Liberia News:Boakai Supports Corruption, But…

Liberia-President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent statement in Lofa County that if his officials steal they should identify with their communities undermines the fight against corruption, several Liberians have said.
Many of the citizens expressed disappointment in the President’s recent statement saying that it is a recipe for corruption and undermines his pronounced fight against corruption.
According to them, Boakai who was once a staunch critic of corruption, has ignited a firestorm with a controversial statement urging corrupt officials to use stolen public funds to “bless our people.”
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai ascended to power on promises of eradicating corruption and promoting good governance. “We want to encourage those who want to remain corrupt and steal money; I beg y’all, the money should be used to bless our people,” President Boakai said.
The statement comes against the backdrop of Liberia’s persistent struggle with corruption, reflected in its ranking of 145 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, with a dismal score of 25/100.
Marking World Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, Anderson Miamen, head of the Center for Transparency and Accountability (CENTAL), criticized the Boakai-led administration for what he described as “pampering corruption.” Miamen noted that the culture of impunity, coupled with inadequate funding for public integrity institutions and a lack of political will, remains the greatest obstacle to Liberia’s anti-corruption efforts.
“If the fight against corruption must succeed,” Miamen emphasized, “the President must lead by example and set a very high standard for others to follow.” He called on President Boakai to take bold and decisive actions to reverse Liberia’s negative corruption trends.
President Boakai’s remarks has drawn comparisons to comments made by Senator Nathaniel McGill (Margibi) during his tenure as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs in 2022. McGill controversially defended the misuse of public funds, arguing that using “stolen” money to build infrastructure in Liberia was a “good thing” for the local population.
“Even if I was stealing the money and giving it to the Liberian people, that’s a good thing I’m doing,” McGill said at the time, adding, “At least I’m not stealing it and carrying it to Europe.” The parallels between these statements have fueled skepticism about the sincerity of Liberia’s leadership in tackling corruption.
The Office of the President wishes to address recent misrepresentations and deliberate distortions of remarks made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., regarding investment, corruption, and governance.
Meanwhile, the Executive Mansion has clarified the President’s statement.
According to an executive mansion release, on Sunday, December 22, President Boakai delivered a heartfelt address during the 60th anniversary commemoration of Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba Counties acquiring county status. The event, held at Unification Park in Voinjama, Lofa County, was an opportunity to reflect on national unity, development, and pride.
During his address, the President spoke strongly against corruption, advocating for ethical stewardship and accountability in governance.
Contrary to recent claims, President Boakai’s remarks were not an endorsement of corruption but a clear denunciation of this vice and a call for integrity in public service and judicious use of public resources.
As a statesman known for his honesty and humility, President Boakai emphasized the need for public officials to reject corruption and use resources entrusted to them for the benefit of the Liberian people. His statement reaffirmed his Administration’s zero-tolerance for corruption and instead a firm stance commitment to good governance.
The Boakai-led Government remains unwavering in its fight against corruption. Key anti-corruption initiatives undertaken this year include:
Anti-Corruption Audits: In February 2024, the President commissioned audits of key government institutions, including the Central Bank of Liberia, the National Security Agency, and the Executive Protection Service, covering activities from 2018 to 2023. These audits aim to address financial irregularities and ensure accountability. suspension of officials on account of corruption.
Following these audits, President Boakai suspended Central Bank Governor Jolue Aloysius Tarlue in July 2024 due to unauthorized loans and overspending. In October 2024, senior officials of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) were also suspended amid allegations of financial misconduct, pending investigations by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), public Declarations to foster transparency and accountability: In August 2024, President Boakai cautioned newly commissioned officials that corruption would not be tolerated, emphasizing accountability and warning that violators would face consequences, international Anti-Corruption Day: On December 9, 2024, the President declared “International Anti-Corruption Day” to raise awareness and promote ethical governance nationwide.
The Executive Mansion Far from countenancing acts of dishonesty and theft, the Government of Liberia urges the public and media to consider the President’s statement in its full and accurate context, rejecting attempts by ill-intentioned political actors who are only driven by a motive to distort and win political points.
According to the release, President Boakai remains resolute in his vision for a Liberia defined by ethical leadership, unity, and inclusive development.
The Administration calls on all citizens and partners to join hands in fostering good governance, transparency, and lasting progress for the nation.