Inauguration of Liberia’s new President, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

All hail Liberia’s new president, and modern Africa’s first female president, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

Madam Ellen is due to be inaugurated this morning, in a ceremony that would be well attended by many African heads of states and other high-ranking officials from other countries, notably the United States of America.

According to a Reuters report, “The high-level U.S. delegation, which also includes Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, signals strong support from Washington for the Harvard-trained economist who has promised to lead the war-scarred West African state to a better future.”

There is also an unconfirmed report that Opray Winfrey would also be in attendance.

US First Lady Mrs Laura Bush arrived Ghana yesterday, and would be at the event with Ghana’s President John Agyekum Kufuor.

I would update this blog entry with more information, after the inauguraton, later today.

God, help Liberia to stand on its feet again.

Addendum #1
Tuesday, 17th January 2006 05:20GMT

Its Official: Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has made history as Africa’s first female president.
Her inauguration was well attended by the high and mighty in the political power house of Africa.

“With U.S. Navy warships offshore for the first time since the civil war’s end two years ago, and first lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on hand in a show of support, the moment was met with thunderous applause from thousands of guests.” AP

“UN peacekeepers and Liberian police have maintained tight security around the capital, Monrovia.

About 500 UN troops have been redeployed to the area, with more police officers on the capital’s streets.” BBC World

I listened to her inaugural speech live on Vibe FM here in Accra – Ghana. Vibe FM has linked up with UNMIL Radio in Liberia, to broadcast the inauguration, live, to listeners in Accra and Liberia.

She made the usual lofty speeches the African leaders make when taking office. She said among many other things, “”I will lead by example – I will be the first to comply.” Promising to declare her assets and asking other members of her government to do same. I wonder if you would live to expectation. Well, time will tell.

CNN gave an overview of the inaugural ceremony this morning as did all the TV networks here in Ghana.