Replacing Grigsby
… A Crowded Field
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai seems to sit in the midst of a crowded field of job seekers who are longing to occupy the vacant Minister of State for Presidential post at the Executive Mansion.
The vacancy has been created as a result of the passing of a seasoned diplomat, Sylvester M. Grigsby, who died on August 9, 2025; while receiving treatment in the United States.
The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs is expected to be one with a wealth of experience in guiding the President in decision making on national issues of paramount concerns. Stanch veracity, modest headship, and unswerving commitment to national development are some attributes expected in the reach of one occupying the portfolio.
President Boakai believed to come from the ‘Old School’ arena, is facing the public snooping to know who he brings to serve in this position, following the death of astute diplomat Grigsby, who held numerous senior positions, including Deputy Minister of International Cooperation, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and ultimately Minister of Foreign Affairs during the administration of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Before then, he served as Liberia’s Ambassador to Belgium and the Benelux countries and played a key role during the Interim Government of National Unity (IGNU) under Dr. Amos C. Sawyer.
Twice, Grigsby was appointed Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, first by President Sirleaf, and later by President Boakai, before his demise in August 2025.
Critics of the Boakai-led administration see Grigsby as the only cabinet minister from Southeast Liberia, a scenario that does not reflect geographical balance in the country’s governance system, even though past governments are noted for the same trend of political appointments in government.
With his long years of governmental experience, Grigsby had his share of controversies in the Boakai-led government. He was linked to the purchase of vehicles void of the Public Procurement and Concession Commission compliance. Grigsby was also linked to the much talked about yellow machines saga under the regime which dust has not settled up to present.
Where Boakai looks for new Minister of State?
The President has the power to appoint a new Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. He has a hanging folder full of pressure – heavily concentrated at the governing Unity Party to pick one of their own to occupy the post.
Yet, his own wisdom stands tall to decide on the best among the recommendations from both external and internal forces.
Perhaps the seemingly embarrassing corner to venture into is his home county Lofa, where more than fifty top officials of his regime have been reportedly captured by critics to justify nepotism and favoritism against the dictates of good governance.
However, long before the ailment and subsequent demise of Minister Grigsby in August this year, the name of Gayah Fahnbulleh – a staunch Unity Party loyalist and a confidant of President Boakai has been in the corridor to occupy the post. “I have not been following what they have been doing in the inner cycle of the regime of late, but Garyah is very close to the President and he has been eyed and his name has often surfaced for the position,” a highly placed source has told the In Profile Daily in recent time, especially following the death of Minister Grigsby in Texas, U.S.A.
Another name that has also surfaced for the post is said to be Conmany B. Wesseh, a former Senator of River Gee County. Mr. Wesseh is a member of the Progressives – one of Liberia’s known political groups that put Tolbert’s feet to the fire in the past under the canopy of multi party democracy.
Also being mentioned is Namaka Bility, the current Minister of State Without Portfolio, whose name has been embroiled in the yellow machines saga.
President Boakai expressed profound shock and deep sorrow upon receiving the tragic news of the sudden passing of Minister Grigsby.
He described Minister Grigsby’s death as an immeasurable loss to his Administration and to the nation, noting his decades of dedicated public service, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Liberia.
“Minister Grigsby was a trusted friend, an astute statesman, and a pillar of integrity in public service. His counsel, experience, and steadfast dedication to the duties of his office will be sorely missed by me personally and by the entire Government,” President Boakai said.
Meanwhile, the burial of Grigsby in Liberia is said to be blocked by his wife in the United States who has insisted that her husband will not be brought home for a state funeral.
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