15/07/2025
George Tengbeh,head of secretariat of STAND gives reasons why he supports the July 17 protest:
Why I Support the July 17 “Enough Is Enough” Protest? 🤦♂️
First, a heartfelt thank you to all our followers, well-wishers, and supporters who understand and share this cause. They are the heroes and Heroines of our modern democracy. They choose to stand for something because they are not cowards like many of you. Procrastination and Greed are the reasons why Liberia is like this (177yrs and no rail Public transport).
📌 On allegations of self-interest:
To those who claim I’m in this for “jobs and other ransoms”, you don’t know me. I’ve never worked for any government and maintain a private profile. My motivations come from conviction, not compensation. I have by far represented Liberia on bigger stages than many of your demigods. I am more than educated than many of your enslavers. I am just a person who always want to keep a low profile.
📌 I have always had the Courage to speak truth:
Many fear criticizing leaders when vital issues are at stake, but NOT ME. I stand firmly for serious issues even when it risks bread for my family. If you can’t convince me, step aside while I galvanize minds and translate ideas into policies benefiting our communities. “If this government came to power questioning the governance of the past government, they too must in the same vein be ready for similar treatment”.
📌 Check the facts:
Look me up on Google and do some facts checks. My educational and professional background, two BSc degrees, an MSc in Water Resource Management, and an MA in Labour Economics & Policy, outshine the “demigods” some blindly support.
🛡️ The Legality of the Protest
WE THE PEOPLE” aren’t just words, they’re the heartbeat of Liberia’s constitution. Article 1 declares that “Power is inherent in the people.” Protesters aren’t enemies of progress, they are the backbone of democracy.
Liberia’s constitution guarantees protest rights: Article 17 upholds the freedom of assembly and demonstration. Moreover, this aligns with Articles 19 and 20 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Liberia has ratified.
Furthermore, STAND formally notified the Ministry of Justice on July 4, as per a letter invoking Article 17 and international human rights protocols, confirming every step is legal and peaceful.
🪧Why I Support the Protest
1. Violation of Constitutional Rights (Article 18):
Article 18 prohibits job discrimination based on political alignment. Yet under the current administration, experts and policy-driven individuals outside the “incumbent bandwagon” find doors shut. I stand staunchly against this .
2. Abuse of the Decent Work Act:
The Labour Minister has reportedly engaged in nepotism, corruption, and “selling jobs for his pocket.” My open letter of July 17, 2024, urged full labor reforms, calling out missing protections like OSHA standards and lack of tripartite oversight.
3. Privatization of Government Services:
The outsourcing of Ministry of Transport functions to a Lebanese firm threatens the jobs of over 200 civil servants with ten-year service, many could lose their livelihoods. This undermines public employment and civil service stability.
4. Land Reform and Ownership:
Long-standing Liberian families risk being displaced by claimants armed with decades-old deeds. The government often sides with powerful claimants, not the poor, without proper investigations, a travesty of justice.
5. Workplace Safety & Union Rights:
We’ve seen horrific cases: workers losing limbs or lives in hazardous conditions (e.g., Mano Manufacturing, Sethi Steel). These are clear breaches of tripartite labor protections and decent work principles . The Decent Work Act is being sidelined, workers lack safe conditions, and union rights are being trampled.
📌 I have constantly Call for a thorough Reform and STAND is just re-echoing my calls.
Given these constitutional violations, economic injustices, labor abuses, and social inequities, it was only right to support the July 17 ("Day of the People") protest. STAND’s manifesto, “WE THE PEOPLE – Enough Is Enough”, clearly outlines demands for justice, transparent governance, public accountability, healthcare access, land reform, and union strengthening.
STAND has mobilized across all 15 counties and notified authorities in advance, making clear the protest’s peaceful intent and legal basis.
My actions were that of a patriot
✅ I act from integrity, not ambition.
✅ My academic and professional credentials back my leadership.
✅ I stand for constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, labor rights, land justice, safe workplaces, and governmental accountability.
✅ The July 17 protest is peaceful, legal, and a necessary demand for meaningful reform.
Thank you for reading! At least you know a little about me and what I stand for. 😜
George Sahr Tengbeh,
🪧Head of Secretariat, Enough is Enough / July 17 Protest
✅ BSc (Logistics & Public Admin), MSc (Water Resource Mgmt), MA (Labour Economics & Policy)