MONROVIA – In a surprising move that has raised eyebrows, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is reportedly seeking to purchase a US$1 million bulletproof jeep—a decision that is not only outside the national budget but also a direct violation of the country’s Public Financial Management (PFM) Law. This proposed acquisition comes at a time when Liberia’s economy is facing significant challenges, with critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure falling into disrepair.
The PFM Law, which was put in place to safeguard transparency and accountability in Liberia’s financial practices, explicitly prohibits such off-budget expenditures without proper legislative oversight. Yet, the President seems determined to push forward with this luxury purchase, even as the nation struggles to meet its most basic needs.
Liberia’s economy has been underperforming for years, with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of rising inflation, unemployment, and dwindling public services. Hospitals are facing acute shortages of medical supplies, schools are chronically underfunded, and the country’s infrastructure—especially its roads—remains in a deplorable state.
Major highways, particularly those connecting key regions, are crumbling, and rural areas remain isolated, severely hampering commerce and agriculture. Instead of focusing on revitalizing these vital areas, President Boakai’s proposed purchase of a bulletproof vehicle appears to emphasize a widening gap between the priorities of the country’s leadership and the immediate needs of its people.
The decision to acquire an extravagant US$1 million vehicle sends a troubling message about the President’s priorities. Liberia is a nation in desperate need of investment in its public infrastructure, education system, and healthcare services. Yet, at a time when many Liberians cannot access basic healthcare or travel on passable roads, the leader of the country is seeking protection from a perceived threat that does not seem to exist.
President Boakai has not been under any immediate threat that would justify such an expensive and unnecessary purchase. The call for a bulletproof jeep seems more like a symbol of detachment from the suffering of ordinary Liberians rather than a response to any actual danger. No one is hunting the President, and he does not need to hide behind the tinted windows of an armored vehicle.
Critics have pointed out that this move violates the very principles of responsible governance that President Boakai pledged to uphold when he took office. The PFM Law exists to prevent exactly this type of unchecked spending, ensuring that public funds are used in a manner that benefits the entire country. Instead of diverting resources toward luxury items, the President should be focusing on positive ventures that can uplift the nation’s economy and improve the standard of living for all Liberians.
For many, this proposed purchase is a clear signal that President Boakai is getting things profoundly wrong. His leadership should be directed toward finding solutions to the country’s pressing economic problems rather than engaging in lavish personal expenditures. If the purchase is already in motion, President Boakai must rescind the decision immediately and rethink his priorities.
Liberia is in dire need of leaders who will put the interests of the people first. Roads need to be repaired. Schools need to be equipped with resources. Hospitals must be adequately funded. The future of Liberia depends on building a strong foundation in these areas—not on shielding the President from hypothetical dangers.
The nation is watching, and President Boakai has a chance to reverse course. He should demonstrate that he is a leader who listens to his people, recognizes the dire state of the nation’s economy, and focuses on positive ventures that will benefit all. Bulletproof jeeps may offer protection, but they won’t protect a President from the criticism of an increasingly frustrated populace.
In this moment of economic hardship, the President must lead with vision and accountability. That begins with canceling this ill-advised purchase and focusing instead on the real challenges facing Liberia.
