Last Updated on May 18, 2025 by The Liberian Investigator
Lofa County – At 34 years old, James Papy Kwabo Jr. symbolizes a new wave of Liberian leadership rising from rural roots. By 2029, when Liberia next heads to the polls, he will be 39—youthful by political standards, yet equipped with over 20 years of civic engagement, educational distinction, and global exposure. Though he has not officially announced his candidacy, Kwabo’s growing presence in District Five (Zorzor and Salayea) is already influencing the political narrative.
A Life of Resilience and Purpose
Born on November 26, 1989,in Luyeama Town,Zorzor District , Kwabo’s life has been marked by adversity and determination. Orphaned before his 14th birthday, he suffered paralysis at 17 after a fall while gathering firewood. With assistance from influential community figures like Hon. Moses Y. Kollie, former Representative and Labor Minister, Kwabo received critical medical care in Monrovia, enabling his recovery—a turning point that shaped his path of purpose and public service.
Education, Excellence, and Early Leadership
Kwabo’s academic journey has been defined by distinction. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, with a minor in Public Administration, from the United Methodist University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. In 2013, at just 24, he was elected President of the Mass Communications Students Association and won the award for Best Student Activist—a title reflecting his leadership among peers.
He later earned a Master’s degree in Public Sector Administration from the Cuttington University School of Graduate and Professional Studies, further grounding his leadership in sound governance principles.
Kwabo’s leadership began even earlier: at 18, he became President of the Students’ Government at Zorzor Central High School, one of the school’s first postwar democratic student leaders.
From Rural Radio to Regional Impact
In 2016, at age 26, Kwabo launched Alternative Youth Radio (AYR) from a shipping container in Zorzor. Today, AYR is a powerful rural media platform broadcasting 24/7, employing and mentoring more than 30 young people, and anchoring development initiatives in northern Liberia.
Beyond broadcasting, AYR runs a stationery and school supply shop and is building a School of Professional Journalism and Vocational Education, projected to train over 25,000 youth in media, ICT, and vocational skills by 2035. The school’s construction is already underway—evidence of Kwabo’s long-term vision for rural youth empowerment.
Global Leadership and National Recognition
Kwabo’s leadership has earned both national and international acclaim. He is a 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow, selected by the U.S. Department of State for his work in civic leadership. Between 2019 and 2021, he served as a YALI Influencer, and in 2020, he was named Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Ambassador for Liberia.
In 2017, he represented Liberia at the Liberia–Colombia Youth Exchange Program in Bogotá, deepening his global perspective and cross-cultural leadership skills.
From 2022 to 2024, Kwabo was a two-time member of the International Leadership Association (ILA), supported by the U.S. Department of State through IREX. In August 2024, his community work was recognized nationally with the MTN MoMo Heroes of Change Award.
Augustine Chiewolo
A Shifting Political Landscape in District Five
District Five is currently represented by Hon. Augustine B. Chiewolo, elected in 2023. However, his administration has been met with local concern over key issues—including the departure of a health worker from his clinic in Salayea, questions surrounding the Faith Medical Clinic’s branded ambulance claiming to be for the district as well as, calls for greater clarity on the Constituency Development Fund including the management of scholarships.
While no formal investigations have been launched, these conversations have amplified demands for accountable, community-rooted leadership.
Kwabo’s Appeal: A Mirror of the Youth Majority
Liberia’s demographic reality shows that, over 60% of its population is under 35 which positions Kwabo as a compelling figure. His story of overcoming poverty, disability, and systemic neglect resonates with young voters. Through initiatives like AYR, he’s already delivering practical results in areas often overlooked by national politics.
“Kwabo isn’t waiting for office to act,” says Mulbah Begeh, a motorcyclist from Zorzor. “He’s already empowering people. That’s the kind of leader we need.”
Kwabo has publicly acknowledged being approached in both 2017 and 2023 to run for office but declined. In 2024, he confirmed that active consultations are underway regarding a possible candidacy for the 2029 general elections.
“We’re listening,” he said. “But decisions like this must come from the people. When the time is right, we’ll speak to that formally.”
Conclusion: Candidate or Catalyst?
Whether or not he chooses to run, James Papy Kwabo Jr. has already become a symbol of what Liberia’s next generation of leadership can look like: ethical, educated, locally engaged, and globally informed.
His journey—from high school leadership to founding a media powerhouse, from rural paralysis to global platforms—illustrates a different kind of politics: one based not on partisanship, but on participation and purpose.
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