Monrovia—In a significant move towards responsible governance and poverty alleviation, President Joseph Boakai has announced a 40% reduction in his salary, an initiative that is a key component of his ARREST Agenda.
This comprehensive agenda focuses on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism, aiming to address the most pressing issues facing Liberia.
According to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this decision aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is designed to foster solidarity with the Liberian people amidst growing concerns over government salaries and the rising cost of living.
“President Boakai’s salary will decrease from $13,400 to $8,000 per month,” the release stated.
By taking this substantial pay cut, President Boakai sets a powerful example for other government officials, potentially freeing up more funds for critical social programs.
The salary reduction aims to address extreme poverty, which affects about 20% of Liberians who live on less than $2 a day.
The ARREST Agenda is designed to promote economic stability by creating jobs, providing social safety nets, and investing in community-driven development projects.
Reallocating funds from salaries to poverty alleviation programs could significantly impact the lives of Liberia’s most vulnerable populations.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Liberia, and President Boakai’s salary cut seeks to address this by redirecting resources to agricultural and food programs.
The ARREST Agenda supports smallholder farmers, improves agricultural productivity, and ensures equitable food distribution, aiming to reduce hunger and malnutrition, particularly among the most vulnerable segments of the population.
Healthcare is another vital area addressed by the ARREST Agenda. Many healthcare facilities in Liberia lack basic drugs for curable diseases like malaria.
The decision to cut high-level salaries underscores a commitment to enhancing health and well-being across Liberia.
This commitment is crucial for improving the health system, which has struggled post-Ebola epidemic and with the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Increased funding could enhance healthcare infrastructure, access to medical services, and overall health outcomes.
By promoting accountability and transparency, the ARREST Agenda aims to ensure that more funds are allocated to healthcare services, improving the quality and accessibility of care for all Liberians.
President Boakai’s salary cut also targets educational challenges. The ARREST Agenda emphasizes the importance of investing in education by reallocating resources to educational initiatives.
This includes building more schools, training teachers, and providing educational materials. Strengthening education is vital for Liberia’s long-term economic stability and development, ensuring the next generation is well-prepared for future challenges.
President Boakai’s move also supports gender equality, as outlined in SDG 5. The ARREST Agenda promotes the inclusion and empowerment of women in all sectors of society.
The release revealed that the cut in the president’s salary might be redirected towards programs supporting women’s health, education, and economic opportunities.
Through initiatives aimed at reducing gender-based violence, increasing women’s participation in politics, and ensuring equal access to education and healthcare, the government demonstrates its commitment to gender equality.
Despite these advancements, the report acknowledges ongoing challenges such as regional security threats, drug trafficking, and the need for national reconciliation.
Concerns from the opposition about potential political witch-hunts and the alleged barring of Former President George Weah from the presidential lounge were also noted.
Financially, Liberia faces a significant challenge with its debt to ECOWAS exceeding $18 million, primarily due to election-related expenditures.
Senator Snowe assured the ECOWAS Parliament that the current administration is committed to clearing this debt within two to three years and has already initiated efforts towards this goal.
This commitment to financial responsibility is crucial for maintaining Liberia’s credibility and standing within the regional organization.
“President Boakai’s decision to reduce his salary by 40% is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a strategic move within the ARREST Agenda to promote responsible governance, economic stability, and sustainable development, reinforcing Liberia’s commitment to achieving national and global development goals,” the release emphasized.
This bold move by President Boakai not only highlights his commitment to addressing poverty and improving living conditions for all Liberians but also sets a new standard for governance in Liberia.
By prioritizing the needs of the people and redirecting funds to crucial sectors, the Boakai administration could foster a more equitable and prosperous society.
By: G. Watson Richards
