Liberia cannot solve its youth crisis simply by handing out jobs; it must give young people a seat at the decision-making table, according to Shardrick Bloyue, Senior National Assistant Secretary General for Press, Propaganda and Publicity of the National Patriotic Party in Liberia.

Speaking as the nation marks 179 years of independence, Bloyue argued that while youth make up over 65% of the population, fewer than 3% hold public sector jobs, and even fewer have a say in how the country is run.

He pointed to a history of short-sighted resource concessions that export raw materials rather than building local manufacturing, leaving young Liberians locked out of real economic and political influence.

While acknowledging recent government investments in rural road infrastructure, Bloyue warned that persistent political patronage, drug abuse, and a lack of genuine cross-party reconciliation continue to sideline the nation’s largest demographic.

–ChannelAfrica–