Samuel Kofi Woods

Minister of Public Works

Date of Birth: 01/05/1964
Place of Birth: Logan town, Bushrod Island

Education: BSc, Economics and Management, University of Liberia, 1987; Certificate, International Law and Human Rights Theory, Columbia, 1994; LLB, University of Liberia, 1996; Post-Graduate Diploma, International Laws and Organizations for Development, Institute of Social Studies, Netherlands, 1999; LLM, Public International Law, University of Leiden, Netherlands, 2000.

Career: Executive Director, Monrovia YMCA, 1989; Founding National Director, Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, Liberia, 1991-98; Founder and Regional Representative, Foundation for International Dignity (FIND), 2002 to date; Minister of Labour, 2006-09; Minister of Works, 2009 to date.

Commentary: A decorated human rights campaigner, Samuel Kofi Woods has been one of the leaders of the recovery in Liberia and Sierra Leone following the devastation of the Liberian Civil War. He is immensly popular in Liberia and is known for his integrity. George Weah tried to recturit him as his running mate for the 2005 presidential elections but he refused, preferring to work in civil society. He accepted a post in President Johnson-Sirleaf's cabinet in 2006 and his appointment was greeted with cheers.