AS PRESIDENT JOSEPH Nyuma Boakai enters his second year in office, a pressing question looms: When will the promises made during his campaign be fulfilled?
PUBLIC CONCERNS ABOUT inflation, government inefficiency, and corruption remain rampant. The time for rhetoric is over—now is the moment for meaningful action.
DURING HIS FIRST Cabinet meeting of 2025, President Boakai reaffirmed his commitment to national development, accountability, and urgent reforms. He also ordered investigations into unresolved national crises, including mysterious deaths and disappearances, while pushing for inquiries into ongoing corruption cases.
THESE DIRECTIVES ARE commendable, but will they result in tangible, long-term changes that the Liberian people desperately need?
Economic Stabilization: Addressing Inflation and Reducing Commodity Prices
ONE OF LIBERIA’S MOST pressing challenges is the rising cost of living, with inflation eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. High food and fuel prices are placing immense pressure on households across the nation. During his campaign, President Boakai promised economic stability and relief from inflation. Yet, more than a year into his presidency, many Liberians are still waiting.
THE GOVERNMENT MUST implement concrete policies to address inflation at its roots. Reducing commodity prices is not just a campaign slogan—it is a national urgency. If the administration is serious about improving citizens’ lives, it must prioritize economic stabilization, ease inflationary pressures, and ensure access to affordable goods and services.
Fighting Corruption: No More Empty Promises
PRESIDENT BOAKAI HAS repeatedly condemned corruption, yet for many Liberians, the issue remains a source of deep frustration. Despite strong rhetoric, corruption persists at various levels of government, with few meaningful consequences for those responsible for mismanagement and theft of public funds.
CORRUPTION CONTINUES TO cripple Liberia’s development. Immediate, decisive action is needed to restore public trust. Those engaging in corrupt or unethical practices—regardless of political affiliation or position—must be held accountable.
THE CASE OF DAVID Dorr Cooper, whose threats against the University of Liberia followed the revocation of his fraudulent degree, underscores the entrenched culture of impunity that must end. President Boakai must ensure officials like Cooper are held accountable and that those involved in criminal activity within the government are swiftly removed from office.
Infrastructure Development and Youth Employment: Delivering on Promises
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND youth employment, particularly in the southeastern region, were major components of President Boakai’s campaign. However, delivering on these promises has proven difficult.
WHILE THE PRESIDENT has recently called for fast-tracking these projects, words must be matched with action. Infrastructure is the backbone of any nation’s economic growth, and Liberia cannot afford delays. Fast-tracking road connectivity and public works projects will create jobs and stimulate national development.
EQUALLY PRESSING is the need for a robust strategy to address youth unemployment. Liberia’s youth are an untapped resource, and the country cannot afford to leave them behind. The administration must implement innovative solutions to create sustainable jobs for young people, empowering them to drive Liberia’s future. This is not just about temporary employment—it is about long-term empowerment and economic growth.
Strengthening Governance, Accountability, and Transparency
THE INTEGRITY OF Liberia’s government is at stake. President Boakai has emphasized his administration’s commitment to accountability and governance, particularly in tackling corruption and mismanagement. However, these words must be followed by transparent, concrete actions.
BUSINESS AS USUAL IS no longer acceptable. The public demands real action to root out corruption and ensure effective use of public resources. In addition to addressing corruption, President Boakai’s commitment to enhancing security at critical national infrastructure, such as Roberts International Airport (RIA), and tackling illegal mineral trafficking is crucial. A transparent and accountable government will not only protect Liberia’s resources but also safeguard its international reputation.
A Wake-Up Call: Liberians Deserve Action
PRESIDENT BOAKAI HAS made it clear that his administration’s focus is on the present, not future elections. His recent warning to Cabinet officials— “If your focus is on 2029, you may respectfully resign”—reinforces that political jockeying must end. The Liberian people demand results, and they have every right to expect their leaders to fulfill campaign promises.
FROM COMBATING INFLATION to addressing corruption, infrastructure deficits, and youth unemployment, President Boakai faces significant challenges. However, these challenges present an opportunity for true leadership. Liberians have suffered long enough, and they deserve a government that prioritizes their needs.
IT IS TIME FOR President Boakai to match words with deeds. The era of empty promises is over. The people of Liberia are waiting for results—and they deserve nothing less.
