By Stephanie M. Duncan
MONROVIA-President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. Monday launched Dekonti: Cook, Chat, and Chew the Liberian Way, a new book by renowned Liberian author Ora Richards, marking the fulfillment of a dream that took nearly three decades to become reality.
The book, which Richards said was once hidden under her bed and repeatedly interrupted by Liberia’s civil war, migration, and family responsibilities, was officially unveiled during a ceremony at Monrovia City Hall attended by the First Lady, senior government officials, diplomats, family members, and invited guests.
Speaking at the event, Richards reflected on the long and difficult journey of bringing the manuscript to publication, revealing that she began writing the book before Liberia’s civil war but was forced to put the project aside several times because of the country’s instability and personal challenges.
She credited President Boakai as the one person who consistently encouraged her to complete the work.
“This has been a long journey,” Richards said. “There’s only one person in this room who has been on that journey with me from the time I started it until today, and that is President Joseph Boakai.”
Richards recalled that after relocating to the United States, the unfinished manuscript remained stored under her bed while she focused on raising her family. Despite the delays, she said Boakai repeatedly urged her not to abandon her dream.
“He said, ‘Take it out. Write it. One day you will see your dream come true,’” she recounted.
According to Richards, even though her children encouraged her to pursue other employment rather than devote time to writing, she remained determined to preserve Liberia’s cultural heritage for future generations.
“This is not just a cookbook,” she emphasized. “It is a labor of love to educate my people about Liberia.”
The author explained that Dekonti goes beyond traditional Liberian recipes by incorporating stories about the country’s history, customs, and identity, with the goal of helping younger generations appreciate their cultural roots.
“If we don’t know who we were, we cannot appreciate who we are now, and we cannot be better for the future,” she said.
Serving as chief launcher, President Boakai praised Richards’ perseverance, noting that he has known her for many years and admired her unwavering commitment to completing the project despite numerous obstacles.
“I’ve been knowing Ora for quite a long time,” the President said, recalling her years in Liberia’s insurance sector and later in the United States.
Boakai described the publication as an important contribution to preserving Liberia’s cultural identity and reaffirmed his belief in supporting initiatives that promote the country’s heritage.
During his remarks, the President also lightened the atmosphere with humorous comments about traditional household roles before commending Richards for documenting Liberia’s rich culinary traditions.
The launch of Dekonti: Cook, Chat, and Chew the Liberian Way marked the successful conclusion of a nearly 30-year journey, with both Boakai and Richards emphasizing that perseverance, encouragement, and faith in one’s vision can transform a long-delayed dream into reality.
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