Joseph Nyumah Boakai (born 30 November 1944) is the President of Liberia, having assumed office in January 2024 after defeating incumbent George Weah in a closely contested election. A seasoned statesman with decades of public service, Boakai previously served as Vice President from 2006 to 2018 under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, making him one of the most experienced figures in Liberian politics. His return to frontline leadership marked a shift back to technocratic, institution-focused governance after years of populist rule. Boakai campaigned on a “Rescue” agenda, pledging to restore integrity in public office, stabilize the economy, and confront urgent social crises—most notably the surge in drug abuse linked to the synthetic opioid known locally as “Kush.” Since taking office, he has emphasized discipline in public finance, anti-corruption enforcement, and public-sector reform, positioning his presidency as a corrective phase aimed at rebuilding trust in state institutions and improving service delivery for ordinary Liberians.