MONROVIA- The Boakai-Koung administration is facing mounting criticism over alleged corruption, illegal dismissals, and wasteful spending, with the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) accusing the government of betraying its anti-corruption promises.
By Siaway T. Miapue, contributing writer
In a hard-hitting statement Wednesday, CENTAL through its Executive Director, Anderson Miamen said President Joseph Boakai has failed to match his rhetoric with action, shielding corrupt officials and violating rule-of-law principles. The organization pointed to Boakai’s January 22, 2024, inaugural address, where he declared:
“No more business as usual… Liberia must genuinely practice the rule of law and adhere to democratic governance in the interest of all our people.”
Yet, one year later, CENTAL argues, the government is backtracking on those commitments, rewarding partisans and cronies while mismanaging public funds.
Illegal Dismissals, Costly Settlements Spark Outrage
At the center of CENTAL’s concerns is the unlawful removal of tenured officials, a practice it says violates Liberia’s governance laws. The most controversial case involves former Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Governor Aloysius Tarlue, who was removed under unclear circumstances and later paid US$374,239.24 in a settlement deal following a lawsuit.
“This administration has spent nearly half a million U.S. dollars just to get rid of Tarlue. If similar payments were made to other illegally dismissed officials, the cost could run into millions—money that should be funding public services,” CENTAL warned.
The group questioned whether Tarlue’s removal was genuinely tied to a CBL audit or just a ploy to install a Boakai loyalist.
“The rule of law is under threat. This government has ignored legal procedures and replaced tenured officials with its own people, showing blatant disregard for governance norms.”
Lavish Salaries Amid Economic Struggles
CENTAL also criticized exorbitant salaries and benefits for top government officials, particularly at the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA). Reports suggest some officials take home over US$15,000 per month, yet an investigation ordered by Boakai months ago has produced no public findings.
“While ordinary Liberians struggle to afford basic necessities, top officials are living lavishly on taxpayer dollars. Where is the accountability?” CENTAL asked.
Asset Declaration: Empty Threats, No Action
The administration’s failure to enforce mandatory asset declarations is another flashpoint. In November 2024, Boakai ordered all officials to declare their assets within 10 days or face suspension. Three months later, many—including officials in the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs—have ignored the directive without consequence.
“The President’s inability to enforce his own anti-corruption measures is alarming. If he cannot hold his own officials accountable, how can the Liberian people trust him to fight corruption?”
CENTAL’s Demands: Transparency and Accountability. To address these growing concerns, CENTAL is calling for a public disclosure of the General Auditing Commission (GAC) audit of the Central Bank and a full breakdown of the Tarlue settlement. It also calls for an end to wasteful spending, ensuring taxpayers’ money isn’t funneled into questionable payouts as well as strict enforcement of asset declaration laws, with consequences for officials who fail to comply.
The watchdog group also called on Liberian media and civil society to step up scrutiny, urging international partners to demand greater transparency from the Boakai government.
“Liberians voted for accountability, not corruption. The fight against graft cannot be won with empty speeches and delayed action—it requires bold leadership and enforcement.”
As pressure mounts, Boakai’s ability to deliver on his anti-corruption agenda is increasingly in question. With public frustration rising, analysts warn that failure to address these concerns could erode confidence in his administration just a year into its six-year term.
