The Office of the President has expressed concern over recent misrepresentations of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s remarks on investment, governance, and corruption. These distortions, described as deliberate by the Executive Mansion, have generated unnecessary controversy and misconstrued the President’s unwavering stance on ethical leadership and accountability.
In a speech delivered on Sunday, December 22, during the 60th-anniversary commemoration of county status for Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba Counties, President Boakai used the occasion to reflect on Liberia’s unity and development. The event, held at Unification Park in Voinjama, Lofa County, was a celebration of national pride, offering the President a platform to address Liberia’s most pressing governance challenges.
During his remarks, President Boakai emphasized his administration’s dedication to eradicating corruption, calling for integrity in public service and the responsible use of public resources. Contrary to claims circulating in some media outlets, the President’s statements were neither a defense of corruption nor an endorsement of unethical behavior. Instead, they served as a clarion call for public officials to uphold the highest standards of accountability.
As a leader known for his honesty and humility, President Boakai reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption. His remarks reinforced the need for government officials to act as responsible stewards of public resources, prioritizing the welfare of the Liberian people over personal gain.
In a year marked by significant strides against corruption, the Boakai administration has implemented key anti-corruption measures to strengthen accountability and promote good governance. Among these efforts were the commissioning of audits for critical government institutions, including the Central Bank of Liberia and the National Security Agency. These audits, launched in February 2024, focused on uncovering financial irregularities and addressing accountability gaps from 2018 to 2023.
The results of these audits led to decisive action. In July 2024, President Boakai suspended Central Bank Governor Jolue Aloysius Tarlue following revelations of unauthorized loans and excessive spending. Similarly, in October 2024, senior officials from the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) were suspended amid allegations of financial misconduct, pending investigations by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
In August 2024, during the commissioning of new officials, President Boakai reiterated his administration’s firm stance against corruption. He cautioned appointees that unethical behavior would not be tolerated and warned of severe consequences for those found violating ethical standards. His remarks underscored the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability across all sectors.
The President’s dedication to fostering ethical governance was further emphasized on December 9, 2024, when he declared “International Anti-Corruption Day” in Liberia. This national observance aimed to raise awareness about corruption and promote ethical leadership as a cornerstone of Liberia’s progress.
Despite these tangible efforts, political actors with self-serving motives have attempted to distort President Boakai’s statements to undermine his administration’s credibility. The Executive Mansion has dismissed these distortions as baseless and urged both the media and the public to consider the President’s remarks in their proper context.
