liberia must progress: fairly and fast.“We must avoid the risk of having a two-track national path, where one portion of the country experiences fulfillment while everywhere else encounters disappointment,” he underscoredThe youthful Orator then encouraged all Liberians to grow together comprehensively in the spirit of oneness.

 

The Flag Day ceremony was attended by an array of government officials, Member of the Diplomatic Consular Corps, International guests, Liberia from all walks of life and students.