Boakai Warns Officials: Govern Now, Not for 2029, as Corruption Concerns Mount
Monrovia, Liberia – At his first cabinet meeting of the year, President Joseph Boakai delivered a stark message to his administration: focus on governing Liberia now, not on the 2029 elections. His warning comes amid rising concerns over corruption, unfulfilled campaign promises, and slow economic progress in one of West Africa’s most fragile democracies.
“If you think that you want to engage in 2029, you can just leave and give other people a chance,” Boakai told ministers gathered at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia. “The people of Liberia want to live now, not wait for the next election.”
The President’s forceful remarks signal his frustration with government officials who may already be eyeing political ambitions rather than tackling the country’s pressing issues. But they also reflect a growing unease among the Liberian public, who had high expectations for Boakai’s administration following his victory over former President George Weah in 2023.
Unresolved Scandals and Calls for Accountability
Boakai used the meeting to reaffirm his government’s commitment to investigating unresolved corruption scandals from the previous administration, including the disappearance of three boys, the controversial 16 billion Liberian dollar saga, and several audit reports detailing financial mismanagement.
“We are not going to leave anything unresolved,” Boakai said. “The Liberian people deserve to know what happened. No intimidation, no cover-ups—we will get to the bottom of these cases.”
His words were met with cautious optimism. While his administration has promised to uphold transparency, critics say little has been done so far to hold officials accountable or to recover lost public funds. The slow progress of investigations has left many wondering whether these pledges will amount to meaningful action or simply political rhetoric.
Governing Amid Challenges
Beyond corruption, Liberia’s economic struggles remain a major concern. Boakai acknowledged the financial and bureaucratic roadblocks facing his administration, noting that inherited policies and systemic inefficiencies have slowed progress. However, he insisted that these challenges must not become excuses for inaction.
One area where the President offered praise was infrastructure. He commended the Ministry of Public Works for its efforts, citing visible improvements in road construction and development projects across the country.
“I want to thank Public Works,” he said. “We didn’t start on a good foot, but after discussions, we are now on the same page. Everywhere I pass, I see something being done.”
A Call for Cleanliness—And Order
Beyond governance and corruption, Boakai also took aim at the physical state of government institutions, particularly the Ministerial Complex, which houses multiple ministries and agencies. He criticized its deteriorating condition, pointing out that the exterior had not been painted in years and that basic upkeep was lacking.
“When people give you a good building, you have to keep it clean,” he said. “The least you can do is paint it and make it look presentable.”
His comments reflect a broader concern about efficiency and professionalism within government offices—an issue that extends beyond aesthetics. For many Liberians, the state of government buildings symbolizes the overall effectiveness of public institutions, or lack thereof.
Will Words Translate to Action?
Boakai’s tough stance on governance, corruption, and accountability signals an attempt to reassert control over his administration. But with growing public dissatisfaction, the question remains whether these pronouncements will lead to meaningful action.
His administration faces a delicate balancing act—delivering on promises of reform while navigating political pressures and economic constraints. As Liberia grapples with its future, Boakai’s words may set the tone, but it is his government’s actions that will ultimately define his presidency.
Joseph Daniels reports for OK FM Liberia as Executive Mansion Correspondent. With a vested interest in making the voices of people from different walks of life heard, he has covered investigative stories relating to education, health, the environment, corruption, and violence against women and girls, among others. He graduated from the United Methodist University with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Mass Communications in 2020. Joseph is also a fellow at New Narratives, a non-profit organization helping media deliver independent, truthful information to its people so they can make informed decisions.
