Chea Questions Boakai’s Governance Record

MONROVIA, Liberia, October 6, 2026 — Sinoe County Senator Cllr. Augustine S. Chea has criticized President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s declaration of October as Good Governance Month, arguing that good governance must be demonstrated through government conduct rather than proclamations.

Chea, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Tuesday that while there is nothing wrong with dedicating a month to promoting good governance, the observance should prompt deeper examination of the administration’s record on constitutionalism, accountability and the rule of law.

“Good governance can’t be created by proclamation, and it cannot be reduced to speeches, conferences, billboards, press releases or ceremonial events,” Chea said.

According to him, good governance is tested when constitutional requirements become inconvenient, courts disagree with government, or political allies and people close to power face allegations of wrongdoing.

“A proclamation may declare October as Good Governance Month, but only conduct can establish good governance,” he said.

Chea accused the Boakai administration of accumulating what he described as a “troubling record” on the rule of law, constitutionalism, accountability, transparency and institutional independence.

He cited controversies surrounding the removal of some tenured public officials, arguing that such cases raise questions about respect for statutory tenure and constitutional safeguards.

“If government officials can be removed or replaced without strict adherence to the law, then the issue goes beyond the individuals involved,” Chea said.

The senator also referenced the controversy surrounding former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, including disputes over his removal and the resulting constitutional and judicial questions.

Chea said the issue goes beyond support for Koffa or lawmakers who sought his removal, arguing that the broader concern is whether constitutional procedures are consistently respected.

He urged the government to use Good Governance Month as an opportunity for reflection on its record.

“Governance cannot be proclaimed; it must be practiced,” Chea said.