Former youth council member clarifies resignation, rejects political influence claims

Published: January 5, 2026

MONROVIA — A former member of Liberia’s National Youth Advisory Council to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has issued a statement clarifying the timing and reasons for her resignation, pushing back against public speculation and denying allegations of political party influence.

Alphia Faith Kemokai said she was appointed to the National Youth Advisory Council on October 11, 2024, and formally submitted her resignation in October 2025. According to Kemokai, the resignation took effect December 31, 2025, a timeline she said was designed to allow for continuity and the appointment of a replacement without disrupting the council’s work.

“My resignation was not reactive,” Kemokai said in the statement now published on Facebook and other social media handles. “It was a considered decision made in good faith and with intention.”

The National Youth Advisory Council was established to increase youth representation in high-level government decision-making, an effort the former member described as necessary and deserving of continued support. She said stepping down should not be interpreted as a rejection of youth engagement in governance or opposition to the council itself.

“Leadership also means knowing when to step aside and allow others to contribute,” her clarification contains, adding that she takes pride in embracing both service and transition in a region where political power is often held for long periods.

Kemokai currently serves as program manager of the Young Political Leadership School Africa, a leadership, elections and governance training initiative that works with young people in Liberia and other countries. It is a Naymote Patners for Democratic Development’s initiative. In that role, Kemokai disclosed, political neutrality is essential.

“I am not a member of any political party, nor have I ever been,” she said in her statement, adding that her professional work involves engagement across Liberia’s political spectrum, including the Congress for Democratic Change, Unity Party, All Liberian Party, Alternative National Congress and Liberty Party, as well as many other political parties and actors outside the country.

The statement also addressed claims circulating publicly that the resignation was influenced by political parties. Those claims, Kemokai clarified, were false, addressed through legal means and were later retracted with an apology from her accusers.

The former council member expressed gratitude to President Boakai and other stakeholders involved in establishing the youth council, as well as to members of the public who offered support following the resignation. She also congratulated the newly appointed council member, wishing her “wisdom and courage” in her service.

Looking ahead, Kemokai said her commitment to youth development, civic engagement and democratic participation remains unchanged.

“As we step into a new year, I wish everyone peace, purpose, and continued commitment to building a better future for our country and our young people,” she said.