Liberia’s political scene is currently contending with an intensifying debate over recent comments made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. On December 22, 2024, during the 60th anniversary commemoration in Voinjama, Lofa County, marking the acquisition of county status by Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba Counties, President Boakai allegedly said, “We want to encourage those who want to remain corrupt and steal money; I beg y’all, the money should be used to bless our people.” The statement has generated criticism, with many interpreting it as an endorsement of corruption. Despite a video circulating on Facebook showing the President making the controversial remarks, the Office of the President issued a response on December 24, 2024, addressing what it described as deliberate distortions of the President’s words. The statement aimed to clarify the President’s position and reaffirm his administration’s steadfast commitment to ethical governance and anti-corruption efforts.
The Office of the President explained that during his address on December 22, 2024, at the 60th anniversary commemoration of Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba Counties acquiring county status, President Boakai had spoken passionately about the importance of national unity, development, and pride. He emphasized that Liberia’s future relies on ethical governance, accountability, and a firm rejection of corruption at all levels of public service.
“The message was clear: Liberia’s progress is dependent on the responsible use of public resources, and corruption must be eradicated for the country to move forward,” the statement read. However, some political critics distorted the President’s message, falsely interpreting it as an endorsement of corrupt practices by public officials. The Office of the President categorically rejected these claims, asserting that they were unfounded and designed to mislead the public.
The statement further emphasized that President Boakai, a statesman known for his integrity, has always advocated for a government free from corruption. Throughout his tenure, the President has remained steadfast in his commitment to transparency and good governance. He has consistently reaffirmed that his administration will not tolerate dishonesty, and that public funds should always be used for the benefit of the Liberian people. The President’s call for integrity was not an invitation for misconduct but rather a clarion call for all Liberians to unite in the fight against the deeply rooted culture of corruption.
The President’s office also highlighted that this misunderstanding of his remarks comes at a time when his administration is taking significant steps to combat corruption. In 2024, President Boakai initiated anti-corruption audits for key government institutions, including the Central Bank of Liberia and the National Security Agency. These audits, covering the period from 2018 to 2023, are part of an ongoing effort to identify and address financial mismanagement, ensuring full transparency in government dealings.
Additionally, the administration has acted swiftly to address corruption within its own ranks. Following revelations of unauthorized loans and overspending, President Boakai suspended Central Bank Governor Jolue Aloysius Tarlue in July 2024. In October 2024, senior officials from the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) were also suspended amid allegations of financial misconduct. These actions underline the administration’s firm stance on accountability and transparency.
The statement also pointed to another important initiative: the declaration of December 9, 2024, as “International Anti-Corruption Day,” aimed at raising awareness about the importance of ethical governance. On this day, President Boakai called on government officials and citizens to embrace the values of integrity, accountability, and fairness. He reiterated that corruption must be rooted out in all its forms if Liberia is to secure a prosperous and equitable future for its people.
The Office of the President concluded by reaffirming President Boakai’s unwavering stance against corruption. The administration remains resolutely committed to promoting a government of integrity, where public officials are held to the highest standards of accountability. President Boakai’s call for unity in the fight against corruption is integral to the vision for a brighter, more prosperous Liberia.
However, despite these clarifications, the criticism against the President has been swift and vocal. Civil society organizations, political analysts, and ordinary citizens have expressed deep concern over the remarks, claiming that the President’s words contradict his administration’s anti-corruption agenda. Anderson D. Miamen, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), criticized the President in a public post, accusing him of endorsing corruption in a manner that undermines his credibility as a champion of integrity. Miamen’s remarks resonated with many who questioned how such a statement could come from a leader who has built a reputation on promoting transparency.
In a related development, Diaspora Alert, an advocacy organization based in the United States, sent an open letter to several international entities, including the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia and the European Union, calling for action against the President’s controversial statements. The letter, signed by Chairman Eric Pervist, condemned what it described as an explicit endorsement of corruption, urging the international community to reconsider their support for Liberia’s development. The organization expressed alarm over the potential consequences of such remarks, warning that they could lead to a deterioration of the country’s reputation and a further erosion of trust in its leadership. Pervist’s statement highlighted the contradiction between the Boakai administration’s anti-corruption promises and the apparent endorsement of theft within the government.
