President Joseph N. Boakai’s first year in office has been met with a mixed bag of reactions, with praise for economic progress but sharp criticism for his perceived inaction against corruption. While Boakai’s State of the Nation address highlighted improvements in key sectors like the economy, infrastructure, education, and health, critics argue these advancements are overshadowed by his administration’s failure to decisively address Liberia’s endemic corruption. The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has been particularly vocal, accusing Boakai of failing to match his anti-corruption rhetoric with concrete actions. This perceived leniency towards allegedly corrupt officials has raised concerns about the president’s commitment to tackling what many consider Liberia’s most pressing issue.
Boakai’s address painted a picture of economic recovery and growth. He acknowledged inheriting a struggling economy with low GDP growth, high inflation, and a substantial debt burden. However, he touted his administration’s success in stabilizing the economy, achieving a revised GDP growth rate of 5.1% in 2024, driven by sectors like mining, agriculture, and services. He also pointed to a decrease in inflation, improved international reserves, a stronger Liberian dollar, and increased private sector credit as indicators of positive economic trajectory. These improvements, he argued, were supported by investments from international partners like the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and USAID.
Beyond economic gains, Boakai highlighted progress in infrastructure development, citing the expansion of the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Road Project and advancements in other road construction initiatives. In the education sector, he addressed the inherited challenges of scholarship arrears, teacher quality, and infrastructure deficiencies, emphasizing the allocation of funds to clear arrears and the launch of a foundational learning project with USAID. Furthermore, he underscored improvements in the health sector, particularly reductions in maternal and child mortality rates and increased child vaccination coverage under his ARREST Agenda.
Despite these reported advancements, CENTAL’s Executive Director, Anderson Miamen, argues that Boakai’s actions against corruption have been insufficient. He points to the removal of the entire board of commissioners at the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) due to corruption allegations, yet questions the lack of action against the current acting LTA board chair, who is also implicated in an audit report. Miamen further criticizes the president’s inaction against officials who have failed to declare their assets, highlighting a pattern of warnings and ultimatums without concrete consequences. He also cites the case of Dorr Cooper, investigated and found liable for academic fraud by the University of Liberia, yet seemingly facing no repercussions.
Miamen draws parallels between Boakai’s administration and that of his predecessor, former President Weah, who lost the 2023 election largely due to perceived failures in addressing corruption. While acknowledging the difference in their time in office, Miamen emphasizes the concerning trend of inaction against corruption, suggesting that Boakai risks repeating the same mistakes. He argues that Boakai needs to send a stronger message to his officials regarding compliance with the Code of Conduct and anti-corruption laws, suggesting that the current trajectory could lead to similar consequences as faced by the previous administration.
The central concern raised by critics is not the absence of progress in other sectors, but rather the perceived prioritization of development over accountability. While Boakai can point to tangible achievements in infrastructure, education, and health, the unresolved issue of corruption threatens to undermine these advancements. The lack of decisive action against allegedly corrupt officials raises questions about the long-term sustainability of these gains and fuels public distrust in the government’s commitment to genuine reform. The challenge for Boakai, therefore, lies not just in continuing to deliver on development promises, but also in demonstrating a genuine commitment to tackling corruption head-on, thereby building public trust and ensuring the long-term success of his administration.
