The latest Global Hunger Index (GHI) report has exposed a national crisis that cannot be ignored. The report shows that Liberia is the second hungriest country in West Africa and seventh in the world ranking 120th out of 127 countries worldwide.
With a GHI score of 31.9, Liberia is officially categorized under “serious hunger.” This should alarm every policymaker, civil servant, and citizen.
The numbers are staggering. 38.4% of the population is undernourished; meaning more than one in every three Liberians lacks the minimum caloric intake to live a healthy life.
Nearly 30% of children under five are stunted, permanently damaged physically and mentally from chronic undernutrition.
Even worse, 7.3% of children die before their fifth birthday. These are not just statistics. These are lives lost, futures stunted, and communities devastated.
And yet, while ordinary Liberians face empty plates and malnourished children, the government appears to be dining in comfort.
According to the 2024 Outturn Report and the 2025 Approved National Budget, US$7.8 million was spent on food, catering, and entertainment over just two years.
This massive sum, directed largely toward the benefit of government officials-so-called “big shots” or “VIPs”-highlights a grotesque disconnect between national priorities and the lived reality of most citizens.
How can a country ranking 7th hungriest in the world justify such spending on banquets, receptions, and VIP catering? This is not just fiscal irresponsibility and indiscipline – it is a moral failure.
The government must be held accountable. Budgeting millions for luxury while nearly 4 in 10 citizens go to bed hungry is indefensible.
These funds could, and should, be redirected toward sustainable food security programs, maternal and child nutrition, clean water access, and healthcare services.
True leadership begins with compassion and responsibility. The time has come for our leaders to ask themselves: Whose hunger matters more-the people or their own?
If Liberia is to rise from this shameful ranking, it must start by feeding its people, not its privileged few.
