Dr. Gbaba Thanks Liberian Youth for Supporting His National Honor, Calls for Greater Youth Inclusion

Dr. Gbaba Thanks Liberian Youth for Supporting His National Honor, Calls for Greater Youth Inclusion

MONROVIA, LIBERIA — August 17, 2026: Liberian cultural icon, playwright, educator and peace advocate Dr. Rabbi Prince Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh Gbaba, Sr. has expressed appreciation to young Liberians and youth organizations for publicly supporting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for honoring him with Liberia’s Distinction in the Order of the Star of Africa with the Grade of Commander.

In a message directed to the youth, Dr. Gbaba thanked what he described as Liberia’s “progressive youths” for recognizing his more than 52 years of work aimed at preserving Liberia’s shared cultural heritage, promoting national unity and connecting younger generations with the traditions and values of their ancestors. He said his lifelong mission has been to ensure that Liberian youth understand and appreciate their ancestry, history and cultural traditions as essential foundations for building a peaceful and prosperous nation.

A Call for Youth Opportunities and Cultural Inclusion

Dr. Gbaba also raised concerns about what he described as barriers preventing qualified Liberians and youth leaders from contributing to national development.‎‎ He said he has made efforts over the years to create opportunities for young Liberians through his areas of expertise, particularly culture, education, theatre and peace-building, but believes some proposals have not received the necessary attention from policymakers.

According to him, one of his major concerns is a strategic proposal submitted through Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. (DATI) that seeks to create employment and training opportunities for Liberian youth while contributing to Liberia’s post-war peace-building and reconciliation process.‎‎He expressed hope that President Boakai will give favorable consideration to the proposal and provide an opportunity for its implementation.

Liberian Solutions to Liberian Challenges

Dr. Gbaba also called for greater participation of Liberian cultural and peace-building experts in national efforts to address the country’s social and cultural challenges.‎‎ He specifically expressed concern over reported plans to establish a national cultural committee and the possibility of seeking lessons from countries such as South Africa and Rwanda without sufficient consultation with Liberian experts.

While acknowledging the value of international experience, Dr. Gbaba argued that Liberia’s challenges must also be addressed through its own history, languages, traditions and indigenous conflict-resolution practices.‎‎ He emphasized that Liberia’s diverse ethnic communities have their own cultural systems and traditions that should be considered when developing national peace-building and reconciliation strategies.

“The resolution of a Rwandan conflict is not identical to the resolution of a Liberian conflict,” Dr. Gbaba maintained, stressing the importance of culturally relevant approaches to peace-building.‎‎‎ He further argued that language and cultural understanding are essential when mediating conflicts involving Liberia’s various ethnic communities.

A Message to Liberia’s Youth

Dr. Gbaba urged young Liberians to remain committed to peace, national unity, cultural pride, justice and national development.‎‎He expressed appreciation to youth representatives from Maryland, Grand Kru, Margibi and River Gee Counties, as well as members of DATI chapters in Montserrado, Maryland, River Gee and Margibi, for standing with his vision.‎

He said their support demonstrates that Liberia’s young people remain interested in building a better future and preserving the country’s cultural identity concluded by expressing hope that President Boakai will support initiatives designed to provide jobs, skills training and development opportunities for Liberian youth, while strengthening national peace-building and reconciliation.