James T. Brooks
MONROVIA — Liberians from all walks of life gathered on Wednesday, Feb. 11, to pay their final respects to the late Alhaji G. V. Kromah. A towering figure in the nation’s history, Kromah was a man whose multifaceted career left an indelible mark on journalism, academia, diplomacy, and national leadership. The public memorial service and legacy celebration, held at the ALCOP Operational Office—famously known as the Aluminum Factory—on Somalia Drive in Gardnerville, served as a formal remembrance of a leader respected for blending rigorous scholarship with a steadfast commitment to national unity.
Professor Kromah’s influence spanned several of Liberia’s most defining and consequential eras. His journey in public service began with high-level roles that helped shape the nation’s communication landscape, including serving as Special Assistant to Vice President Bennie D. Warner and Assistant Minister of Information under President William R. Tolbert. His leadership continued to grow as he took on the role of Director-General of the Liberia Broadcasting System in 1982, followed by his appointment as Minister of Information under President Samuel K. Doe in 1984. During Liberia’s delicate post-conflict recovery, Kromah played a pivotal role in political stabilization while serving as Vice Chairman of the Council of State within the Liberian National Transitional Government.
Beyond the halls of government, Kromah was a cornerstone of Liberian intellectual life. As the long-standing Chairman of the Mass Communications Department at the University of Liberia, he mentored generations of journalists and effectively shaped the standards of modern media practice in the country. His passion for national cohesion also extended into the sports arena; as President of the Mighty Barrolle Sports Association, he championed athletics as a vital tool for discipline, youth development, and national pride, bridging deep-seated divides through the universal language of competition.
The memorial, organized by the Professor Alhaji G. V. Kromah Memorial Service and Legacy Celebration Group, was intentionally designed to transcend political, ethnic, and religious boundaries. The program featured interfaith prayers that reflected his lifelong commitment to religious harmony, alongside moving tributes from former colleagues in both the media and government sectors. These reflections highlighted his consistent advocacy for democratic governance and responsible communication. As the ceremony concluded, organizers noted that the event was far more than a farewell; it was a celebration of a life dedicated to the evolution of the Liberian identity and a call for continued national service.