Liberia’s observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan received a boost this week as President Joseph Nyuma Boakai launched the 2026 National Ramadan Rice Distribution, an initiative aimed at supporting Muslim families across the country during the sacred period of fasting and prayer.
The program was officially unveiled Wednesday at the Benson Street Mosque in central Monrovia, where thousands of bags of rice and other forms of assistance were presented to representatives of the Muslim community.
Acting on behalf of the President, Minister of State Without Portfolio Hadja Mamaka Bility delivered the donation and conveyed Ramadan greetings to members of the National Imams Council, senior Islamic clerics, and Muslim faithful who gathered for the ceremony.
During the launch, the government donated 3,000 bags of rice, each weighing 50 kilograms, along with additional food supplies and cash support. Officials said the assistance is intended to help Muslim families during Ramadan—a time traditionally dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and charitable giving.
According to President Boakai, the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to fostering national unity and religious tolerance in a country defined by diverse faith traditions.
The first phase of the distribution targeted several mosques within and around Monrovia. Beneficiaries include the Benson Street Mosque, Newport Mosque, Unity Mosque, Gurley Street Mosque, the mosque at Monrovia Central Prison, Black Gina Mosque, Brewerville Mosque, Chicken Farm–Jacob Town Mosque, 17th Street Mosque, New Georgia Mosque, and Salafiya Mosque. Authorities say additional distributions will extend to other regions of Liberia in the coming weeks.
Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Bility emphasized that the initiative goes beyond humanitarian support. She described the program as a symbol of compassion and solidarity during a spiritually significant time for Muslims.
“As we launch this distribution today, we do so with a message of peace, love, and togetherness,” Bility said. “May this contribution bring relief to families, strengthen community bonds, and renew our collective commitment to compassion, forgiveness, and national development.”
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Chief Imam Ali Krayee expressed gratitude to the government for maintaining what he described as a longstanding tradition of Ramadan support. He assured the President that the Muslim community would continue to offer prayers for the country and its leadership, particularly as preparations begin for the upcoming Hajj season.
Government officials say the Ramadan rice distribution forms part of broader efforts by the Boakai administration to strengthen social inclusion, encourage interfaith cooperation, and promote national unity during one of the most sacred periods on the Islamic calendar.
