When President Joseph Nyuma Boakai assumed office in January 2024, he promised to fight corruption and restore integrity to Liberia’s governance. He declared corruption “public enemy number one” and assured the Liberian people that those who looted the country’s wealth would face justice.
However, a year into his presidency, corruption remains unchecked and appears to have strengthened under his administration. The question now is whether President Boakai has become a patron of corruption or if corruption has outmaneuvered him.
The most glaring example of this failure is the case of Aloysius Tarlue, the recently suspended Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL). The General Auditing Commission (GAC) report uncovered massive financial mismanagement within the CBL, including the unexplained disappearance of over US$300 million. Rather than prosecuting Tarlue or launching a full-scale investigation, President Boakai’s administration paid him a staggering US$374,239.24 in benefits, raising serious questions about Boakai’s commitment to accountability. Instead of serving as an example of decisive leadership, this decision reinforced a culture of impunity where government officials can loot public funds without fear of consequences.
The failure to take decisive action against Tarlue is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern. Several corruption scandals have surfaced in various government institutions, yet the Boakai administration has done little to address them. Among the most troubling cases are allegations of mismanagement and embezzlement involving the National Port Authority, where millions of dollars have reportedly gone unaccounted for, and the Liberia Revenue Authority, where key officials have allegedly engaged in tax fraud schemes that deprive the government of much-needed revenue. The Ministry of Public Works has been criticized for mismanaging road rehabilitation projects, leading to stalled infrastructure development.
The Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission has faced scrutiny over allocating donor funds meant for refugees and displaced persons. Allegations of internal financial misconduct continue to persist within the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. The Central Bank of Liberia remains embroiled in financial irregularities beyond the US$300 million already unaccounted for. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has faced accusations of corruption in diplomatic passport sales and procurement irregularities. At the same time, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture have also been implicated in financial mismanagement.
Despite these mounting allegations, no major corruption convictions have been made, no officials have been held accountable, and no institutional reforms have been implemented. Instead, Liberia’s government seems to operate as usual, where corruption thrives, and officials suspected of financial misconduct enjoy protection rather than prosecution.
The failure to address these scandals has not gone unnoticed. Civil society organizations, including the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, have criticized the Boakai administration for its inaction. Meanwhile, opposition politicians argue that Boakai’s fight against corruption is a political slogan with no real enforcement. Some have even accused the administration of selectively targeting lower-level officials while shielding key figures within the ruling establishment. Public discontent is growing, with many Liberians expressing frustration over the government’s inability to address rising poverty, high inflation, and a worsening economy, all of which are direct consequences of corruption. When public funds are looted, it is the average Liberian who suffers the most. Poor infrastructure, failing hospitals, underfunded schools, and inadequate public services are all symptoms of a government that prioritizes political survival over national development.
Liberia’s failure to combat corruption also draws concern from international partners and investors. The country’s standing with financial institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and international donors is at risk. Liberia’s eligibility for international aid and investment depends mainly on transparency and accountability, yet Boakai’s inaction may deter future financial support. If Liberia is perceived as a country where corruption goes unpunished, foreign investors will hesitate to engage in meaningful business ventures, further crippling the nation’s economy.
Additionally, Liberia is under increased scrutiny from the United States, which has taken a firmer stance on corruption in Africa. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned several former officials of the previous government, and if Boakai fails to act, his government could face similar international consequences. The more extended corruption festers, the greater the risk of diplomatic fallout could impact Liberia’s access to aid and trade agreements.
President Boakai must decide whether he will go down in history as the leader who allowed corruption to thrive or finally take a stand. His credibility is already in question, and his administration’s failure to act could have long-term consequences for his leadership. Suppose the Unity Party government does not implement decisive anti-corruption measures. In that case, Boakai’s presidency may be remembered not for progress but for betraying his promises to the Liberian people.
The solution is clear. He must act now by launching complete investigations into the missing funds at the Central Bank and other key institutions, empowering the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and General Auditing Commission to operate independently and prosecute corrupt officials, ensuring that corrupt officials are not rewarded with severance packages as was the case with Aloysius Tarlue, holding members of his administration accountable even if they are politically connected, and demonstrating political will by implementing strict anti-corruption reforms that go beyond rhetoric.
Liberians are tired of hearing promises; they want action. Boakai’s presidency is at a crossroads, and his failure to take bold steps against corruption will not be forgotten. The question is whether President Boakai will finally take a stand or if corruption has already won.
