—Pledges Focus on Soldiers’ Welfare
By Alexander Nyeneken
Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. Oswald Tweh, has assumed leadership of Liberia’s Ministry of National Defense in an acting capacity following his appointment by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Cllr. Tweh officially took over the ministry on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 during a ceremony held at the Ministry of National Defense in Monrovia, attended by senior government officials and top-ranking officers of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Tweh identified the welfare of Liberia’s military personnel as one of the key areas of focus under his leadership.
He said the men and women serving in the Armed Forces of Liberia deserve the necessary support, working conditions and attention required to effectively carry out their national responsibilities.
Tweh emphasized that the effectiveness of the country’s defense institutions depends not only on military readiness, but also on how the government treats and supports the personnel entrusted with protecting Liberia’s territorial integrity.
The acting Defense Minister said his professional background in law and justice would allow him to bring a civilian legal perspective to the leadership of the defense establishment.
He also pointed to his previous engagements with members of the Armed Forces of Liberia over the years, noting that his experience working around issues involving the military, the justice system and the civilian population would help him better understand the relationship between the armed forces and the Liberian people.
Tweh said he intends to work closely with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Liberia and the senior management of the ministry to ensure that the institution continues to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
He stressed the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between Liberia’s military establishment and the civilian population, while ensuring that members of the armed forces operate within the framework of the law.
Meanwhile, former Minister of National Defense Geraldine George thanked President Boakai for giving her the opportunity to serve the country at the Ministry of National Defense.
Minister George, who formally handed over the leadership of the ministry, assured her successor of her willingness to provide advice and consultation whenever needed.
She expressed hope that the experience gained during her tenure would be useful to Minister Tweh as he takes on the responsibility of leading the defense ministry.
George encouraged the incoming acting minister to work closely with the ministry’s senior management and the leadership of the Armed Forces of Liberia in addressing issues affecting the institution.
The official turnover ceremony was held in the conference room of the Ministry of National Defense in Monrovia.
The program was attended by Major General Davidson Forleh and other senior officers of the Armed Forces of Liberia, members of the ministry’s senior management team, and other officials and stakeholders.
Cllr. Tweh’s appointment comes as he moves from the justice sector into the country’s defense establishment, bringing his experience in law, public service and justice administration to his new assignment.
