In the face of a struggling economy, escalating unemployment, and widespread poverty, it is deeply troubling to witness President Joseph Nyuma Boakai flying a private jet to the 66th ECOWAS Summit in Abuja, Nigeria. This decision to charter a private plane for official travel is not just a personal luxury but a glaring indication of the disconnect between the ruling Unity Party government and the suffering masses it claims to serve. It is not only a waste of taxpayer money, but it also sends a strong message of insensitivity to the dire realities faced by ordinary Liberians.
Liberians are living in a country where the cost of living continues to soar, unemployment remains alarmingly high, and essential public services such as healthcare and education are severely underfunded. Citizens struggle to meet their most basic needs, with many unable to access affordable healthcare and education or even put food on their tables. In such circumstances, the actions of a president who opts to fly in a private jet rather than use more economical travel options is an act of blatant disregard for the citizens’ well-being.
It is crucial to understand the context of Liberia’s current economic situation. The country is mired in financial instability, with a high national debt burden, limited access to international aid, and a government struggling to fulfill its basic responsibilities. Economic distress is evident in the growing number of Liberians who are unable to find jobs, access basic necessities, or enjoy the fruits of economic progress. Instead of prioritizing policies that would ease this burden—such as improving infrastructure, creating job opportunities, and investing in public services—the President chooses to indulge in an flamboyant display of wealth that only exacerbates the sense of inequality and frustration among the population.
This is not the first time President Boakai’s actions have raised eyebrows in the face of Liberia’s dire economic situation. He promised to lead with humility, transparency, and fiscal responsibility during his campaign. He assured Liberians that his leadership would focus on the country’s development and the welfare of the people. However, his decision to fly in a private jet—a luxury that many Liberians could never dream of affording—contradicts these promises. This is a stark reminder of how far removed the political elite are from the struggles of the average citizen.
Critics of President Boakai’s decision argue that this indulgence in luxury travel is symptomatic of a broader issue: a leadership that is out of touch with the realities of the people it governs. It is hard to reconcile the image of a president who is seen soaring above the country in a private jet while talking about economic growth and national development. The funds spent on chartering such a flight could have been better utilized to address the nation’s real issues, such as improving public health systems, supporting education, or creating jobs for the growing youth population.
The decision to fly a private jet also sends a dangerous message to the people of Liberia. It reinforces the perception that the political elite lives in a bubble, disconnected from the daily hardships that ordinary citizens face. It is a poor signal when the government asks for the public’s patience in challenging economic conditions. When the President chooses to fly in luxury while the people continue to struggle, it reflects poorly on his leadership and undermines the trust and support of those who placed their faith in his promises.
In the context of Liberia’s economic struggles, this act of excess is not just about the cost of a flight—it is about the priorities of a government that is failing to prioritize the needs of its citizens. The money spent on such a flight could have been allocated to programs that directly benefit the people—like expanding healthcare access, increasing support for farmers, improving schools, or creating employment opportunities for the youth. Instead, the President’s actions suggest that his government is more interested in maintaining the status quo of luxury and privilege than in addressing the needs of the masses.
The Liberians deserve a president who leads by example and understands the importance of fiscal responsibility, especially in a crisis. Rather than focusing on extravagant displays of wealth, President Boakai should demonstrate leadership by showing that he is committed to using the country’s limited resources for the greater good. The government must show the people that it is committed to tackling corruption, promoting sustainable economic growth, and addressing the real needs of the people—not engaging in practices that only widen the gap between the rich and the poor.
This issue is not just about the private jet—it is about the issue of leadership and accountability. Liberia cannot afford a government that is blind to the struggles of its people. The masses are suffering, and their cries for change and improvement should not be ignored. President Boakai must reflect on the example he is setting for the country and his message to the Liberian people. Suppose Liberia is to move forward and prosper. In that case, it requires a president who is not only attuned to the struggles of its citizens but also committed to leading with humility, responsibility, and respect for the public resources entrusted to him.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to fly a private jet is an affront to the people he promised to serve. It is a decision that highlights the widening disconnect between the political elite and the suffering masses, a decision that betrays the trust of the Liberian people. At a time when the country is struggling with severe economic challenges, this act of excess only serves to deepen the frustration and disillusionment among the public. It is high time that President Boakai reassesses his priorities and leads with the humility and responsibility that Liberia so desperately needs.
