African Women take charge
Story: Nana Sifa Twum

Loud cheers and jubilation greeted the inauguration of the first woman president of the continent of Africa, a sign indicating the readiness of the people Liberia after their protracted war ended in 2003 to make peace and move forward with their lives. The lack of a suitable official ceremonial gathering place as a result of the war, did not in any way dampen the spirit of the guests who gathered on the grounds of the capital building and sat under coconut trees to witness this historical event in Liberia. Throughout the day an intense security had been put in place to ensure the safety of invited guest and hosts.

About 500 UN troops have been redeployed to the area, with more police officers on the capital's streets. Two US Navy warships are stationed off Liberia's coast, in a show of support for Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf's presidency, while public vehicles were not allowed to move in the capital. 

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s swearing-in as Liberia's president, making her Africa's first elected female leader was witnessed by high ranking political figures around the globe including the US First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Some other African heads of states including the presidents of Nigeria, Olusegun Obsanjo, Ghana’s John Adjekum Kufour and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa were present. 

Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf’s one hour inaugural speech outlined the country’s moments of difficult recovery. She said, ‘my top challenge is to maintain peace, law and order after 14 years of civil war’. 

After calling for a moment of silent prayer from the gathering to remember the citizens and peacekeepers who lost their lives during the war, Johnson-Sirleaf vowed to wage a war on Liberia's "major public enemy.

After the ceremony, she called for a moment of silent prayer to remember the thousands of people who died during the war. 

"We know that your vote was a vote for change, a vote for peace, security... and we have heard you loudly," she said. 

She said that leading civil servants and ministers would have to declare their assets. 

"I will lead by example - I will be the first to comply." 

Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf becomes Liberia's first elected head of state since the end of the war in 2003. 

The 67-year-old grandmother won 59% of the vote in November's run-off election, beating Liberian football star George Weah. 

A former World Bank economist and veteran politician, Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf is nicknamed the Iron Lady but has promised to show a new, softer side as president. 

The challenges which lie ahead as she begins her six-year term are great. 

After a quarter of a century of war and misrule, Liberia's road network is in ruins, there is no national telephone network, no national electricity grid and no piped water.