Monrovia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called for greater accountability, transparency and efficiency in government, warning public officials that Liberians expect measurable results from his administration.
By J.H. Webster [email protected]
President Boakai made the statement Tuesday at Monrovia City Hall while chairing a meeting of the National Steering Committee on the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), the government’s framework for delivering development results.
The President said Liberia’s progress depends on honesty, accountability and the responsible management of the country’s resources, emphasizing that the nation needs to improve the lives of its citizens.
“Everything that is required to make life better is right here in Liberia,” President Boakai said.
He acknowledged that poverty remains one of Liberia’s most pressing challenges but urged citizens and institutions to recognize their individual and collective responsibility in addressing the problem.
“Poverty is poverty. I don’t care about what we do. Each and everyone have a responsibility,” the President said.
President Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible improvements, including quality roads, better public services, job opportunities, expanded access to education and other critical development initiatives.
He said the launch of the government’s development agenda in 2025 was based on a commitment made to the Liberian people to deliver concrete results.
“While progress has been made, we must be honest with ourselves,” he said, urging government institutions to identify and address institutional weaknesses rather than ignore them.
The President encouraged government officials to accept criticism and make necessary corrections, stressing that appointments, promotions and other opportunities within government should be based on performance and merit.
“We must be honest to admit and take corrections,” he said. President Boakai also cautioned officials against making excuses for poor performance, stressing that citizens expect their government to deliver.
“Liberians are not going to forgive you for the excuses, and the media are not going to listen to you,” he warned.
According to the President, the National Steering Committee has a critical role to play in providing effective oversight and strengthening coordination among government institutions to ensure that programs and projects are implemented efficiently.
President Boakai further stressed the importance of responsible management of national resources, warning that every dollar allocated for development must be handled with the highest level of accountability.
“All of the resources are for the development of this country. We have the responsibility of managing them. Every dollar must be managed with the highest responsibility,” he said.
President Boakai added: “Moving forward, all ministries and agencies are expected to make reports on time. Repeated delays, ineffectiveness, and inconsistency are unacceptable.”
President Boakai also underscored the importance of the private sector in advancing Liberia’s development, urging businesses to operate with competence, integrity and professionalism.
He said the government’s development agenda presents opportunities for private-sector investment and called on businesses to regard themselves as partners in Liberia’s national development.
The President also called on civil society organizations and the media to play their respective roles in promoting accountability, transparency and informed public discourse.
“Society must play a role in impacting change. I see you as partners. You are more than just observers,” he said.
President Boakai urged government institutions, the private sector, civil society and the media to work collectively to ensure that national development programs translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary Liberians.
