( CNN ) -- The Liberian president dismissed all but one of her Cabinet ministers this week in a move she says will help give her administration a fresh start . President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf announced Thursday that she has asked her Cabinet to `` take administrative leave effective immediately . '' She made the announcement during an emergency meeting the night before . The administration is entering a critical stretch and this provides an opportunity to start with a fresh slate , she said in a news release . Johnson-Sirleaf -- currently the only elected female head of state in Africa -- is up for re-election next year . The mandate will not create a power vacuum , she said . Designated deputies will take over until Cabinet leaders are asked to return or their successors appointed , according to the statement . `` Cabinet restructuring will be made in the shortest possible time and ... several ministers could be reappointed , '' she said . The president urged commitment from those who will make it to the next phase . `` I want this administration to be the most effective going forward , '' she said . Ministers who are overseas on assignment will not be affected by the directive until they complete their missions . One minister retained his position amid the shakeup . Edward McClain , the minister of state for presidential affairs , will work with Vice President Joseph Boakai while the president is out of the country . Other government agencies may also undergo a shakeup , according to the president . The Harvard-educated economist and grandmother of eight took the helm in 2006 after a bloody civil war that left her country in shambles . Liberia faced 14 years of civil war and strife under the Charles Taylor regime that ended in 2003 . Johnson-Sirleaf has said she is rallying world support to get the nation back on its feet . The president 's political resilience and tough reputation have earned her the nickname `` Iron Lady . '' The tiny west African nation has a population of about 3.4 million .
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf appoints deputies in their places . It provides an opportunity to start with a fresh slate , she says . She makes the announcement at an emergency meeting . Johnson-Sirleaf is currently the only elected female head of state in Africa .