As public criticism mounts over President Joseph Boakai’s recent use of private jets for international travel, Alexander B. Cummings, Political Leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), has offered a balanced response, acknowledging both the functional value of private air travel and the deeper frustrations felt by everyday Liberians.
In a statement issued Thursday, Cummings, an experienced former global executive who once oversaw corporate jet operations, stressed that while private jets can offer efficiency for leaders, optics and timing must never be ignored in a struggling nation.
“Seeing leaders fly private can feel like a slap in the face of the people who can’t afford even a decent meal,” he wrote.
Private Travel vs. Public Hardship
Cummings noted that, for high-ranking officials like presidents, saving time is sometimes crucial, especially when dealing with long layovers, unpredictable schedules, and poor flight connections.
He highlighted destinations such as Abuja and New York as examples where flying private may offer more productivity and fewer delays.
“Spending 10+ hours in airport lounges, dealing with long layovers and unreliable connections, doesn’t make sense when that time could be better spent doing the actual work of governing, whether in Liberia or abroad,” he explained.
Still, Cummings underscored that the deeper issue is not the flight itself, but the contrast between leadership privilege and the daily struggles of the population.
“Liberia is still struggling. People are hurting,” he added. “When the average person can’t afford a decent meal or basic healthcare, seeing leaders fly private can feel like a betrayal.”
Performance Is What Matters Most
Rather than dismiss the criticism as political noise, Cummings urged leaders to prioritize delivering real results.
He argued that if the Boakai administration were seen as improving lives and strengthening the economy, the mode of presidential travel would be far less controversial.
“If Liberia was thriving… nobody would be talking about how the president flies,” he said. “What matters most isn’t the flight, it’s the results.”
Cummings also proposed a long-term solution: the potential investment in a government-owned aircraft that could be used for official travel and leased when not in use, helping to balance cost with necessity.
A Broader Call for Accountability
Cummings closed by urging Liberians to focus on substance over spectacle.
He called on citizens, the media, and civil society to hold leaders accountable not just for how they appear, but for what they actually accomplish.
“Let’s keep our eyes on what really counts: performance, not just perception.”
As debate around the president’s travel choices continues, Cummings’ remarks strike a middle ground, offering both a practical defense of executive efficiency and a principled reminder that leadership must remain sensitive to the struggles of the people it serves.
