By Seltue Karweaye
It is a well-established truth that the performance of any government is scrutinized based on the success or failure of the promises it made both before and after assuming office. During the presidential campaign of the previous year, Joseph Nyumah Boakai, representing the Unity Party, made many commitments to the Liberian populace. These promises were later encapsulated by his campaign team into what they called his 6-point Arrest Agenda. The agenda aimed to address critical issues such as agribusiness, roads, and infrastructure development, establishing the rule of law and good governance, enhancing education and human capital, and promoting tourism in Liberia.
As Boakai’s administration nears the one-year mark in office, it is important to reflect on the outcomes of his governance thus far. Unfortunately, it is not an exaggeration to state that his administration has faced significant challenges and has produced a record that many would consider dismal.
Throughout the past year, there has been a conspicuous lack of effective planning and a sense of impulsiveness that has marked many of his administration’s decisions, raising questions about their sincerity and commitment to fulfilling their promises. The 2024 in review has undoubtedly been a difficult journey for Boakai, who aspired to lead the country as its President and Commander-in-Chief. Regrettably, instead of delivering on the envisioned progress and prosperity, the reality for many Liberians has been one of struggle and despair. The rising costs of essential goods and services have plunged ordinary citizens into a state of economic hardship, resulting in increased pain, sorrow, and hardship. Many families are grappling with the harsh realities of hunger and poverty, as the prices for basic necessities have soared to levels that are simply unattainable for the average citizen.
The stories of struggle and disillusionment that fill the lives of most Liberians today are truly harrowing. There is an abundance of evidence to substantiate these claims, and it is all too apparent in the daily lives of the citizens. As we take stock one year into Boakai’s presidency, it becomes glaringly evident that Liberia is in a more precarious position. The need for decisive and effective leadership has never been more critical, as the nation seeks to find a way out of the mounting challenges it faces.
Since taking office, the inflation rate in Liberia has surged to a concerning level of 10.74 percent, marking a significant economic challenge for the nation. Concurrently, the monetary policy rate has escalated to 17.5 percent. Such high rates of inflation are particularly harmful to local businesses, making it difficult for them to maintain profitability and for potential investors to see Liberia as an attractive destination for investment.
Food inflation is especially alarming, having reached an unprecedented high of 11.5 percent during this period. This rise has directly impacted the cost of basic necessities. For instance, the national average price for a 25 kg bag of rice has soared to LRD 3,700, reflecting a staggering 21% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2023. Currency dynamics also play a critical role in the current economic climate; as of last week, the exchange rate for the Liberian dollar stood at L$186.2296 per US dollar.
Moreover, Liberians and various industries are facing a confluence of economic hardships. These include exorbitant energy costs, which burden both households and businesses, as well as ongoing challenges related to foreign exchange (FX) liquidity. The situation is compounded by multiple layers of import taxation that hinder trade, and the country’s power supply remains inconsistent and unreliable, further straining economic activities. Amid these challenges, the political climate has also become tense, as evidenced by the arrest of protesters—a troubling incident that raises serious concerns about the state of civil liberties and the freedom to assemble in the country.
In light of these difficulties, many citizens are left wondering about the effectiveness of the so-called “Arrest Agenda.” Questions are being raised regarding the whereabouts of the economic reboot and rescue mission that President Boakai promised to deliver. In his inauguration speech delivered on January 22, 2025, he emphasized his commitment to expanding the economy through strategic investment in agriculture.
Now, as we reflect on the year since his inauguration, reports from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund reveal that Liberia’s GDP ranks among the lowest in the world. The economy continues to struggle with stagnation, currently at a mere 5.3 percent growth rate. It is undeniable that the President inherited a challenging economic landscape, marked by a substantial debt profile, high levels of debt servicing, persistent shortages of foreign exchange, a fragile power supply, a depreciating Liberian dollar, and declining iron ore production—all of which have historically driven significant contributions to the economy.
Despite these initial challenges, it appears that President Boakai has managed to surpass the failures of his predecessor, George Weah, across several crucial indicators. Over the past year, his administration has significantly increased borrowing, racking up over US$236 million in debt in one year, despite former assurances to curtail borrowing practices. This reckless financial strategy has led to a troubling escalation of the national debt, which climbed to over US$2.5 billion by the end of September 2024, according to the latest figures released by the Debt Management Office in the third quarter fiscal report. This alarming trend raises critical questions about fiscal responsibility and the government’s long-term economic strategy moving forward.
In his inaugural address, the president made a strong commitment to both local and foreign investors, vowing that his administration would create a more favorable investment environment aimed at expanding the private sector and generating employment opportunities for Liberians. However, the situation is complicated by the continued presence of certain companies operating within Liberia’s borders.
One such company is Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions (GTMS), which was previously expelled from Sierra Leone after being accused of defrauding the Sierra Leonean government of more than US$11 million. Despite this troubling history, GTMS is currently permitted to operate in Liberia, where it provides container tracking services at all the country’s ports. The company charges over $270 for each container it tracks, leading to concerns among local businesses about the fairness of such fees.
Another notable player in this scenario is MedTech Scientific Limited (MTS), a company from Qatar that was introduced to Liberia by the Weah administration in 2019. MTS is responsible for conducting destination inspections of containers arriving at Liberia’s seaports and charges a fee of $250 per container inspected. This operational setup has raised significant concerns from local businesses that feel marginalized and burdened by the costs imposed by these foreign companies.
Overall, while the administration’s goal to improve the investment climate is questionable, the ongoing operations of GTMS and MTS, especially in light of their controversial backgrounds, continue to provoke frustration and discontent among local enterprises struggling to thrive in such an environment.
If Boakai inherited a Liberia that was already divided along various lines, he has only succeeded in further polarizing the nation. The divisions that separate us have deepened significantly during his time in office. A thorough examination of the President’s appointments thus far reveals a troubling continuity with the previous administration, where a system that heavily favors the president’s county of origin has played a significant role in decision-making. Specifically, the appointments to key positions have predominantly favored Lofa County, the President’s home county, raising concerns about regional bias in governance.
Furthermore, basic necessities, particularly staple foods like rice, are increasingly becoming unaffordable for the average Liberian. The economic strain has reached such a level that this is perhaps one of the worst times to be ill in Liberia; the costs associated with medical care and prescription medications are now well beyond the financial reach of most citizens. This situation prompts a critical question: Is your life genuinely better now than it was before Boakai assumed power? The prospect of relief from the current state of extreme hardship seems bleak and uncertain.
It is fair to argue that the benchmarks for judging President Boakai’s effectiveness as a leader are exceptionally high and difficult to achieve, given the damages set by previous administrations, but Boakai promised to rescue the country. The President must take responsibility for the hasty and thoughtless decisions he has made in a remarkably short timeframe. Many of his policies have led to profoundly negative repercussions that resonate across multiple sectors of the economy and society. As such, we find ourselves in a scenario where despair has overshadowed hope for a brighter future. This pervasive sense of hopelessness stands as a troubling indicator of the current administration’s track record in governing the country effectively, raising serious concerns about the path forward for Liberia.
The current situation in Liberia under this administration is quite troubling and deserves careful examination. This President, akin to his predecessor, appears to regard the presidency not as a solemn responsibility, but rather as a coveted prize to be claimed. This perspective undermines the gravity of the office and the profound responsibilities that come with it. In a nation facing numerous challenges, the starting point for this government—and, more specifically, for this President—should have involved a period of introspection and thorough self-assessment. Such a process is critical for any leader aiming to understand the complex dynamics of governance. Unfortunately, there is a noticeable absence of these essential elements in the current administration’s approach.
Supporters of the government assert that one year out of a six-year term is too brief a period to make a fair evaluation of a leadership’s performance. While it is true that time is needed for policies to take root and for results to materialize, one year can still provide valuable insights. Typically, this timeframe should allow for at least faint signs of progress or hope on the horizon. Regrettably, such indicators seem to be absent at this juncture.
Moreover, the questions surrounding this President’s qualifications are becoming increasingly pressing. Where is the wealth of experience we were led to expect? What has become of the self-proclaimed over forty years in government, political acumen, and idealism that his advocates touted so fervently during the 2023 presidential election? Furthermore, where is the extraordinary capacity for hard work and public service that was repeatedly emphasized? These attributes now appear to have transformed into mere hubris, fading away as the public scrutiny intensifies. The citizens of Liberia deserve more than empty promises; they require effective leadership that demonstrates accountability and a genuine commitment to improvement. It is essential for this administration to confront these challenges seriously and to re-evaluate its approach to foster a more hopeful future for the country.
Let’s clarify an important point: the success of Boakai directly correlates with the success of Liberia as a nation. It is crucial to recognize that for him, the acquisition of power seems to take precedence over all other considerations, which is deeply concerning for the future of the country. Governing is not a matter of trial and error; yet, unfortunately, this administration has operated in such a manner over the past year. We have witnessed a troubling and consistent pattern of ineffective policies that have permeated most of its reform efforts.
One of the fundamental issues plaguing this administration is its inability to acknowledge the significant and, at times, catastrophic mistakes that have been made. Rather than admitting these failures, there appears to be a reluctance to make necessary adjustments and improvements as we move forward. This lack of accountability is alarming, especially since there is a well-established principle of second chances. Many religious texts, including the scriptures, emphasize the importance of recognizing one’s shortcomings and seizing the opportunity to correct them. These chances are often pivotal for personal and societal growth, but they require a sincere acknowledgment of past errors.
Reflecting on history, former U.S. President Bill Clinton described the presidency as a journey of learning and growth that often reveals what one did not understand before taking office. In his memoir, “My Life,” Clinton candidly reflected on the numerous mistakes he made during his first term as Governor of Arkansas as well as during his initial term as President. Crucially, he did not shy away from these admissions; instead, he embraced the lessons learned from his missteps. By making necessary changes and demonstrating a commitment to improvement, Clinton was ultimately able to secure a second term with a convincing victory over then-incumbent George H. W. Bush. This serves as a powerful reminder that recognizing one’s faults and striving for progress can lead to redemption and renewed success.
But Liberian leaders are a different species of humankind. The current political climate is largely characterized by an overwhelming sense of despair, largely due to the behavior of those in power, who often act like know-it-alls. This attitude has become a troubling occupational hazard for our present crop of politicians, particularly those serving in the National Legislature. Instead of advocating for the interests of the people they represent, many of these politicians seem all too willing to bend to the whims of the presidency, displaying a blatant lack of shame or integrity as they dance to whatever tune is played by those in executive authority.
One of the most concerning aspects of this administration is the prevalence of adaptive lies and exaggerated claims among presidential appointees and fervent supporters. They frequently engage in empty bragging and self-glorification on social media, often distorting the truth to paint a favorable picture of the government’s actions and achievements. This relentless barrage of misleading information not only undermines public trust but also exacerbates the already desperate situation faced by citizens who seek genuine leadership and accountability. In essence, the combination of sycophantic behavior and a disregard for truth has created a grim environment where the well-being of the populace is often overlooked.
For President Boakai and his administration, the experiences of the past year in office serve as a profound reflection on the nature of leadership and power. It appears that for this administration, power is primarily viewed as a means to compel individuals to conform to the leader’s will as evidenced in the ongoing scandal in the House of Representatives. This perspective brings to mind a cautionary lesson from historians: that power ultimately reveals a person’s true character. When leaders attain significant power and feel they no longer require the support or perspectives of others, their authentic approach to governance and interpersonal relations becomes clear.
In the year since taking office, it has become increasingly apparent that this government is leveraging its authority primarily to fulfill personal ambitions, rather than harnessing it to pursue meaningful and transformative objectives that would benefit the wider population. The absence of a vision for collective progress raises concerns about the long-term implications for the country, as the priorities of the administration seem to focus on self-interest rather than the common good.
Therefore, I would offer my unsolicited advice to President Boakai: do not allow your legacy to become merely a footnote in the annals of history. While the image of an ‘imperial’ presidency might offer certain immediate advantages—such as consolidating power and enacting swift decisions without opposition—this approach carries significant risks. Such a concentration of power can undermine democratic institutions and erode public trust, leading to long-lasting and profound damage to our democratic framework. It is crucial to recognize that the opportunity for meaningful change and reflection still exists. By embracing a more inclusive and transparent approach to governance, President Boakaia can move away from the trappings of authoritarianism and work toward fostering a healthier democratic environment that respects the voices of all citizens. It is not too late to chart a new course that prioritizes the nation’s and its people’s well-being over personal ambition. I rest my pen.
About the Author: Seltue R. Karweaye can be reached s.karweaye1668@student.tsu.edu or karweayee@gmail.com
