Opposition politician Alexander B. Cummings outlines lapses in the current Liberian government and avails himself to advise if needed.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Montserrado, Liberia, February 13, 2025 – In his assessment of the Boakai Administration, opposition politician and leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC) Alexander B. Cummings identifies several key issues that he believes have negatively affected the government’s performance, causing it to “score its own goal.”
However, Mr. Cummings says despite these shortcomings, he is open to providing advice to the government to help move the country forward and achieve progress.
One of the issues he mentioned is “yellow buses,” which may refer to a specific policy or initiative that he feels has not been executed well or has failed to deliver its intended benefits.
He talks of tenure positions in government and criticizes the current administration’s handling of some of these positions.
Cummings, a former corporate executive from the United States, made these observations in his first media engagement since 2025, held in the Monrovia suburbs of New Georgia, Montserrado County, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
The moment provided an opportunity for the outspoken critic of the previous government to address Liberia’s foreign policy and delve into broader discussions about the country’s governance.
Cummings raises a fundamental question about whether the living conditions of Liberians have improved under the current administration and whether there are more jobs available for the population. These are critical indicators of a government’s success, and his statement reflects a common concern among many citizens.
He stresses a need for “robust focus on the economy,” suggesting that economic development should be at the core of Liberia’s priorities. He believes the country can achieve sustainable progress by focusing on creating jobs, improving living conditions, and stimulating growth.
Commenting on foreign policy, the ANC political leader says Liberia’s foreign policy should center on interests and well-being of the Liberian people.
He indicates that this idea aligns with a broader notion that a country’s foreign policy should be shaped by national interests and prioritize the welfare of its citizens, whether in terms of economic development, security, or global partnerships that directly improve people’s lives.
“While engaging, you have to start from your interest and not from anywhere else,” he emphasizes.
He addresses the issue of foreign assistance, highlighting Liberia’s potential challenges as the United States of America suspends international aid. He points out that such a situation would force the country to reduce its dependency on external aid. Still, at the same time, it could create significant problems for the Liberian economy in the short term.
The Liberian politician is concern how Liberia is often perceived by international partners, particularly the United States that he notes sees Liberia as a “beggar.”
To counter this perception, according to him, there is a need for Liberia to reposition itself as a country that is open for business and capable of attracting investment. He suggests that shifting the country’s image from one reliant on aid to one focused on economic opportunity and sustainable growth would be a game-changer for Liberia’s future.
Addressing the ongoing fight against corruption, he reiterates that the government has scored its own goal and proposes several key steps to tackle it more effectively.
Firstly, he suggests, “There is a need to strengthen integrity institutions, including the judiciary, to ensure that those who steal from the Liberian people are held accountable.”
While he acknowledges that suspending corrupt officials might be temporary, he stresses that prosecution is essential for real change.
This suggests that he believes corruption should not only be publicly condemned but also legally pursued through the justice system.
Additionally, the former presidential candidate in the 2023 elections adds that paying civil servants well is important, arguing that fair wages could help reduce corruption within the public sector by discouraging bribery or other illicit behaviors driven by low pay.
Cummings proposes use of technology as another tool to combat corruption. He believes that leveraging digital systems could enhance transparency, streamline government processes, and make it easier to track and audit financial transactions, thus reducing opportunities for corruption. Editing by Jonathan Browne
