President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who ascended to power on promises of fiscal discipline and prioritizing the plight of ordinary Liberians, is now facing mounting criticism over his administration’s financial outturns in 2024.
A detailed analysis of the fiscal year’s Object of Expenditure Summary reveals a troubling pattern of exorbitant spending in areas many consider non-essential, undermining his pledge to curb wasteful expenditures.
According to the 2025 draft national budget, which provides a breakdown of government spending from January 1 to November 18, 2024, the Boakai administration spent a staggering US$1.62 million on foreign travel alone, nearly exhausting the US$1.78 million budget allocated for the entire year. Additionally, US$1.17 million was expended on Foreign Travel Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) out of the US$1.63 million allocated. These figures, though falling within budget limits, reflect a prioritization of travel-related expenditures at a time when Liberia’s socio-economic challenges remain acute.
The administration’s spending on Foreign Travel Incidental Allowances also draws attention. Of the US$374,680 budgeted for this purpose, US$246,985 was spent within the first eleven months of the fiscal year. Critics argue that such spending is difficult to justify, especially when the government frequently claims insufficient funds for critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The numbers become even more concerning when examining other areas of expenditure. Special Operations Services, which had a budget of US$7.98 million, overshot projections by nearly US$1.42 million, with a total outturn of US$9.4 million. Similarly, funds allocated for workshops, conferences, symposia, and seminars experienced significant overruns, with actual spending reaching US$2.76 million against a budgeted amount of US$1.89 million.
While these expenditures might be defended as necessary for government operations, they contrast starkly with President Boakai’s earlier rhetoric. As the opposition leader, Boakai often lambasted former President George Weah and the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) for what he described as reckless and wasteful spending, accusing them of enriching the elite while ordinary Liberians languished in poverty. Many now question whether his administration is any different.
Further adding to the controversy are the allocations for food and catering services, which consumed US$2.08 million out of a budgeted US$2.95 million, and entertainment, representation, and gifts, which saw US$754,053 spent out of US$872,202. Though under budget, these figures raise eyebrows when juxtaposed with Liberia’s dire economic realities. With poverty levels soaring and public services struggling to meet basic demands, the emphasis on such discretionary spending appears tone-deaf to many citizens.
Perhaps most emblematic of the administration’s fiscal choices is its failure to maintain consistency with its proclaimed values of austerity. Boakai’s campaign was rooted in a narrative of change—promising to do away with the excesses of his predecessors. Yet, in less than 12 months, his administration has shown a willingness to prioritize travel and luxury expenses over pressing national needs.
Supporters of the administration argue that some of these expenditures are unavoidable, citing the need for international engagements and capacity-building workshops. They claim that President Boakai’s foreign travels were critical in securing international partnerships and investments, which could yield long-term benefits for Liberia. However, critics counter that such outcomes remain largely intangible, especially without clear benchmarks for measuring success.
The administration’s defenders also highlight that actual expenditures remain within the approved budget’s limits, reflecting sound fiscal planning. However, this technical compliance does little to assuage public frustration. For many Liberians, the issue is not whether spending was authorized but whether it reflects the priorities of a government that promised to serve the people.
The juxtaposition of government spending against Liberia’s chronic underdevelopment makes the situation more contentious. Public schools lack adequate resources, hospitals are overwhelmed, and many rural communities remain excluded from essential services. Against this backdrop, millions of dollars spent on foreign travel, catering, and entertainment are viewed as a betrayal of the administration’s commitments.
The fiscal year 2024 spending report has also fueled debates about accountability and transparency in the Boakai administration. Opposition figures and civil society organizations call for a comprehensive audit of the expenditures to determine whether they were justified or represent a misuse of public funds. These calls are gaining traction, especially among citizens who feel increasingly disconnected from the government’s priorities.
As the country moves into 2025, President Boakai’s administration faces a critical test. Will it address the growing concerns about fiscal indiscipline, or will it continue down a path that mirrors the excesses of past administrations? The president, once hailed as a symbol of hope and reform, now risks being remembered as another leader who failed to match his words with actions.
The controversy over the administration’s spending is more than a political issue; it is a moral question about leadership and priorities. In a country where so many struggle to make ends meet, every dollar spent on non-essential items feels like a slap in the face to the ordinary Liberian. If President Boakai is serious about his legacy, he must take immediate steps to realign his administration’s spending with the needs and aspirations of the people he vowed to serve.
