MONROVIA – The Political Leader of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), Simeon Freeman, has called on the government to appoint qualified and competent people to public offices if the country is to make meaningful progress.
Speaking on OK FM, Mr. Freeman argued that government positions should be given to individuals with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to perform their duties effectively.
According to him, when qualified professionals are placed in the right positions, government institutions can work more efficiently and provide better services to citizens.
Mr. Freeman criticized some government officials, claiming that they spend too much time attacking political opponents instead of focusing on their responsibilities.
He said that some people in government lack the professional skills required for their jobs and use public resources to protect their positions rather than solve national problems.
“People who do not have the skills to do their jobs often spend their time defending themselves and attacking critics instead of serving the people,” Mr. Freeman said.
He specifically mentioned officials at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), including Deputy Minister Daniel Sando and Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah.
Mr. Freeman claimed that despite the ministry receiving a large budget, there is little evidence of significant achievements.
He also accused ministry officials of focusing on criticizing opposition figures rather than addressing important issues affecting the country.
Mr. Freeman pointed to recent concerns raised by employees of the Liberia News Agency (LINA), a government-owned news organization.
Workers have accused MICAT of mismanaging funds and failing to support the agency’s operations. According to the employees, large budget allocations made to LINA over the past three years have not resulted in improvements at the agency.
They also claimed that some funds intended for LINA have been withheld without transparency.
The workers further stated that reporters lack basic tools needed to perform their jobs and are often forced to use their personal phones and internet data while covering government activities.
Some employees have also complained about unpaid wages. In addition, they noted that LINA’s website has reportedly been inactive for about two years, limiting the agency’s ability to share news with the public.
As a result of these concerns, LINA employees have called on the Legislature and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to intervene.
They are requesting that the General Auditing Commission (GAC) conduct a full investigation into the agency’s finances and operations.
The controversy highlights the importance of placing qualified and professional individuals in government positions.
Supporters of this view argue that when skilled people are appointed based on their abilities rather than political connections, government agencies are more likely to manage public resources responsibly, provide quality services and respond effectively to citizens’ needs.
