Joseph Boayue

Joseph Whama Boayue (April 25, 1922 – November 21, 1974) was a Liberian civil engineer and Secretary of Public Works from March 8, 1961, to September 5, 1962.

Early life

Joseph Whama Boayue was born on April 25, 1922, to Nya Kwai and Yhenpu Gelemein Boayue.

Boayue was sponsored by an American missionary by the name of Mildred Black and received his primary school education at the Ganta Methodist Mission School. After receiving his primary school education, Boayue was granted a scholarship to attend the Booker Washington Institute in Kakata, from which he graduated in 1942.

Following his graduation from BWI, Boayue received another scholarship to further his studies at the College of West Africa in Monrovia, where he graduated in 1946 with honors.

Professional life Joseph Boayue pictured in the background of a meeting between President William Tubman and President John F. Kennedy in the White House, 1961

Upon returning to Liberia after graduating, Boayue was appointed to the position of Resident Engineer at the Department of Public Works and Utilities. As a part of his job duties, Boayue was assigned to Harper, Liberia, in Maryland County. Boayue laid out the streets in Harper and oversaw the creation of a road connecting Harper and Webbo. Boayue received many awards for his service and was recognized by the Government of Liberia and the governments of Madagascar, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.

Personal life

Boayue was married to Betty Carter in 1955, and their three children were Joseph Whama Jr, Irving, and Bendu. Their marriage later came to an end. Boayue later remarried Sophie Dunbar in 1964, who was a descendant of Baptist Minister Francis Burns (minister). Their three children were Yanay Miaway, Minisiah Whama, and Zoadah Tealah.

Boayue was a member of the Poro Society, Triple "Six", and the Masonic Order of Liberia

Boayue was the victim of a hit and run and he died on November 21, 1974, in Monrovia, Liberia. After Boayue's death, he received a military escort and his body lay in state at the Edward J. Roye Building from November 30 to December 1.