Peaceful transition in Liberia good for Africa - President Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says the peaceful transition of power from one democratically elected government to another in Liberia was a good day for West Africa and Africa.

He said the swearing-in of President George Oppong Weah, “is an extremely important development in Liberian history, and in West African history...it is a good day for Africa; it’s a good day for West Africa.”

For us in West Africa, I think the democratic consolidation that so many of us are seeking is taking place, and that, democracy is gradually being entrenched stronger and stronger in the body politic of our different states," the President said in an interaction with the media after the swearing-in ceremony at the Samuel Doe Kanyon Sports Complex in Monrovia.

Other West African leaders, including President Allasane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire; Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe; Nigerien President, Mahamadou Issoufou; Senegalese President, Macky Sall; Guinean President, Alpha Conde; and the President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, witnessed the investiture of President Weah.

President Akufo-Addo urged President Weah to build on the legacy bequeathed to him by his predecessor, President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson.

“President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was preoccupied with establishing the basic things after the civil war. She’s been able to do that.

"Now it is a question of building on them to grow the Liberian economy, so that all of these young people, who voted for you, who are out of work, can find work to do in the very near future,” he said.