The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has strongly criticized the Boakai-Koung administration for its blatant disregard for transparency and the rule of law.
The group’s Executive Director, Anderson Miamen, accused President Joseph Boakai of backtracking his commitment to end corruption and impunity, signaling a return to the governance failures he once denounced.
At a press conference on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Miamen expressed frustration over the administration’s failure to uphold its promises. He recalled the president’s inauguration speech, in which Boakai vowed to usher in a new era of accountability and good governance. However, Miamen argued that more than a year into his term, the president’s actions paint a different picture, with government officials operating without fear of consequence.
CENTAL raised concerns over a controversial financial settlement between the government and former Central Bank Governor Aloysius Tarlue, who received a staggering US$374,239.24 after being removed from office. The watchdog group questioned the legitimacy of this payout, arguing that it raises suspicions about whether Tarlue’s dismissal was genuinely based on misconduct or merely an effort to push him out in favor of a political ally. Miamen warned that such secret agreements suggest a troubling misuse of public funds that must be investigated.
The group expressed outrage over the government’s apparent willingness to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a single settlement while many Liberians struggle under harsh economic conditions. Miamen warned that the public remains in the dark about how many similar deals have been made behind closed doors, potentially draining state resources at an alarming rate. He called for full disclosure of the financial implications of these backroom agreements, insisting that citizens deserve to know where their money is going.
CENTAL also criticized the administration’s failure to act on reports of excessive salaries within public agencies, particularly at the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), where some officials are allegedly receiving more than US$15,000 per month. President Boakai ordered an investigation into the matter months ago, but according to Miamen, no findings have been made public. He accused the administration of deliberately keeping the results hidden, calling it yet another sign of weak leadership and a lack of political will to enforce accountability.
Another key issue raised was the widespread non-compliance of government officials with asset declaration laws. Despite Boakai’s directive in November 2024 that all officials disclose their assets within ten days or face suspension, CENTAL noted that no public action has been taken against those who failed to comply. Miamen described this as a clear indication that the president’s words hold no weight, as even officials within his own inner circle continue to operate with impunity.
The watchdog organization warned that Boakai’s failure to confront corruption head-on is damaging his credibility and further eroding public trust. Miamen condemned the government’s lack of transparency in handling corruption-related matters, particularly its unwillingness to hold top officials accountable for violations of financial disclosure laws. He argued that the administration’s reluctance to take decisive action against corruption contradicts the very principles on which Boakai campaigned.
CENTAL demands that the government publish the findings of the General Auditing Commission’s report and provide a clear justification for the massive payout to Tarlue. Miamen urged the administration to move beyond mere rhetoric and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the rule of law by ensuring that all public funds are managed responsibly. He emphasized that failing to do so would undermine governance efforts and deepen Liberia’s longstanding financial mismanagement issues.
The group warned that continued negligence in addressing corruption and financial mismanagement could have devastating consequences for Liberia’s development. Miamen stressed that taxpayer money should be used to improve public services, not to fund questionable settlements or maintain a culture of impunity. He cautioned that if Boakai does not take decisive steps, his administration risks being remembered for perpetuating the very corruption it once promised to fight.
CENTAL concluded by calling on the Liberian press to intensify its watchdog role in exposing corruption and holding the government accountable. Miamen urged journalists to remain steadfast in investigating financial irregularities and ensuring that the voices of ordinary citizens are heard. He reaffirmed CENTAL’s commitment to advocating for a government that upholds transparency, accountability, and the interests of the Liberian people.
