Monrovia – In a highly anticipated media engagement, Alexander B. Cummings, political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), assessed Liberia’s governance, economy, and political climate under President Joseph Boakai’s first year in office.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Cummings provided a candid evaluation of the administration’s achievements and shortcomings, touching on corruption, the rule of law, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and overall governance.
Cummings acknowledged some progress but emphasized that ordinary Liberians are the best judges of the government’s performance. He stated that while policies may seem promising on paper, citizens feel their actual impact in their daily lives.
Reflecting on his own electoral campaign, he admitted that his message of change did not resonate widely, largely due to fears that his proposed reforms might threaten the interests of the political elite. He stressed that his vision focused on investing in key sectors, particularly education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure while maintaining a consistent, non-selective approach to fighting corruption.
“The change I was speaking about was about investing in the Liberian people—creating real opportunities for them in education, healthcare, and infrastructure while fighting corruption consistently,” he asserted.
Cummings did not shy away from critiquing the Boakai administration’s early missteps. He pointed to two major instances where the government faltered: the handling of the yellow machines issue and the failure to comply with a court ruling on tenure. He argued that both situations were mismanaged, causing unnecessary administrative setbacks.
On the political front, Cummings raised concerns about the ongoing impasse at Capitol Hill, criticizing both factions for failing to resolve the crisis and adhere to established legal procedures. He stressed that governance must be rooted in the rule of law and called for an urgent dialogue to end the deadlock.
In a rare commendation, Cummings praised President Boakai for suspending officials who failed to declare their assets, in accordance with Liberia’s Code of Conduct Act of 2014. However, he urged the president to go further by dismissing any official who does not comply within the one-month suspension period.
Asking fundamental questions about the well-being of Liberians, Cummings challenged the administration to reflect on whether the country had seen real improvements. He questioned if health facilities had adequate medical supplies, whether schools received proper support, and whether citizens felt hopeful about the future. He says these are the real indicators of a government’s success.
“These are the questions Liberians need to ask themselves: Are they better off, do they have medical supplies, are schools being supported, and are they hopeful for the future?” he questioned.
Cummings called on the government to take swift action to revitalize the economy, healthcare, education, agriculture, and tourism sectors. He emphasized the need for a business-friendly environment free from political interference to attract investors and promote sustainable growth.
Despite his critiques, Cummings expressed a willingness to assist the government in shaping policies and providing recommendations if sought. Given the deep-rooted challenges facing these sectors, he acknowledged that it was still too early to evaluate progress in healthcare and education fully. However, he pledged to remain vocal in advocating for reforms that will improve the lives of ordinary Liberians.
