Claim: “First time Liberia has a female defense minister.”
Source: President Joseph N. Boakai
Verdict: True, Geraldine Janet George is Liberia’s first defense minister.
Full text: As part of activities leading to the 177th Independence Day celebration, President Boakai has been meeting with diverse groupings. One of the groups he met was Liberia’s women.
Addressing a town hall meeting with the women of Liberia on July 24, 2024, Boakai claimed that under this administration, Liberia has a woman as a defense minister, demonstrating his government’s commitment to an inclusive society for all Liberians.
In 2023, Boakai defeated former President George Weah, who was elected in 2017.
The Ministry of National Defense was established in 1972 by the Legislature and Executive Law, with the mandate of maintaining national defense and governing the Armed Forces of Liberia. Previously known as the Department of War, it was renamed the Department of National Defense in 1955. The Ministry’s objectives include safeguarding Liberia’s sovereignty, respecting other countries, promoting global peace and security through cooperation, and involving Liberia’s new armed forces in international peace arrangements.
Verification: Our research established that men led the ministry from 1848-2023, the Secretaries/ Ministers of War/ Minister of Defense of Liberia were the following persons: Joseph Jenkins Roberts, Reginald A. Sherman, Anthony Williams, George B. Padmore, Robert T. Sherman, Wilmot H. Dennis, Columbus Harris, Isaac Mozart, James F. Cooper, B.W. Payne, James W. Cooper, Momolu Massaquoi, Joseph Dennis, Henry Reed Cooper, J. Foulton Dunbar, Wilkins Tyler, Isaac Whisnant, Ernest C.B. Jones, Ernest J. Yancy, Harrison Grisby, Robert A. Brewer, Everett Jonathan Goodridge, Allen H. Williams, Harry A. Greaves, M. Burleigh Holder, James Y. Gbarbea, Major Samuel B. Pearson, M/ Gen. Albert B.S. Karpeh, M/ Gen. Gray D. Allison, B/ Gen. J. Boimah Barclay, Dr. Edward B. Kesselly, Gen. (Rtd.) Sandee S. Ware, Gen. (Rtd.) J Hezekiah Bowen, Daniel L. Chea, Sr. and Brownie J. Samukai, Jr.
Major/General Daniel Dee Ziankahn, Jr., (Rtd.) was the most recent Minister of National Defense.
Currently, Brigadier General, Geraldine Janet George, a retired military personnel, served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Armed Forces of Liberia until her retirement. She earned a diploma from the United States Army Command and General Staff College, junior staff courses from Horton Academy, company commander courses from the Rwanda Military Academy, and basic non-commissioned officer courses.
Gen. George was one of 15 public officials nominated in February of this year and subsequently confirmed and appointed to head the national defense, making her the first woman to serve in that post since its establishment in 1972.
The Stage Media also reached out to Sam Collin, former Director of Communications at the Armed Forces of Liberia; he confirmed that retired Brigadier General George is the first female Defense Minister.
Conclusion: True, Liberia’s appointment of retired Brigadier General Geraldine Janet Geroge this year makes it one of the few countries with a female Defense Minister, and it is the first time a woman has led the country’s defense ministry.
