Liberian President George Weah has received praise for his sportsmanship after conceding defeat in the presidential race. Weah, a former football star who has been serving as Liberia’s president since 2018, called his rival Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory. This act of concession has prevented potential tension and violence in a country with a history of civil conflict. Weah’s action is seen as rare and commendable, demonstrating statesmanship and a commitment to peace.

Weah’s decision to concede came as no surprise to those close to him, as he is known for his belief in respecting the will of the people and avoiding political struggles that could cost lives. Political analysts and human rights advocates have praised Weah’s concession as a victory for Liberian democracy and a testament to the maturity of the country’s political system. The elections, the first since the departure of UN peacekeepers, were conducted with integrity and transparency, according to officials.

Weah’s concession has also been recognized by the regional bloc Ecowas, which commended his statesmanship and commitment to peace and security in Liberia. Social media in Africa has been abuzz with discussions about Weah’s concession, with many comparing it to the actions of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who also conceded defeat in 2015. This trend of peaceful transitions of power is seen as a positive development for democracy in West Africa.

Looking back at Weah’s presidency, he is remembered for his tolerance, infrastructural development, and commitment to free speech. While there are criticisms of his tenure, such as corruption scandals and poor funding for football, Weah’s concession has highlighted his willingness to prioritize the interests of the country over personal ambition. As Liberia transitions to a new administration, the focus will be on maintaining peace and pursuing justice in a divided nation.

In conclusion, George Weah’s sportsmanship and concession in the presidential race have been widely praised for their contribution to peace and democracy in Liberia. His actions have set a positive example for other countries in the region and have been recognized by both domestic and international observers. As Liberia moves forward, the challenge will be to address the deep divisions within the country and work towards common ground for the benefit of all citizens.

Original news source: Liberian leader George Weah hailed for his sportsmanship after accepting defeat (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Students are given a few minutes to read the article independently. After reading, they work in pairs to summarize the key points of the article in just three sentences. Each pair then shares their summary with the class, and the teacher facilitates a brief discussion on the different ways the information was condensed.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: The teacher writes a statement on the board, such as “Conceding defeat in elections is essential for maintaining democracy.” Students move to different areas of the room based on whether they strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with the statement. Each group discusses their reasons and then shares their opinions with the class, relating their thoughts back to President Weah’s concession.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Students are divided into small groups and asked to discuss and predict the future political and social implications for Liberia following President Weah’s concession. Each group presents their predictions to the class, explaining how they think these events will unfold and why.

– Headline Creation
Instructions: The teacher discusses the importance of headlines in news articles. Students are then asked to create their own compelling headline for the article they’ve just read. They can work individually or in pairs and write their headlines on sticky notes. Once everyone is done, the headlines are stuck on the board, and the class votes on which they find most effective or intriguing.

– Mind Map
Instructions: In groups, students create a mind map on a large piece of paper, starting with George Weah’s concession at the center. They branch out to include related topics such as sportsmanship in politics, the significance of peaceful transitions of power, and the impact on democracy in Liberia and West Africa. Each group then presents their mind map, explaining the connections they have made.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What position has George Weah been serving in since 2018?
2. Who did George Weah call to congratulate on their victory in the presidential race?
3. How has Weah’s act of concession affected the potential political climate in Liberia?
4. What are some of the qualities Weah is known for that influenced his decision to concede?
5. How have political analysts and human rights advocates interpreted Weah’s concession?
6. How did regional bloc Ecowas respond to Weah’s concession?
7. What are some aspects of Weah’s presidency that he is remembered for?
8. What are the criticisms mentioned about Weah’s tenure as president?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Liberian President (1)______ Weah has received praise for his sportsmanship after conceding defeat in the presidential race. Weah, a former football star who has been serving as Liberia’s president since 2018, called his rival Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory. This act of concession has prevented potential (2)______ and violence in a country with a history of (3)______ conflict. Weah’s action is seen as rare and commendable, demonstrating statesmanship and a commitment to peace.

Weah’s decision to concede came as no surprise to those close to him, as he is (4)______ for his belief in respecting the will of the people and avoiding political struggles that could cost lives. Political analysts and human rights advocates have (5)______ Weah’s concession as a victory for (6)______ democracy and a testament to the maturity of the country’s political system. The elections, the first since the (7)______ of UN peacekeepers, were conducted with integrity and transparency, according to officials.

Weah’s concession has also been recognized by the (8)______ bloc Ecowas, which commended his statesmanship and commitment to peace and security in Liberia. Social media in Africa has been abuzz with discussions about Weah’s concession, with many comparing it to the actions of (9)______ Nigerian President Goodluck (10)______, who also conceded defeat in 2015. This trend of peaceful transitions of power is seen as a positive development for democracy in West Africa.

Looking back at Weah’s presidency, he is remembered for his tolerance, infrastructural development, and commitment to free (11)______. While there are criticisms of his tenure, such as corruption scandals and poor funding for football, Weah’s concession has (12)______ his willingness to prioritize the interests of the country over personal ambition. As Liberia transitions to a new administration, the focus will be on maintaining peace and pursuing justice in a divided nation.

In conclusion, George Weah’s (13)______ and concession in the presidential race have been widely praised for their contribution to peace and democracy in Liberia. His (14)______ have set a (15)______ example for other countries in the region and have been recognized by both domestic and international observers. As Liberia moves forward, the challenge will be to address the deep (16)______ within the country and work towards common ground for the benefit of all citizens.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your definition of sportsmanship in politics, and can you give an example from your own country?
2. How would you feel if a political leader in your country conceded defeat gracefully after an election?
3. Do you think conceding defeat is a sign of weakness or strength for a political leader? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever had to concede in a competitive situation? How did you handle it?
5. What do you believe are the key qualities of a good statesman or stateswoman?
6. Do you like the idea of politicians being involved in other fields, such as sports, before entering politics? Why or why not?
7. How important do you think it is for a country to have a peaceful transition of power? Can you explain your reasoning?
8. In your opinion, how does the act of conceding affect the citizens’ trust in the electoral process?
9. Do you think the media plays a role in how politicians decide to concede or contest election results? Can you elaborate?
10. How do you think a leader’s commitment to peace can influence the political culture of a country?
11. Have you observed any changes in the political landscape of your country that reflect a trend towards more peaceful transitions of power?
12. What do you think are the biggest challenges that come with a change in government, and how should they be addressed?
13. Do you think corruption scandals significantly tarnish a leader’s legacy, even if they have made positive contributions during their tenure?
14. What role do you believe regional blocs, like Ecowas, should play in ensuring fair and peaceful elections in member states?
15. How can citizens in a divided nation work towards finding common ground after a contentious election?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. sportsmanship
2. concession
3. victory
4. democracy
5. commitment
6. peace
7. presidency
8. example

Meanings:
(a) A win or triumph in a competition or conflict
(b) The position or term of being the president
(c) The act of admitting defeat or yielding to someone
(d) A person or thing that serves as a model or inspiration
(e) A promise or dedication to a particular cause or course of action
(f) The absence of violence or conflict
(g) The act of fair and honorable behavior in sports
(h) A system of government in which power is vested in the people
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is George Weah known for besides being the president of Liberia?
(a) Famous musician
(b) Renowned scientist
(c) Former football star
(d) Successful businessman

2. Why is Weah’s concession seen as rare and commendable?
(a) It ensures his victory in the next election
(b) It guarantees him a position in the new administration
(c) It prevents potential tension and violence
(d) It allows him to maintain power indefinitely

3. Who did Weah call to congratulate on his victory?
(a) Goodluck Jonathan
(b) UN peacekeepers
(c) Ecowas
(d) Joseph Boakai

4. What has been the reaction to Weah’s concession from the regional bloc Ecowas?
(a) Criticism for his lack of political struggles
(b) Indifference towards the situation in Liberia
(c) Calls for him to step down as president
(d) Commendation for his statesmanship and commitment to peace

5. How have social media discussions in Africa reacted to Weah’s concession?
(a) Criticizing Weah’s lack of commitment to peace and security
(b) Comparing it to former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s actions
(c) Ignoring the situation in Liberia
(d) Praising Weah’s corruption scandals and poor funding for football

6. What has been the focus of Weah’s presidency?
(a) Tolerance, infrastructural development, and commitment to free speech
(b) Corruption scandals and poor funding for football
(c) Personal ambition over the interests of the country
(d) Maintaining power and suppressing opposition

7. What is the challenge for Liberia as it transitions to a new administration?
(a) Addressing deep divisions within the country and working towards common ground
(b) Maintaining corruption scandals and poor funding for football
(c) Ignoring the interests of the citizens
(d) Preventing potential tension and violence

8. What has Weah’s concession highlighted about his priorities?
(a) Prioritizing personal ambition over the interests of the country
(b) Prioritizing the interests of the country over personal ambition
(c) Prioritizing corruption scandals and poor funding for football
(d) Prioritizing maintaining power and suppressing opposition

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Weah’s concession has been recognized by the regional bloc Ecowas.
2. Weah did not concede defeat in the presidential race.
3. Weah called his rival Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory.
4. George Weah is not the President of Liberia.
5. Weah’s concession has prevented potential tension and violence in Liberia.
6. Weah is not known for his belief in respecting the will of the people.
7. Weah’s concession has set a positive example for other countries in West Africa.
8. The elections in Liberia were not conducted with integrity and transparency.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How has George Weah’s concession in the Liberian presidential race contributed to the country’s peace and democracy?
2. What are some of the key achievements and criticisms of George Weah’s presidency as mentioned in the article?
3. How did George Weah demonstrate his belief in respecting the will of the people after the election results?
4. What comparisons are being made between George Weah and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on social media?
5. What challenges does the article suggest Liberia may face as it transitions to a new administration?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What position has George Weah been serving in since 2018?
George Weah has been serving as Liberia’s president since 2018.

2. Who did George Weah call to congratulate on their victory in the presidential race?
George Weah called his rival Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory.

3. How has Weah’s act of concession affected the potential political climate in Liberia?
Weah’s act of concession has prevented potential tension and violence in a country with a history of civil conflict.

4. What are some of the qualities Weah is known for that influenced his decision to concede?
Weah is known for his belief in respecting the will of the people and avoiding political struggles that could cost lives.

5. How have political analysts and human rights advocates interpreted Weah’s concession?
Political analysts and human rights advocates have praised Weah’s concession as a victory for Liberian democracy and a testament to the maturity of the country’s political system.

6. How did regional bloc Ecowas respond to Weah’s concession?
Regional bloc Ecowas commended Weah’s statesmanship and commitment to peace and security in Liberia.

7. What are some aspects of Weah’s presidency that he is remembered for?
Weah is remembered for his tolerance, infrastructural development, and commitment to free speech.

8. What are the criticisms mentioned about Weah’s tenure as president?
The criticisms of his tenure include corruption scandals and poor funding for football.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) George
(2) tension
(3) civil
(4) known
(5) praised
(6) Liberian
(7) departure
(8) regional
(9) former
(10) Jonathan
(11) speech
(12) highlighted
(13) sportsmanship
(14) actions
(15) positive
(16) divisions
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. sportsmanship
Answer: (g) The act of fair and honorable behavior in sports

2. concession
Answer: (c) The act of admitting defeat or yielding to someone

3. victory
Answer: (a) A win or triumph in a competition or conflict

4. democracy
Answer: (h) A system of government in which power is vested in the people

5. commitment
Answer: (e) A promise or dedication to a particular cause or course of action

6. peace
Answer: (f) The absence of violence or conflict

7. presidency
Answer: (b) The position or term of being the president

8. example
Answer: (d) A person or thing that serves as a model or inspiration
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is George Weah known for besides being the president of Liberia?
Answer: (c) Former football star

2. Why is Weah’s concession seen as rare and commendable?
Answer: (c) It prevents potential tension and violence

3. Who did Weah call to congratulate on his victory?
Answer: (d) Joseph Boakai

4. What has been the reaction to Weah’s concession from the regional bloc Ecowas?
Answer: (d) Commendation for his statesmanship and commitment to peace

5. How have social media discussions in Africa reacted to Weah’s concession?
Answer: (b) Comparing it to former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s actions

6. What has been the focus of Weah’s presidency?
Answer: (a) Tolerance, infrastructural development, and commitment to free speech

7. What is the challenge for Liberia as it transitions to a new administration?
Answer: (a) Addressing deep divisions within the country and working towards common ground

8. What has Weah’s concession highlighted about his priorities?
Answer: (b) Prioritizing the interests of the country over personal ambition
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Weah’s concession has been recognized by the regional bloc Ecowas. (Answer: True)
2. Weah did not concede defeat in the presidential race. (Answer: False)
3. Weah called his rival Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory. (Answer: True)
4. George Weah is not the President of Liberia. (Answer: False)
5. Weah’s concession has prevented potential tension and violence in Liberia. (Answer: True)
6. Weah is not known for his belief in respecting the will of the people. (Answer: False)
7. Weah’s concession has set a positive example for other countries in West Africa. (Answer: True)
8. The elections in Liberia were not conducted with integrity and transparency. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧