President Joseph Boakai’s second State of the Nation Address, delivered on January 27, 2025, centered on his administration’s commitment to combating corruption and fostering integrity within the Liberian government. Acknowledging the high expectations surrounding his anti-corruption agenda and the criticisms leveled against its implementation thus far, President Boakai reaffirmed his dedication to transparency and accountability as fundamental pillars of governance. He outlined several initiatives undertaken to strengthen integrity institutions and promote ethical practices within the public sector.
A key aspect of this strategy has been supporting the independence of institutions like the General Auditing Commission (GAC). President Boakai highlighted the GAC’s publication of numerous audit reports, including those conducted prior to his presidency, which revealed systemic weaknesses and substantial amounts of unaccounted-for public funds. These audits encompassed crucial governmental bodies such as the Executive Protection Service, the Central Bank of Liberia, the Government Consolidated Fund, and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority. The President pledged continued collaboration with the GAC, the National Legislature, and the Ministry of Justice to prevent further instances of theft, waste, and abuse of public resources. He emphasized the unprecedented nature of audits targeting the Office of the President, the Judiciary, the Office of the Chief Justice, and the Senate, depicting these actions as evidence of a collective commitment to accountability.
Beyond the GAC’s external audits, President Boakai also pointed to the Independent Auditing Agency’s work in embedding internal auditors within numerous spending entities to enhance real-time accountability. He underscored the appointment of an Ombudsman after a prolonged delay and the introduction of a Performance Management and Compliance System as further steps towards bolstering oversight mechanisms. Additionally, the President highlighted the implementation of codes of conduct and performance contracts for cabinet members and agency heads, coupled with mandatory asset declarations. He and the Vice President led by example, publicly declaring their assets and signing the code of conduct, setting a precedent for transparency and accountability within the highest echelons of government.
President Boakai directly addressed the pervasive issue of corruption, acknowledging its detrimental impact on public trust, progress, and national reputation. He called for a fundamental shift in the nation’s approach to governance, advocating for a “new beginning” where transparency and accountability are paramount. While recognizing the persistent challenges posed by corruption, the President emphasized the progress achieved under his administration. He highlighted the implementation of more transparent systems, the establishment of accountability measures, and the fostering of ethical practices, leading to increased public awareness and willingness to challenge corruption. He further noted a growing commitment to integrity among government leaders.
The President cited concrete examples of the government’s anti-corruption efforts, including payroll audits across various ministries that resulted in the removal of thousands of “ghost names” and significant savings for the public purse. He stressed that these actions are not limited to past transgressions but will extend to audits of current expenditures to identify and address any violations of public trust. Recognizing the public’s demand for decisive action against corruption, President Boakai vowed to deliver tangible results.
Finally, President Boakai appealed to the Legislature and the Judiciary to join the executive branch in this “patriotic journey” of combating corruption. He urged these institutions to act swiftly on audit reports and expedite corruption cases to restore public confidence in the government. By working together, President Boakai believes Liberia can overcome the challenges of corruption and establish a more transparent and accountable system of governance. He portrayed this fight against corruption not just as a government initiative but as a national imperative requiring collective action and commitment from all branches of government and the citizenry at large.
