Chief Zanzan Karwor Shakes hands with President Sirleaf

Executive Mansion, Monrovia

The headquarters of the National Traditional Council of Liberia has officially opened in Monrovia. In a statement marking the occasion, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf paid tribute to the traditional leaders of Liberia, describing them as ‘the unifying strength of Liberia.’

An Executive Mansion release says the President spoke of the significance of honoring the country’s traditional leaders, whom she described as a primary source of strength. The President challenged Liberians to take control of their own destiny as the country is on a mission which has to be fulfilled.

National Traditional Council Chairman, Chief Zanzan Karwor, in remarks, commended the President for the high level of recognition accorded chiefs during her Presidency. Chief Karwor described the headquarters as a symbol of Government’s support for the National Traditional Council.

The Liberian President on Friday, July 17, at the head of senior Government officials, cut the ribbon marking the opening of the headquarters of the National Traditional Council at an elaborate ceremony in Sinkor. Funding for the newly refurbished building was provided by the Carter Center, a charity owned by former United States President Jimmy Carter.

The colorful ceremony, characterized by traditional songs and dance, was graced by members of the National Traditional Council, Internal Affairs Minister Ambulai Johnson, members of the National Superintendent’s Council and several chiefs from the West African sub-region, including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

In another development, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been inducted into the membership of the Liberia Association of Writers (LAW), at a ceremony on July 17 marking the Association’s 27th Anniversary. The Liberian leader was also inducted into the Literary Fraternity by a founding member and the Association’s first president, Mr. Keith Best.

In remarks following her induction, the President observed that Liberians have not done enough to write about their evolution, a situation she described as a challenge that must be overcome.

The President urged Liberians to cultivate a culture of reading to better develop their knowledge of national and historical events, thereby contributing to national development.

The Liberia Association of Writers seeks to promote and nurture current and new writers.