Monrovia, Liberia — In an unprecedented display of financial mismanagement and political irresponsibility, the government of Liberia has submitted a national budget with over US$10 million allocated to the offices of President Joseph Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karngar Lawerence, and other high-ranking officials.
By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr(231886458910)[email protected]
This budget—more than US$11 million dedicated to the luxury of a few elite individuals—is yet another testament to the government’s disconnect from the daily suffering of ordinary Liberians.
Liberia’ businessman and politician Simeon Freeman has disclosed that while the people of Liberia are crushed by inflation, unemployment, and a staggering tax burden, the political class continues to indulge itself with lavish funds at the expense of the nation’s economic well-being.
President Boakai’s office alone is allocated nearly US$3 million, while Vice President Koung’s office receives US$3.38 million, Speaker Koffa’s office gets US$1.9 million, and Senate Pro Temp Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence is granted US$1.5 million.
These figures reveal not just an inequitable distribution of the national wealth but a troubling priority system that continues to enrich those in power while ignoring the plight of the Liberian people.
A Nation Burdened by Taxes, Enriched by Political Elite
Simeon Freeman, a leading businessman and the head of the opposition Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), has once again raised his voice against what he deems an irresponsible and reckless government. According to Freeman, the government’s decision to allocate a staggering portion of the national budget to the comfort of top officials—while the average Liberian struggles with the weight of excessive taxes—demonstrates a clear disregard for the suffering of ordinary citizens.
“It’s nothing short of a slap in the face to the Liberian people,” Freeman stated. “While our citizens are drowning under high taxes and a stagnant economy, the government continues to squander millions on themselves. It’s not just a misallocation of resources; it’s a failure to govern with any sense of responsibility or empathy.”
Freeman’s critique comes as Liberians continue to face sky-high taxes on essential goods, making it nearly impossible for many to afford food, transportation, and basic services.
He said government’s policy of over-taxation has choked businesses, reduced consumer purchasing power, and fueled widespread dissatisfaction. As ordinary Liberians tighten their belts, the political elite remain unaffected by the economic realities gripping the country.
The Boakai Administration: An Economic Catastrophe
Freeman’s concerns go beyond just the lavish spending on government officials. He criticizes the Boakai administration for its inability to address Liberia’s mounting economic challenges, including excessive taxation, skyrocketing debt, and government inefficiency. With the country’s economy in freefall, Freeman argues that these funds should be used to stimulate growth, support local businesses, and address the skyrocketing costs of living—not to further entrench the wealth and comfort of government officials.
“The Boakai administration’s reckless spending on its own offices, while the economy is crumbling, speaks volumes about their priorities,” Freeman said. “They’ve raised taxes on everything from food to basic services while padding their own pockets with millions. Meanwhile, businesses are suffocating, unemployment is rampant, and ordinary Liberians are struggling just to survive. This is not leadership; this is self-interest at its worst.”
Freeman has also warned that the government’s failure to reduce taxes and improve economic conditions will only fuel more frustration and potentially lead to civil unrest. In his view, when the government continues to ignore the people’s concerns and tighten the fiscal noose around their necks, the inevitable result is public outrage.
Government Debt: A Sign of Fiscal Irresponsibility
Freeman’s criticisms also extend to Liberia’s ballooning government debt. He has repeatedly raised concerns about the government’s outstanding debts to commercial banks and its inability to settle financial obligations. According to Freeman, the government’s neglect of these debts has led to a ripple effect throughout the economy, tying up capital that could be used to create jobs and fuel economic growth.
“The government’s failure to pay its debts is not just a financial problem—it’s an economic crisis,” Freeman said. “It causes a ripple effect, tying up funds that could go into businesses, schools, hospitals, or infrastructure. The Boakai administration has proven time and time again that it is incapable of managing the country’s finances.”
A Government Out of Touch with Reality
Freeman has also pointed to the bloated bureaucracy and inefficiencies that plague the Liberian government. He argues that the size of the government is unsustainable and wastes valuable resources that could be used to address the country’s most pressing issues.
“The government is too big and too inefficient,” Freeman stated. “A smaller, leaner government would be able to allocate resources more effectively and invest in things that benefit ordinary Liberians. Instead, we have a government that’s more focused on its own comfort and political survival than on solving the economic problems facing the nation.”
As the government continues to squander resources and refuse to address the core issues crippling Liberia’s economy, Freeman has called for bold reforms and a commitment to practical solutions.
The time for political games and empty promises has long passed. Liberia needs real leadership that is willing to make tough decisions, eliminate wasteful spending, and focus on policies that will drive long-term growth and prosperity for all Liberians, Freeman noted.
