Former Footballer ; George Weah Is Sworn Into Office As Liberia's New President.

George Tawlon Manneh Oppong Ousman Weah has finally succeeded Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as the 25th President of Liberia.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was married to James Sirleaf but later got divorced. She was the first female head of state in Africa. Ellen Sirleaf ruled as the female president of Liberia for 12 years,guiding the Liberians through the destruction of back - to -back civil wars that ended before her tenure also facing the challenge of the 'Ebola' Crisis that killed thousands.

The 51 year old George Weah  who was dressed in all white, was sworn into office on 22 January 2018 after defeating the incumbent vice President Joseph Boakai in the 2017 election.
The swearing in took place in the Liberia's International football field,Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex,about seven miles Southeast - Monrovia, the first time such an event would be taking place there.

Liberians held prayer services for 48 hours leasing up to the inauguration of George Weah,who served three years in the senate after retiring from his wonderful International career as a footballer.
Although George Weah,who had run for presidency before is still in no doubt new to national politics, he has been sworn into office,inheriting a weak economy along with poor health and educational sectors.

Though,many of George Weah's critics are been skeptical about Weah's ability to deliver in such a country as Liberia thatbos faced with challenges.
Weah's running mate ,Vice President -Elect Jewel Howard -Taylor has got political experience than him.

She was married to the nation's former leader, Charles Taylor but got divorced after her husband went to exile in Nigeria.
Jewel Howard,despite her ex- husband reputation as a ruthless warlord; went on in her political pursuit and was elected senator in 2005.

Evangelical preacher Nathaniel Zarway prayed ,asking God to grant George Weah 'the grace and favor he needs to make a significant difference that will surprise the world'.

He was giving an opening prayer at Sunday's service attended by Weah,his wife Clear and Sirleaf at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in downtown Monrovia.
The congregation responded with a resounding 'Amen' when the preacher shouted : "God don't let him fail you and don't let him fail the Liberian people who have deposed their confidence in him".

The congregation responded with a resounding 'amen' when the preacher shouted: "God, don't let him fail you and don't let him fail the Liberian people who have reposed their confidence in him."

In the lead - up to the inauguration, Weah played in an exhibition soccer match on Saturday,featuring his Weah All Stars team, which was comprised of his former national teammates.

Weah,who played for both Chelsea and Manchester City during a stellar career,scored the first of two goals against Liberian army's football team.

Weah said he was happy and appreciated the calm that has characterized the transition process so far.
During the Monday inauguration activities,Weah had said:

"Her Excellency Madam Ellen ( Johnson Sirleaf) will be bringing down the fkag, while I raise the flag - it is a new day for Liberia".
"It is a smooth transition, no one is running around  the streets. This tells you that we came from a war to peace".

Weah, had requested that the inauguration takes place on the football pitch because his coming up to stardom started there on the pitch.
Thousands of people stormed the field early on Monday 22 2018 just to get a chance to see the swearing in of the new president.

Much is been expected from the Weah's new government as James Mulbah, an agricultural extension expert says:
'Weah's new government should launch a 'self - sufficiency in food program' in order to boost agriculture and tackle the problem of unemployment.
'Any country that does not feed itself,you are at the mercy of those that will feed you,that has been the problem on this country and it has continued to exist', James Mulbah said.
A public administrator,Florence G. Dukuly,  also spoke at the inauguration saying:
"Liberians should not see Weah as a 'magician'  who can solve all Liberia's problems alone.
She further stated; "Liberians have this dependency syndrome, depending on the government to do all,we have to help him make it". She also said that the Weah government should 'work hard towards stabilizing the economy'.

The Weah government was urged to ensure 'continuation of the programs that have been put in place by the outgoing government so that we remain on the path of development,' said Julia Duncan-Cassell, former Gender, Children and Social Protection minister.