Once hailed as "The Voice of the Voiceless," Henry Costa has emerged as one of the most inconsistent and controversial figures in postwar Liberian politics. His mercurial nature and penchant for shifting allegiances have left many questioning his true motives and integrity. Costa's journey from firebrand radio host to political aspirant has been marked by a series of contradictions and alleged acts of blackmail, making him a cautionary tale for Liberia's youth interested in politics. Since the regime of Madam Sirleaf, Costa has allegedly acted as a hired gun propagandist, reportedly paid by some politicians to denigrate their competitors or anyone perceived as a threat.
Costa's inconsistency in supporting political candidates is perhaps his most glaring flaw. Initially a staunch supporter of Joseph Boakai and the Unity Party, Costa abruptly severed ties with Boakai in 2023, citing "betrayal and broken promises"2. During the 2023 campaign, Costa relentlessly insulted Boakai while vociferously supporting George Weah. He even directed insults towards Benoni Urey around the same time. However, within a year, following Weah's loss, Costa returned to Boakai, reportedly seeking favor, and redirected his criticism toward Weah.
Such erratic behavior suggests a lack of principled commitment to any particular political ideology or leader, instead hinting at a self-serving agenda. Regardless of what people do for him, if that stops for a moment, you become his target. The allegations of blackmail against Costa are numerous and deeply concerning. The Independent Civil Society Network of Liberia (ICSNL) threatened legal action against Costa in 2019 for "slander and blackmailing against prominent Liberian citizens"3. The organization described Costa as a "paid agent" and "mouth-spewing" talk show host who regularly defamed reputable individuals without evidence. This pattern of behavior has led many to view Costa not as a champion of the people, but as an opportunist willing to tarnish reputations for personal gain.
Costa's methods of operation have drawn criticism from various quarters. The ICSNL accused him of "extorting money from people and maligning the characters of others who he fails to grab cash from"3. This alleged behavior paints a picture of a man who uses his platform not for the public good, but as a tool for personal enrichment and settling scores. Such actions, if true, represent a gross abuse of the power that comes with media influence.
The Liberian government's response to Costa's activities further underscores the controversial nature of his conduct.
Costa's behavior sets a dangerous precedent for young Liberians aspiring to enter politics. Instead of demonstrating integrity, consistency, and a commitment to public service, Costa's actions suggest that political success can be achieved through manipulation, character assassination, and self-interest. This toxic example threatens to perpetuate a cycle of corruption and instability in Liberian politics.
The inconsistency in Costa's political allegiances raises questions about his true motivations. His rapid transitions from supporter to critic of various political figures suggest a lack of genuine conviction. This fickleness not only undermines his credibility but also contributes to the overall instability of Liberia's political landscape, where loyalty and principles seem to be commodities easily traded for personal gain.
Henry Costa's political career serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Liberian democracy. His alleged soullessness, manifested through inconsistent support, blackmail accusations, and self-serving behavior, represents everything that principled politics should stand against. As Liberia continues its journey towards stable governance, it is crucial that the next generation of leaders learn from Costa's negative example and instead choose a path of integrity, consistency, and genuine public service.
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References
https://www.insightsliberia.com/post/henry-costa-a-liberian-firebrand-champion-of-the-people-or-adept-manipulator2 Liberia: Henry Costa Exposes 'Betrayal and Broken Promises' in Rift ... https://frontpageafricaonline.com/politics/liberia-henry-costa-exposes-betrayal-and-broken-promises-in-rift-with-ambassador-joseph-boakai-as-alp-severs-ties/3 CSO GROUP THREATENS LAWSUIT AGAINST TALK SHOW HOST ... https://liberiannetwork.wordpress.com/2019/08/29/cso-group-threatens-lawsuit-against-talk-show-host-henry-p-costa/ HENRY COSTA AND HIS ALLEGATIONS OF “UNGRATEFULNESS” https://smartnewsliberia.com/henry-costa-and-his-allegations-of-ungratefulness/ Henry Costa - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Costa Gov't to arrest Henry Costa, after Court ordered Roots FM closure https://newspublictrust.com/govt-to-arrest-henry-costa-after-court-ordered-roots-fm-closure Henry Costa Again! Makes Baseless Allegations Against GNN ... https://gnnliberia.com/henry-costa-again-makes-baseless-allegations-against-gnn-publisher-to-wrongly-air-false-information/ 'COWARDLY' HENRY COSTA FACES GROWING PRESSURE https://smartnewsliberia.com/cowardly-henry-costa-faces-growing-pressure/ Analysis of Costa's apology to Boakai, supporters and its political ... https://liberianinvestigator.com/opinion/analysis-of-costas-apology-to-boakai-supporters-and-its-political-implications/ POST-WAR LIBERIA AND ITS YOUNG POLITICAL ACTORS https://smartnewsliberia.com/post-war-liberia-and-its-young-political-actors-a-word-of-caution-to-henry-p-costa/ [PDF] Liberia: Background and U.S. Relations - CRS Reports https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46226/3 Liberia: Dependable Nephew' Returns to His Uncle - Henry Costa ... https://allafrica.com/stories/202502030268.html A Plea To Comrade Brother Henry P. Costa - The Perspective https://www.theperspective.org/2020/0116202001.php Human Rights Committee examines Liberia's initial report - ohchr https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2018/07/human-rights-committee-examines-liberias-initial-report Panel Discussion & Analysis of the Henry Costa/ALP ... - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjWeUtevqUA ” Political stand-off between Henry Costa and Unity Party Joseph ... https://elbcradio.com/2023/07/11/political-stand-off-between-henry-costa-and-unity-party-joseph-boakai-is-none-of-our-business-cllr-gbala/ [PDF] Liberia: Background and US Relations - Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1250491/dl Government Ban on Airing Costa Show on D-15FM violates Liberia ... https://mfwa.org/partner-highlights/government-ban-on-airing-costa-show-on-d-15fm-violates-liberias-constitution-cemesp/ Liberia questions presidential critic Henry Costa for alleged forged document https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200113-liberia-questions-president-weah-critic-henry-costa-alleged-forged-document HENRY COSTA'S 'BIG LIE' ON ARMS SHIPMENT TELLS YOU ... https://smartnewsliberia.com/henry-costas-big-lie-on-arms-shipment-tells-you-everything-you-need-to-know/ Henry Costa's public lynching of Loraine Anderson- A Domestic ... https://thenewdawnliberia.com/henry-costas-public-lynching-of-loraine-anderson-a-domestic-violence-victim/ Liberia Drops Charges Against Top Opposition Figure | Barron's https://www.barrons.com/news/liberia-drops-charges-against-top-opposition-figure-01648209607 The Case for and against Henry P. Costa: Liberia’s New Patriot - FrontPageAfrica https://frontpageafricaonline.com/opinion/the-case-for-and-against-henry-p-costa-liberias-new-patriot/ To The Liberian People Let Stop Criminal Henry Costa Now.. He ... https://www.change.org/p/government-of-liberia-to-the-liberian-people-let-stop-criminal-henry-costa-now-he-can-tkeep-misleading-people The Curious Case of Henry P. Costa: From Critic to Endorser https://montserradomedia.com/the-curious-case-of-henry-p-costa-from-critic-to-endorser-a-tale-of-opportunism/ Liberia: Talk-Show Host Costa Holds No Bar - Ventures Into Political Waters https://allafrica.com/stories/201705220969.html The Case for and against Henry P. Costa: Liberia's New Patriot https://frontpageafricaonline.com/amp/opinion/the-case-for-and-against-henry-p-costa-liberias-new-patriot/ Henry Costa: “Attractive” Attributes of Liberia's Most “Repulsive” Talk ... https://frontpageafricaonline.com/amp/opinion/henry-costa-attractive-attributes-of-liberia-s-most-repulsive-talk-show-host/ ANC Youth Leader Sees Costa As Ambivalent Figure - FAAPA https://www.faapa.info/blog/whos-your-ally-anc-youth-leader-sees-costa-as-ambivalent-figure/ A look at Henry Costa's outburst Against Unity Party & Joseph Boakai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTr1f9SxziE Liberia: Unity Party Youth, COP Endorse Henry Costa for Running ... https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-unity-party-youth-cop-endorse-henry-costa-for-running-mate-to-joseph-boakai-as-boakai-remains-tightlipped/ 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Liberia https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/liberia Liberia: Henry Costa Steps Away From Politics, Urges Unity https://www.blackfacts.com/news/article/liberia-henry-costa-steps-away-from-politics-urges-unity Talk-Show Host Costa Holds No Bar - Ventures into Political Waters https://frontpageafricaonline.com/politics/talk-show-host-costa-holds-no-bar-ventures-into-political-waters/ 'Boakai Is Underdog In November Runoff' -Henry Costa Makes ... https://analystliberiaonline.com/boakai-is-underdog-in-november-runoff-henry-costa-makes-insightful-analysis/ Liberia: Background and U.S. Relations - EveryCRSReport.com https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/R46226.html Sierra Leone detains Liberian political activist https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sierra-leone-detains-liberian-political- Henry Costa: The Soulless Chameleon of Liberian Politicsactivist/1703717 Liberia: Analysis of Costa's Apology to Boakai, Supporters and Its Political Implications Henry Costa: The Soulless Chameleon of Liberian Politicshttps://allafrica.com/stories/202502180288.html Breaking News: Nathaniel McGill Sues Henry Costa, For US ... https://frontpageafricaonline.com/front-slider/breaking-news-nathaniel-mcgill-sues-henry-costa-for-us500000-damages-wants-roots-fm-shut-down/ Liberia drops charges against top opposition figure - New Vision https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/liberia-drops-charges-against-top-opposition-130204
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