The Liberian political landscape has been stirred by recent claims made by former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor regarding her retirement benefits. Howard-Taylor, who served as Vice President under former President George Weah, publicly asserted that she has not received the benefits due to her since leaving office in January 2024. Her claims, aired during a radio and television appearance, detailed the alleged withholding of her vice presidential salary, vehicle allocation, and staffing benefits, stipulating that she has only been receiving remuneration at the level of a former senator, a position she held prior to her vice presidency. She further highlighted the abrupt withdrawal of her official vehicles during the inauguration of President Joseph Boakai, leaving her without transportation and reliant on her personal vehicle, and the absence of a security detail, which she contends is a breach of her entitlement as a former Vice President.
Contrasting sharply with Howard-Taylor’s public statements, leaked financial documents circulating on social media platforms suggest a different narrative. These documents purportedly show that the former Vice President has indeed been receiving retirement benefits, including a payment in March 2025 totaling USD $1,432.35 gross, with a net amount of USD $1,117.88 after taxes. The breakdown of the payment indicates a portion in foreign currency (USD $782.52) and another in Liberian dollars (LRD $66,311.52), representing 30% of the total benefits. The emergence of these documents has created a public debate surrounding the veracity of Howard-Taylor’s claims, prompting the government to address the unfolding situation.
Responding to the controversy, Information Minister Jerolinmek Mathew Piah acknowledged the former Vice President’s concerns during a press briefing and affirmed the government’s commitment to investigating the matter thoroughly. Minister Piah emphasized the government’s willingness to review the claims and ensure that Howard-Taylor receives all legally entitled benefits. He explained the historical complexities surrounding post-service benefits for high-ranking officials in Liberia, referencing the incomplete implementation of Transition Acts initiated during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration. These acts aimed to standardize these benefits, but their failure to be fully enacted created inconsistencies in the system. He cited the example of President Boakai himself receiving a significantly reduced monthly payment of $800 during a period of policy ambiguity.
Minister Piah outlined the evolution of Liberia’s pension system, highlighting the passage of the Consolidated Pension and Retirement Act in December 2016. This act repealed previous legislation and established the framework for the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), introducing a contributory pension system for government officials. Under this new system, government employees contribute to their retirement plans. However, senior officials like former presidents and vice presidents remain under the older, non-contributory system, a practice established by the Civil Service Agency (CSA) in 2014, reflecting their unique status and historical precedent. The Minister clarified that eligibility for the new contributory scheme requires individuals to reach the age of 60 and meet specific contribution requirements, stipulations that do not currently apply to former Vice President Howard-Taylor.
The Information Minister further explained that Howard-Taylor currently benefits from both the national social security scheme and the CSA-managed non-contributory pension program designed for high-ranking officials. This dual-benefit structure further complicates the situation, as it necessitates a detailed examination of both systems to determine if there are any discrepancies or omissions in the benefits disbursed to the former Vice President. While acknowledging the existing payments to Howard-Taylor, Minister Piah reiterated the government’s openness to reviewing any additional or overlooked claims. He emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving any discrepancies and ensuring that all rightful benefits are provided.
The conflicting narratives presented by former Vice President Howard-Taylor and the leaked financial documents, coupled with the government’s acknowledgment of the need for further investigation, highlight the complexities of Liberia’s pension system and the challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability in the disbursement of benefits to former high-ranking officials. The government’s commitment to a comprehensive review of the case is a crucial step towards clarifying the situation and ensuring that all parties involved receive due process and a fair resolution. The outcome of this investigation will not only address the specific concerns raised by Howard-Taylor but also serve as a valuable opportunity to refine and strengthen Liberia’s pension system, ensuring its equitable and efficient application for all eligible individuals.
