PRESIDENT SAMUEL KANYON DOE

21st PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

First Indigenous President of Liberia

President Samuel Doe was the first indigenous leader to ascend to the presidency in Liberia, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history.

Champion of Liberation

He was the liberator of the indigenous people, breaking barriers and forging new paths toward freedom and representation.

Unifier and Equalizer

President Doe played a pivotal role in the unification and equalization of all Liberians, striving to create a society where everyone is treated equally under the law.

Father of Development

Often referred to as the “eye opener” and the father of development in Liberia, his vision and efforts laid the groundwork for the nation’s growth and progress.

Legacy of Sacrifice

Through President Doe’s sacrifices, native Liberians now enjoy access to equality and opportunities as mandated by the constitution. His legacy continues to inspire and guide the path towards a more inclusive and prosperous Liberia.

Samuel Kanyon Doe rose to prominence through his historic coup d’état on April 12, 1980, which ended the 133-year rule of the True Whig Party. His ascension marked a significant shift in Liberian politics, aiming to address the systematic marginalization faced by the indigenous population. Under Doe’s leadership, Liberia experienced a period of economic growth and development, clearing international debt and maintaining a stable exchange rate. However, since 1990, Liberia has struggled to regain its former prosperity, with corruption and exploitation plaguing the nation.

  1. He made history as the inaugural indigenous President of the Republic of Liberia, breaking a 133-year pattern of exclusion for Indigenous Liberians who had long been marginalized, denied equal opportunities, and access to education and employment.
  2. In 1980, Doe became the youngest Head of State globally, a remarkable achievement considering that he and the majority of Liberians were relegated to second-class citizenship in their own country.
  3. Under his leadership, Liberia witnessed its first multi-party democratic elections in 1985, shattering the monopoly of the Americo-Liberian’s Party (TWP) and ushering in a new era of democratic participation.
  4. Doe introduced Liberia’s independent currency, effectively managing its circulation to foster economic growth and halt the flight of the previously dominant US dollar.
  5. Maintaining a 1:1 parity with the US dollar throughout most of his administration, Liberia gained considerable economic leverage and influence across Africa.
  6. The Doe Administration had initiated up to ten significant projects, all of which had been funded, but were ultimately halted due to the tragic onset of war. Nonetheless, among the achievements under the administration of Doe were the successful completion of the following projects:

Some of SKD Achievements

  •  4 x 15 bed health centers (a) Sarbo Sweaken, Grand Gedeh County, (b) Bahn, Nimba County; (c) in Rivercess; (d) in Sasstown; and (e) a 21-room rural health training complex at Phebe Hospital used to provide clinic
  • Development of the National Eye Care Programme established in 1981 securing hundreds of Ophthalmology scholarships to Israel over the years
  • Construction of 20 Bed Redemption Hospital in New Kru Town
  • Construction of 15 room visually handicapped school complex
  • Dodokey Boys Institute in Maryland County
  • Construction of New Housing Projects for armed forces at the BTC
  • Construction for the National Police Barracks
  • Started the construction of the $8 million National Defense Ministry.
  • Construction of the Ministry of Justice Building
  • Construction of the Bureau of Immigration Complexes
  • Construction of the Headquarters of the National Fire Service
  • Construction of Camp Ramrod Barracks
  • Construction of Camp Todee Barracks
  • Construction of The Coast Guard Base Barracks
  • Construction of The Executive Mansion Barracks
  • Construction of Tuzon Barracks
  • Constructed Camp Schieffelin Barracks
  • Barracks also in Sanniquellie, Gbarnga, Voinjama and Zwedru
  • Completed the original Matadi Estate
  • Constructed 72 apartments between 1983-84 at the Matadi Housing Estate at $2.33 million
  • Constructed 100 units for low income earners under the Georgia Site and services program of the National Housing Authority (NHA) in1982
  • Completed the SKD Complex which was started by the previous Administration
  • Construction of the new National Radio complex
  • Extension of the Liberian Broadcasting System
  • Constructed the Gabriel Tucker Bridge
  • Renovated the Waterside Bridge
  • Created ‘Doe Community’ by reclaiming swamped land
  • Launched the National Petroleum Exploration Program
  • Constructed the Nancy B. Doe Jokpentown Market and the Merry Go Round Market
  • Spacious hygienic markets such as he Gardnersvilleand expanded the general market
  • Built several new warehouses for LPMC
  • Constructed the Health Ministry, later renamed the Health Ministry and Social Welfare
  • Began construction on the $8 million Defence Ministry
  • In 1984 alone, 11 new industries were granted concessions to begin operations at a total investment of $28.7 million and expected generation of 1,279 jobs
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  • Introduction of High School Apprenticeships program for high school children earing $75 dollars per month
  • Construction of The Head Office of Liberian Broadcasting System was completed
  • Construction of The Liberian Rural Communications Network (Rural Radio Network)
  • Television program was expanded to some parts of the hinterland such as Gbarnga
  • Completion of a telecommunication link between Liberia and Sierra Leone, as part of the Pan-African Telecommunication network known as Panaftel on July 31st 1981
  • Development of Self-Help Projects in 3 Counties – launched development drives in several counties, Lofa, Maryland and Grand Gedeh Counties.
  • Replaced the US Currency with Liberia’s own currency, thereby enjoying a 1:1 exchange rate with the US Dollar
  • Invested more than $90 million in the development of the National Highway network
  • Invested more than $64 million in the building construction, renovation and maintenance of public building
  • Repaid inherited loans of $92,687, 739 US million dollars by 1985
  • Extended from previous administration and launched the Green Revolution to return Liberia to food sufficiency
  • Built Liberia’s National and Savings Bank
  • Built Liberia’s National Bank building which was later renamed Central Bank
  • Built Liberia’s National Police Headquarters
  • Built and dedicated Liberia’s new $7.8 million water treatment plant at White Plains
  • Built and dedicated the new power station at Gbarnga in Bong County on July 9 1982
  • Built the Pan African Plaza
  • Built the National Archives Centre
  • Built the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Built the Earth Satellite Station
  • Created Lone Star Telecommunications for Liberia
  • Built the Tubman Nursing School
  • Construction of the Kesselly Boulevard
  • Construction of the SKD Boulevard
  • Construction of Redemption Drive
  • Creation of the Ganta Harper Highway Project
  • Construction of the Babaginda International Highway
  • Extension of the University of Liberia and additional MA Programme
  • Renovated JFK Hospital to a high standard
  • Construction of the 20 bed Redemption Day Hospital
  • Construction and in partnership of the 167 room Liberian Japanese Friendship Maternity Hospital
  • Construction 92 bed Leprosy Hospital at Ganta Lerosarlum
  • Development of 7 self-help community clinics In 5 counties
  • Renovated Carte Va Dyer Maternity Center
  • Renovated the Bardnersville Health Center
  • Renovated the West Point Clinic
  • Renovated the Antoinette Tubman stadium
  • Construction of 75 bed Phebe general hospital in Robertsport, Cape Mount County

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