By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu | Bo City
Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Sierra Leone and Liberia, calling for stronger cooperation in trade, security, peace and regional development.
President Boakai made the statement on Sunday, October 18, 2026, during a special thanksgiving service at the Omega Fire Baptist Church in the Mount Pleasant section of Bo City, southern Sierra Leone.
The service was organised to thank God for what the Liberian leader described as divine guidance and favour throughout his political journey to the presidency. He attended with a delegation comprising ministers, deputy ministers, senior government officials and security personnel.
The event attracted government officials, traditional leaders, members of the Christian community and hundreds of worshippers.
Addressing the congregation and other dignitaries, President Boakai emphasised the importance of strengthening the longstanding relationship between Sierra Leone and Liberia.
He noted that the two Mano River Basin countries share historical ties, geographical proximity and common interests that underpin their diplomatic, economic and security cooperation.
“Our two countries share a lot in common. We have common borders, common history, and common aspirations for peace. A lot of mutual efforts have been made to strengthen our diplomatic ties,” President Boakai said.
He called on leaders of both countries to deepen cooperation in trade, border security, regional stability and peaceful coexistence.
The Liberian President also stressed that sustained collaboration between the two nations was essential to addressing shared challenges and promoting development across the Mano River Basin and the wider Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He urged both governments to consolidate existing diplomatic gains and strengthen partnerships that would contribute to lasting peace, security and development in the sub-region.
Explaining the purpose of his visit, President Boakai said he had travelled to Bo to thank God alongside members of the Omega Fire Baptist Church for their prayers and spiritual support throughout his political journey.
He acknowledged the church’s role during his campaign for the Liberian presidency, noting that its members had consistently prayed for him from the time he declared his intention to contest the election until his eventual victory.
“I am here in Sierra Leone, in Bo to be precise, to thank God together with the Omega Fire Baptist Church for the countless prayers it offered to God on my behalf,” he said.
The President’s remarks highlighted his appreciation for the spiritual encouragement he received during his pursuit of the presidency.
The thanksgiving service also provided an opportunity for him to publicly acknowledge the congregation’s support and express gratitude for its continued prayers.
Welcoming President Boakai and his delegation, Madam Fatu Kamara explained the significance of the visit and the thanksgiving service.
She said the Liberian leader had come to join the church in thanking God for His favour in making him President of Liberia.
Madam Kamara recalled the congregation’s prayers for President Boakai during his campaign, noting that members had remained committed to interceding on his behalf throughout the electoral process.
She described his return to the church to express gratitude as a significant occasion for the congregation.
The General Overseer of the Omega Fire Baptist Church, Reverend Dr. Fayia F. Barclay, thanked President Boakai, his delegation and other dignitaries for attending the service despite their demanding schedules.
Rev. Dr. Barclay described the President’s decision to travel from Liberia to Sierra Leone to thank God with the congregation as a demonstration of humility and gratitude.
“This is rare. It shows a President who remembers where God took him from and who stood with him in prayer. It is a lesson in humility and gratitude for all leaders,” he said.
The General Overseer commended President Boakai for recognizing the church’s spiritual support and making time to attend the thanksgiving service.
He also appealed to the President and other well-wishers to support the church’s ongoing project to construct office facilities within its premises.
According to Rev. Dr. Barclay, the proposed facilities would strengthen the church’s administrative capacity and support its evangelical activities.
He expressed hope that the appeal would receive favourable consideration from the President and other potential supporters.
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Office of National Security (ONS) and the Office of the Resident Minister South, provided security and protocol support for President Boakai and his delegation.
The arrangements were intended to ensure the safety of the visiting Head of State and his delegation while according them the appropriate courtesies associated with a presidential visit.
The presence of government officials and security personnel reflected the official support provided for the visit.
The thanksgiving service featured songs of praise, prayers and expressions of gratitude for President Boakai’s political journey.
Special prayers were offered for continued peace, unity, stability and development in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Participants also prayed for stronger bilateral relations and the wellbeing of citizens in both countries.
The gathering brought together government officials, traditional leaders, members of the Christian community and hundreds of worshippers in an atmosphere of prayer and thanksgiving.
President Boakai’s visit combined a religious expression of gratitude with a reaffirmation of the longstanding ties between Sierra Leone and Liberia.
His call for stronger bilateral cooperation and his appreciation for the church’s spiritual support highlighted the importance of mutual respect, shared history and peaceful coexistence between the two neighbouring countries.