Evidence gathered by Verity News shows that the pattern of public waste under successive regimes continues under Pres. Joseph Boakai.
Data shows that a total of US$3,949,938 was budgeted and is being spent on entertainment amid increased hardship and joblessness across Liberia.
Newly released budget records reveal that while ordinary citizens face soaring prices, stagnant wages, and diminishing economic opportunities, national leaders continue to allocate millions of dollars to categories that critics say offer little public value.
The line item “Entertainment, Representation and Gifts” alone accounts for nearly US$4 million between FY2024 and FY2026.
A breakdown of the figures shows the following allocations:
Entertainment, Representation and Gifts
FY2024: US$1,080,279
FY2025: US$1,459,964
FY2026: US$1,409,695
Total (FY2024–2026): US$3,949,938
Additionally, spending on Food and Catering Services, another category often criticized for excessive use-totals more than US$7.5 million across the same three-year period:
Food and Catering Services
FY2024: US$2,789,831
FY2025: US$2,055,077
FY2026: US$2,724,842
Total (FY2024–2026): US$7,569,750
These figures highlight more than US$11.5 million budgeted for entertainment and catering combined in just three years, a number that has sparked concern among economists, civil society actors, and citizens who argue that the government’s priorities remain misaligned with national needs.
At a time when hospitals lack basic supplies, public schools operate without essential furniture, and unemployment remains widespread, the continuation of such high expenditures has reignited debate over Liberia’s long-standing governance challenges.
Many Liberians say the spending reflects a culture of political extravagance that stands in stark contrast to the daily struggles of the population.
Critics argue that these allocations mirror patterns seen in previous administrations, suggesting that the promise of change under the current leadership has yet to materialize in terms of fiscal discipline.
The spending, according to budget analysts, points to a persistent issue: public resources flowing disproportionately into government comfort rather than national development.
Economists warn that without structural reforms and tighter controls on discretionary spending, the country will continue to face widening inequality and weakened public trust.
Civil society organizations are now calling for greater budget transparency, stronger oversight from the Legislature, and a reevaluation of spending priorities to reflect the urgency of Liberia’s economic and social challenges.
As citizens grapple with rising costs of living and limited opportunities, the growing perception of “opulence” at the top threatens to deepen public frustration.
With pressure mounting, the Boakai administration may face increasing demand to justify these expenditures-or redirect them toward services that directly benefit the Liberian people.
