By Othello B. Garblah
On January 18, 2025, President Joseph N. Boakai marked his first year in office, a year that has been fraught with dramas and controversies that will undoubtedly shape the legacy of his presidency.
From allegations of corruption to the burning of the Capitol Building amidst a speakership row, Boakai’s administration is entering the second year of his administration with mixed baggage.
From the very onset of his administration, President Boakai has had to contend with numerous allegations of corruption. These accusations have cast a shadow over his leadership, raising questions about the integrity and accountability of his government.
The suspension of tenure officials and apparent disregard for the rule of law have further fuelled these suspicions, leading to widespread public concern.
Just months into office, Boakai’s administration announced a deal to procure 285 pieces of earthmoving equipment. This move was reminiscent of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) EBOMAF deal that ultimately fell short of reality.
The lack of transparency surrounding the funding for the procurement sparked skepticism across the nation. Legislators, opposition figures, civil society organizations, and media outlets have all questioned the government’s commitment to transparency and respect for the rule of law.
For the last six years, President Boakai and his Unity Party criticized the former ruling CDC for massive corruption, human rights abuses, and a flagrant violation of the rule of law, and rightfully so.
Now, one year into office, President Boakai appears to be treading similar path-entering deals and committing the country to surreptitious transactions that have left citizens asking more questions than getting answers.
Despite the growing criticisms, some commend the administration’s efforts for what they described as full-sightedness in seeking to procure the 285 pieces of equipment to advance road construction and rural development.
Amidst these unfolding events are also the allegations of corruption, which have led to the dismissals of several senior government officials just one year into the UP administration. Ministers have been suspended for purchasing luxurious vehicles and issuing fat checks that benefit them and their cronies.
Last week, President Boakai suspended over 450 officials for failing to declare their assets as required by law. They have suspended for time indefinite till they declare their assets.
All these are unfolding at the time thousands remained jobless, many turning into beggars and unable to pay medical bills and school fees, while the government remained indebted to Ivory Coast for unpaid electricity bills and the domestic debt portfolio remained high.
Meanwhile, one of the most dramatic events of Boakai’s first year in office was the burning of the Capitol Building amidst a speakership row. The administration has been accused of playing a major role in the impasse at the Legislature, a standoff that has had far-reaching consequences. The Executive and the Senate have all been engaging with the majority bloc-passing budget and citing officials to appear before it.
Despite a Supreme Court ruling that called for both parties to return to the status quo, adding that decisions taken from both sides in the dispute are ultra vires, the Executive has remained engaged with the majority bloc headed by Rep. Richard Koon, who has described himself as a regime speaker.
With such backing from the Executive, the majority bloc has continued to engage in lawless activities, one of which was breaking into the office of embalmed House Speaker Cllr. Fonati Koffa to remove his belongings in his absence.
On Second Thoughts: As President Joseph N. Boakai moves into his second year in office, the challenges and controversies of his first year will continue to shape his presidency. The allegations of corruption, the contentious earthmoving equipment deal, and the Capitol Building impasse are significant issues that will require careful and decisive action.
At the same time, the administration’s desire to embark on road construction and rural development offers a glimmer of hope for positive change. The coming years will be crucial in determining the ultimate success and legacy of Boakai’s presidency.
