Published: May 30, 2025
MONROVIA – Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, has respectfully declined an award from the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), stating that he does not deem himself worthy of such an honor at this time.
The Council had extended an invitation to Koffa to receive a prestigious accolade—“Advocate for Justice and the Rule of Law”—during its Bishop George D. Brown Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2025. The event is part of the Council’s 35th General Assembly, currently taking place at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary campus in Paynesville.
When contacted by The Liberian Investigator, the Grand Kru County Representative expressed his appreciation for the recognition but declined the offer. “I do not deem myself worthy of such an award,” Koffa said, without elaborating.
In contrast, the Council is moving ahead with its plan to honor current House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon with a “Statesmanship Award” during the same induction ceremony. Speaker Koon, according to the LCC, is being recognized for his contributions to peacebuilding, governance, and national development during his tenure.
Koon, who is currently on an official visit to Sierra Leone, will be represented at the ceremony by Representatives James Kolleh and Johnson S.N. Williams, as directed by Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah during the House’s Thursday session. The House plenary officially acknowledged the Council’s communication and endorsed the participation.
The Bishop George D. Brown Hall of Fame was launched in 2023 to honor distinguished Liberians who have demonstrated exemplary service to the church, the state, and society. It was named in honor of the Council’s founding President.
This year’s General Assembly is being held under the theme: “Reconciliation: Acknowledging the Past, Accepting the Present, and Adjusting for the Future with True Healing,” drawn from Ephesians 5:14–16. Over 250 delegates from clergy, women, youth, and county chapters have convened for the four-day gathering to deliberate on Liberia’s post-conflict healing, institutional reforms, and national unity.
In a related development, the Council has also invited lawmakers and the general public to attend a National Intercessory Prayer Service on Saturday, May 31, at 2:00 p.m. at the Seminary campus. The service will recognize national leaders’ dedication to restoring calm and dignity to the Legislature during a turbulent transitional period.
“The Council counts on your continued support to the church and your understanding of the past, present, and future context of how Liberia can experience true healing,” the communication read.
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