Monrovia – The head of the Boakai Conscious Movement (BCM), Richlue Burphy, has called on President Joseph Boakai to conduct audits of three government agencies, which he claims are being used for corrupt practices within the administration.
The agencies in question are the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the Ministry of Public Works (MPW), and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPT).
Burphy, who played a key role in Boakai’s campaign, is urging transparency and accountability in light of growing public concerns about the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.
His call comes at a time when the country is facing numerous challenges, including infrastructure deficits, disaster preparedness issues, and communication inefficiencies.
The Unity Party, once known for championing the cause of good governance during its time in opposition, is now under intense pressure to tackle these critical issues head-on.
The NDMA, responsible for coordinating disaster response and management, has come under fire for its perceived ineffectiveness during recent natural disasters. Similarly, the MPW has been criticized for delays in completing infrastructure projects, while the MPT has struggled to improve communication services nationwide.
At a press conference over the weekend, Burphy emphasized that his call for an audit of these agencies is not politically motivated but rather reflects a growing frustration among Liberians with the government.
“The people of Liberia deserve to know how their resources are being managed,” Burphy said. “An audit of these agencies will not only promote transparency but also help restore public trust in our government.”
He also highlighted specific concerns that he believes demand immediate attention, citing the NDMA’s inadequate response to recent flooding incidents across the country.
“We saw families displaced and homes destroyed, yet the NDMA’s response was slow and insufficient. We need to understand why this happened and how we can prevent it in the future,” he stated.
Burphy also addressed the Public Works Ministry, which has faced criticism for failing to complete critical infrastructure projects on time, particularly the rehabilitation of the Southeastern road corridor.
“Our roads are in disrepair, and access to basic services is hampered by poor road connectivity between the capital and other counties. An audit will help identify the bottlenecks and ensure that funds allocated for these projects are used efficiently,” he explained.
Burphy specifically mentioned the alleged misuse of US$22 million by Minister Roland Giddings, which was reportedly earmarked for road rehabilitation to fulfill President Boakai’s promise that no vehicle would get stuck in the mud on major corridors.
Turning to the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Burphy noted that it has struggled to provide reliable postal services in a country where connectivity is essential for economic growth and social interaction.
“In this digital age, we cannot afford to have an outdated and inefficient communication system. An audit will shed light on the challenges facing this ministry and help us find solutions,” Burphy said.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to advocating for transparency and accountability: “This is not about politics; this is about the future of our country. We cannot afford to be complacent while our people suffer. This government promised to rescue us, and it must deliver on that promise.”
