Monrovia — Former presidential candidate Dr. Clarence K. Moniba has delivered one of his strongest public statements yet, sharply criticizing the national budget and warning that Liberia will remain trapped in poverty unless the government urgently redirects spending toward human development and economic transformation.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In a hard-hitting message, Dr. Moniba described Liberia as “a gift from God” blessed with natural wealth and resilient citizens, but crippled by budgetary decisions that reward political comfort over national progress. After 178 years of independence, he said, the majority of Liberians continue to struggle because the country consistently invests more in government perks than in schools, hospitals, agriculture, security, and youth development.
“For a country as rich as ours, we should not have people as poor as ours.”
Dr. Moniba said Liberia’s budget culture has for decades prioritized consumption over production, with recurrent expenditure consuming nearly 90 percent of total spending since 2006. Only about 10 percent, he noted, goes to building hospitals, roads, and schools.
He stressed that no nation can progress when its budget “rewards government over people,” warning that the current spending pattern undermines growth and keeps Liberia far behind countries that were once at the same developmental level.
Education: Tens of Thousands of Students, Less Than $10M
The former presidential hopeful pointed to severe underfunding in education, revealing that the combined allocation for 11 community colleges and teacher training programs—including institutions in Bong, Grand Gedeh, Bassa, Nimba, Lofa, and Sinoe—amounts to less than US$10 million for the entire country.
In sharp contrast, he said 103 lawmakers and their staff receive over US$50 million in salaries and benefits.
“This must change,” he repeated.
Health Sector: JFK Gets Less Than Six Political Offices Combined
Dr. Moniba described the health situation as alarming, lamenting that Liberia’s largest referral hospital, JFK, received US$9 million, while the combined budget for six top political offices—including the President, Vice President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Pro Tempore, and Chief Justice—exceeded US$11 million.
“How does that serve the poor people of Liberia?” he questioned.
He criticized the prevailing reality in which the “best medical advice” for critical illness is often to “buy a plane ticket.” With most Liberians unable to afford such care, he said the budget reinforces systemic inequality.
Agriculture: US$13M Budget vs. US$200M Rice Imports
Calling agriculture Liberia’s greatest untapped engine for growth, Dr. Moniba said the sector remains “dangerously underfunded,” receiving barely US$13 million, while the country spends over US$200 million annually importing rice.
He warned that Liberia cannot achieve food security by relying on foreign-grown rice while fertile counties like Lofa, Bong, Margibi, Nimba, and Grand Gedeh remain underutilized.
Security: Poorly Paid Personnel, Wealthy Leaders
On national security, Dr. Moniba said it is unrealistic to expect effective policing when officers earn as little as US$200 per month, while government officials drive US$45,000 vehicles.
“Is this fair?” he asked. “How can they protect our families while struggling to feed theirs?”
Rising Taxes, Rising Hardship
One of the most consequential budget issues, he said, is the increase in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 12% to 13%, which he warned will sharply raise the prices of nearly all imported goods.
He illustrated the impact using a Red Light market woman who depends on imported rice, oil, and seasoning cubes—arguing that the increased tax will either cut her profits or force her to raise prices on already struggling customers.
“The cost of living is rising, but the people’s income is standing still,” he said.
Message to President Boakai
Dr. Moniba hails from a distinguished political lineage established by his father, the late former Vice President of Liberia, Dr. Harry Fumba Moniba. After earning degrees from prestigious American institutions, including Harvard University, he returned home and served in the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, becoming the youngest cabinet minister at the time. In 2023, he contested the presidency on the Liberia National Union (LiNU) ticket, campaigning on a platform of good governance and the rule of law.
Addressing President Joseph Boakai directly, Dr. Moniba said he does not need to serve in government to wish the President well. However, he urged President Boakai to review the national budget.
“This budget is not the transformation that will rescue Liberia,” he warned.
Dr. Moniba further called on the administration to prioritize human development, productive sectors, local governance, and the strengthening of the private sector — stressing that Liberia cannot move forward when government officials live far above the people they are meant to serve.
Against Lawmakers’ “Legislative Projects”
Dr. Moniba took aim at tens of millions allocated for “legislative projects,” saying such spending blurs the constitutional roles of the Legislature and the Executive.
“If lawmakers are making laws, doing oversight, and also executing development projects, then what exactly is the role of the Executive?” he asked. “What becomes of local government?”
He described these allocations as “politics disguised as progress.”
A National Call to Action
Dr. Moniba concluded with a powerful appeal for Liberians to demand accountability and push for a budget that serves citizens rather than political elites.
“Liberia is too rich for Liberians to be this poor,” he emphasized. “That must end.”
He urged the nation to come together to build a “New Liberia”—one defined by discipline, shared sacrifice, and a commitment to human capital.
“If we stand together, Liberia’s best days will not be behind us; they will be ahead of us.”
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