Liberia’s journey towards transparency and good governance continues to face significant challenges under President Joseph Boakai’s administration. While the government has made strides in some areas, such as payroll reforms led by the Civil Service Agency, there remains a glaring inconsistency in how the President handles corruption and accountability within his administration.
A troubling pattern has emerged where senior public officials, including those in key positions, have openly refused to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities—a fundamental requirement under the law.
This failure to comply with anti-corruption measures is not met with the same urgency as other matters. Rather than taking decisive action against those who undermine these critical regulations, the President looks the other way, letting these officials continue their duties without consequences. It’s as though evading accountability has become acceptable under the current leadership.
Meanwhile, the President has shown an entirely different level of response when it comes to suspending lower-ranking officials. The case of the junior government official recently suspended by President Boakai offers a stark contrast to the lack of action taken against more powerful figures who disregard the rules. The official’s suspension, while perhaps in the public interest, highlights a troubling double standard. Instead of addressing systemic corruption among higher officials, the President is quick to take action against individuals who may have committed more minor infractions but whose cases likely resonate more in the public eye.
This inconsistency is not just an administrative oversight; it undermines the President’s claims of experience and accountability. It’s one thing to discuss integrity and transparency, but another to demonstrate those values through concrete actions. Liberians were promised a break from past administrations’ “business as usual” mentality. Yet, the President’s failure to hold his officials accountable for severe breaches of trust continues the same old politics prioritizing personal loyalty over national interest.
While there are positive developments under President Boakai’s leadership, such as ongoing reforms to improve payroll systems and other government operations, these actions alone are insufficient to restore public faith in his administration. Without a consistent and transparent approach to fighting corruption, these positive steps risk being overshadowed by the persistent lack of accountability at the highest levels of government.
It is time for President Boakai to reflect on the promises he made during his campaign. If he genuinely seeks to break the cycle of corruption that has plagued Liberia, he must take more robust, consistent actions against those in power who evade transparency. Only by doing so can he demonstrate that his administration is genuinely committed to accountability, not just in words but in action.
As Liberia moves forward, the public will be watching closely to see whether President Boakai’s leadership can live up to the standards he has set—or whether his legacy will be marred by missed opportunities to bring real change to the country. The time to act is now.
