A recent report published by Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, a civil society organization, evaluating President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s first eight months in office has drawn significant attention and mixed reactions among stakeholders in Liberia.
The report, titled “President Meter Project,” aims to promote accountability and enhance governance by tracking the promises made by the President under the ARREST Agenda.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Kaydor, Jr., an academic and political figure, praised the initiative for establishing a baseline for public accountability but raised critical concerns regarding the report’s historical accuracy and methodology.
Prof. Dr. Kaydor, Jr. pointed out a misrepresentation in the report stating that Liberia experienced its second peaceful democratic transition, arguing that the country has only had two Republics since its founding in 1847.
Kaydor emphasized the importance of clarity in the report’s methodology, suggesting that a more detailed account of the data collection tools used would strengthen the credibility of Naymote’s findings.
He noted that the absence of a clear research methodology raises questions about the report’s validity, particularly as it will be used to assess the government’s performance both domestically and internationally.
The report categorizes 119 promises made by President Boakai into six key areas, including macroeconomic stability, health, governance, and the fight against corruption.
While Naymote claims three promises have been completed, Kaydor challenged the characterization of some actions as fully completed, particularly those related to youth empowerment and agricultural development.
He highlighted discrepancies, such as the lack of acknowledgment regarding ongoing audits of government officials and agencies, which could provide a more comprehensive view of the government’s performance.
Kaydor urged Naymote to engage more actively with government agencies to ensure accurate tracking of the President’s commitments.
In his response, Kaydor acknowledged the efforts of Naymote and called for greater collaboration between the government and civil society organizations.
He underscored the need for the government to allocate necessary resources in the upcoming budget to fulfill the promises made during the campaign.
As Liberia navigates its political landscape, the Naymote report serves as a crucial tool for citizens and stakeholders to hold the government accountable.
With 70 promises currently ongoing, the pressure is on the Boakai administration to deliver on its commitments and restore public trust.
The discussion sparked by this report highlights the critical role of transparency and accountability in governance as Liberia continues to seek pathways for sustainable development and improved public service delivery.
