Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas-Press Statement .
For Immediate Release
Philadelphia, PA. October 15, 2023: — The Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc., strongly condemns all forms of hate, violence, and threats against any people based on their ethnicity. The attention of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc. (GGAA) has been drawn to issues concerning the people of Grand Gedeh County, Republic of Liberia, relative to the barrage of sentimental and emotional accusations being peddled against Grand Gedeans. These accusations coming from individuals on social media and in a position of influence, are solely intended to victimize our people yet again and send disturbing signals amongst our people at home and in the Diaspora. This is categorically unacceptable and the people of Grand Gedeh refuse to be painted with a broad brush of wrongdoing pitted against Grand Gedeans and the Krahn people as one.
The Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc. commends all citizens of Liberia for actively participating in the democratic process by exercising their fundamental rights to vote in the October 10th, 2023, presidential and legislative elections. GGAA, the largest umbrella organization of Grand Gedeans in the diaspora, realizes that the people of Grand Gedeh also reserve the right to vote for anyone without fear of intimidation, harassment, and victimization. It is a good thing that our people are actively involved in the selection of their leaders, and their choices must be protected, encouraged, and respected.
We find it necessary to emphasize the enduring value of maintaining peace and dispelling any false notions that suggest violence as a means to an end. The people of the Republic of Liberia have shown great resilience, progress towards unification and rebuilding after a brutal civil war. We categorically denounce any actions or statements that spread hate, incite violence, or target individuals and groups based on their ethnicity. We will endeavor at all time, to promote the peace and tranquility of our beloved nation.
In addition, as Grand Gedeans , we will not support anyone who has any intention to create chaos or violence in the country. Anyone who has the intention to destabilize our democratic process will not have the support of the people of Grand Gedeh.
The people of Grand Gedeh County have and continue to be consistent with the teachings of our forefathers, to uphold certain core values such as:
- Equal access to opportunities for all Grand Gedeans.
- Assurance of peace, security, and the rule of law.
- Transparent and effective governance.
- Sustainable economic growth.
- Preservation of natural resources and environment.
- The respect of fundamental human rights and human dignity
This vision is indeed, to foster national peace, and national unity, upholding quality social, economic, and infrastructure development for all Liberians. As Grand Gedeans, we will never deviate from or abandon these core values. We ask all Liberians for us to work together as a people , to build a peaceful and prosperous future for our nation.
Yes indeed!
“In union strong success is sure
We cannot fail!
With God above
Our rights to prove
We will o’er all prevail!”
Signed:
Madame Edith T. Poah
National President, GGAA
About Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc.:
The Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, remains committed to fulfilling its main aims and objectives to improve well-being and foster peace among Grand Gedeans living in the United States & Canada, and mobilizing resources for the reconstruction of Liberia, Gedeh County in particular. Further, we are resolved in our dedication to build and promote the tenets of democratic good governance, and this includes diversity, tolerance, and inclusivity. For more information, visit https://ggaainc.org/.