Monrovia — Alternative National Congress (ANC) Political Leader Alexander B. Cummings says his presidential ambition is not centered on holding power, but on using the office as a vehicle to transform Liberia through strategic investments, job creation, and systemic reform.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Speaking Wednesday in an interview with Clarence Jackson on OK FM, Cummings said true leadership must prioritize collaboration with citizens and targeted investments in sectors that directly improve livelihoods.
“I want to remind Liberians that my ambition is to work with the Liberian people to change the country. The presidency is not the end; it is the means to achieve that change,” Cummings said.
He outlined healthcare, agriculture, housing, and tourism as key pillars of his development agenda, arguing that these sectors have significant potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
“If I am president, we will immediately invest in the healthcare system. We will support those doing the hard work. We will invest more in agriculture and housing because they create jobs, and we will also prioritize tourism,” he said.
Cummings pointed to countries such as Ghana and The Gambia as examples of how focused sectoral investments can accelerate national development.
He also criticized Liberia’s pace of infrastructure development, particularly in electricity expansion, questioning why the country has failed to make stronger investments in the sector.
“Why are we not investing in electricity?” he asked.
Drawing comparisons with Côte d’Ivoire, Cummings noted that despite having only about three times Liberia’s population, the country’s national budget exceeds $33 billion, while Liberia’s stands at roughly $1.2 billion.
He argued that Liberia’s budget could surpass $2 billion under sound economic management, reduced waste, and strategic governance reforms.
Central to his vision, Cummings said, is investing in Liberia’s people through education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“If you invest in people, you solve real problems. We must invest in the education system,” he said.
He also called for decentralization and digital transformation, stressing that technology must play a central role in modernizing governance and public services.
“We need to change the system in Liberia. We must decentralize and digitalize the country. Technology is a powerful tool for transformation,” Cummings said.
Addressing public spending, Cummings sharply criticized what he described as excessive government waste, especially within the legislature.
“There is too much waste in the system. The legislature alone is taking over $50 million,” he said.
He argued that government should focus more on creating an enabling environment for private sector expansion rather than functioning as the country’s dominant employer.
In a symbolic pledge, Cummings said he would forgo his presidential salary if elected and redirect those funds toward educational initiatives, particularly STEM programs.
“I will not take my salary. I will redirect it to something meaningful. I am passionate about education, especially STEM, so that is where it will go,” he stated.
Cummings’ remarks come as Liberia continues to grapple with pressing debates over governance, economic reform, infrastructure development, and strategies for sustainable national growth.
Before entering politics, Alexander B. Cummings was a successful businessman, entrepreneur. He built an international corporate career, most notably as the former Global Chief Administrative Officer of the Coca-Cola Company, where he oversaw worldwide operations and management systems.
Born in Liberia, Cummings rose from humble beginnings and is widely recognized for his private sector leadership, governance advocacy, and calls for economic reform. Since returning to Liberia’s political scene, he has positioned himself as a reform-oriented leader focused on transparency, accountability, private sector growth, and investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Cummings contested Liberia’s presidential elections in 2017 and 2023, presenting himself as an alternative to traditional political leadership. He has consistently emphasized anti-corruption measures, youth empowerment, and modernization through digital governance as central pillars of his political agenda.
