By Pewu Y. Sumo
Paynesville, Liberia: – The Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Saygbe Maley Jallah, has called on Liberian students to embrace their roles as agents of national development by fulfilling their civic duty to pay taxes, describing the practice as the “lifeblood” of a thriving nation.
Speaking at the Student Taxpayers Awareness Day in Paynesville on Tuesday, April 28, Dr. Jallah emphasized that the infrastructure essential for a modern society—including roads, hospitals, and schools—is only possible through a robust and consistent tax base.
The Bedrock of Development
Addressing a large gathering of students, the Education Minister warned that a refusal to meet civic obligations directly hinders national progress. She noted that public services are the “bedrock” of the nation’s existence and require collective contribution to sustain.
“If citizens, including students, refuse to meet their civic obligation by paying taxes, there would be no roads, hospitals, or schools,” Dr. Jallah stated. “Taxation is what keeps any nation thriving.”
Duty vs. Penalty
The Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), James Dorbor Jallah, also addressed the students at the Paynesville City Hall. He urged the youth not to view taxation as a burden or a punishment, but as a fair investment in a country they can be proud of.
The LRA Chief drew a clear distinction between taxes and legal penalties: “Fines are paid for offenses, but taxes are paid as a contribution toward development,” he clarified.
Civic Accountability and TAM 2026
Dr. Jallah further argued that tax compliance is a powerful tool for governance, as it empowers citizens to demand better services and transparent leadership. She encouraged the youth to view tax payments as a prerequisite for active citizenship rather than a financial burden.
“Citizens must meet their obligations by paying taxes before they can hold their leaders accountable,” she asserted.
The Student Tax Day is a flagship event of the LRA’s month-long Taxpayer Appreciation Month (TAM 2026). This year’s celebration is held under the theme: “From Vision to Reality: Taxpayers Delivering a Billion-Dollar Budget.” The initiative aims to instill a culture of tax consciousness in the younger generation, ensuring they grow into informed contributors to Liberia’s economic future.
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