By Fred Mills
When President George M. Weah ran his Campaign for the 2017 presidential election, he ran on the “hope for change” motto. Now five years into his presidency, he is yet to show that change.
Speaking to the media recently upon his return from the United Nations General Assembly at the Roberts International Airport, the president was asked about the shortage of Liberia’s staple food Rice, and in response President Weah said it has not been the first time or the second time that rice shortage has happened in Liberia. But the question that is bugging every concerned Liberian’s mind is: why should rice shortage happed under the watch of a president who promised change to the people of Liberia?
When Liberians start to answer their own questions, it becomes a serious communication breach issue. You, Mr. President, are the leader and should make the best decisions for the poor masses that voted you to power. You are answerable to the people because it is their vote that gave you the mandate to lead them. Telling the citizens that what is happening now, whether it is the first time or the second time, is not the solution to the rice problem. The rice problem should not even happen under your watch as a change leader.
Communication has been one of the biggest shortcomings for most of our national leaders. No one is blaming you, President Weah, for all of the problems that befall the nation; but the people at least expect that you inform them from time to time about things that are happening under your watch. That way, the citizens won’t be left hanging high and dry to the mercy of speculators who will capitalize on every calamity that befalls your administration, whether natural or man-made.
Effective communication is the key to having a successful government, Mr. President.
