The Unity Party (UP), the ruling party in Liberia, has issued a strong call to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to take decisive action against corruption within his administration, particularly concerning findings from a recent audit of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA). This audit, conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC), revealed significant financial mismanagement, including the failure to remit government revenue and irregularities in the awarding of a contract for the LTA’s headquarters. The UP emphasizes the need for swift prosecution of those implicated in the audit report to demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Their call for action comes amidst growing public concern over corruption and a perceived lack of accountability within government institutions.
The UP’s demand for action stems from a compliance audit covering the period of January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. This audit, conducted under the authority of the GAC Act of 2014, uncovered serious breaches of financial regulations within the LTA. Specifically, the audit revealed that the LTA failed to properly remit revenues owed to the government and that the contract for the construction of its headquarters was awarded through improper procedures. The UP has publicly highlighted these findings, particularly the alleged involvement of suspended LTA Commissioner and Acting Chairperson, Abdullah Kamara, in the misappropriation of funds. They argue that President Boakai must act decisively on these findings to uphold public trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to combating corruption.
The UP’s National Chairman, Rev. Luther Tarpeh, articulated the party’s concerns during a press conference, urging President Boakai to thoroughly investigate the LTA audit report and all other reports submitted by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Ministry of Justice. He stressed the importance of holding all implicated officials accountable, regardless of their position within the government. Tarpeh warned that failure to act decisively would not only disappoint the Liberian people but also erode their faith in the government’s commitment to fighting corruption. He emphasized that the credibility of the Boakai administration hinges on its willingness to address these issues head-on and demonstrate that no one is above the law.
Beyond the LTA audit, the UP is also calling for a more robust approach to combatting drug trafficking in Liberia. Tarpeh highlighted the persistent drug problem, particularly within vulnerable communities, and urged the government to intensify its efforts to dismantle drug cartels and protect the nation’s youth. He emphasized the need for proactive measures, including increased surveillance of school campuses and active engagement with community leaders and local officials to address this societal challenge. The party believes that a comprehensive strategy involving law enforcement, community engagement, and preventative measures is crucial to curb the drug menace and safeguard the future of Liberia’s youth.
Furthermore, the UP is urging the government to address the growing unemployment crisis and the resulting frustration among its supporters. Many who actively campaigned for the UP’s ascension to power are now struggling with unemployment and the inability to meet basic needs. Tarpeh cautioned that the government’s failure to address these concerns could lead to widespread discontent and undermine its popular support. He called for concrete actions to create job opportunities and improve the living conditions of ordinary Liberians, stressing the importance of delivering on the promises made during the election campaign.
Finally, the UP is demanding accountability from government officials tasked with implementing the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), the administration’s flagship development program. Tarpeh called for the dismissal of any official who fails to perform effectively and contribute to the success of the AAID. He emphasized the need for tangible results and tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens, reiterating that the Liberian people expect action, not empty promises. The UP’s message is clear: the government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to fighting corruption, tackling drug trafficking, addressing unemployment, and delivering on its development agenda to maintain public trust and fulfill the aspirations of the Liberian people.
