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Monrovia, Liberia – February 2025 – Benetta Konton, Speaker of the Montserrado County Children’s Forum, has penned a passionate open letter to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., highlighting the struggles faced by Liberia’s children and youth.

In her letter, Konton raises urgent concerns about child disappearances, poverty, education, police inefficiency, corruption, and the growing drug crisis. She calls on the president to take decisive action, emphasizing that Liberia’s children deserve a better future.

Key Issues Raised by the Children’s Forum Speaker:

Rising Disappearances: Konton expressed deep concern over the mysterious disappearances of children and adults, urging the government to ensure the police prioritize protecting lives rather than engaging in trivial disputes.

Child Poverty & Hunger: She criticized the inequality in access to food, noting that while government officials provide daily meals for their children, many Liberian kids are forced to beg in traffic for survival.

Access to Education: The letter highlights the high rate of school dropouts due to poverty, questioning the government’s commitment to education reform.

Sexual Exploitation in Schools: Teenage girls face harassment and exploitation from some teachers, who demand money or sexual favors for grades. Konton calls on the president to ensure stricter policies to protect students.

Corruption & Government Spending: She questions the extravagant lifestyles of government officials, who ride in luxury cars and take large salaries, while the majority of Liberian children struggle in poverty.

Drug Abuse & National Emergency: Konton reminds the president that drug abuse was declared a national emergency, yet children continue to die from addiction daily. She demands urgent action to combat the crisis.

Future Leadership & Accountability: She warns that by 2029, today’s children will be making decisions, and those in power will be held accountable for their governance.


The letter, a powerful reflection of Liberia’s socio-economic challenges, has sparked widespread discussions. Many see it as a wake-up call for the government to take concrete steps toward improving the lives of Liberia’s children.

No official response from the Executive Mansion has been issued yet.