MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a statement on February 4, 2025, Madam Saywhar Nana Gbaa, Assistant Minister for Public Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called on President Joseph Boakai to take decisive action against government officials involved in corruption. Her comments come amid a wave of allegations that have cast a shadow over the Unity Party-led administration.
In a candid post on her personal Facebook page, Madam Gbaa expressed her willingness to resign rather than remain part of a government that allows corruption to persist. “If I am one of those bringing your government to public ridicule, fire me,” Gbaa wrote, urging the President to hold officials accountable for their actions. She emphasized that no one should prioritize personal gain over the government’s promises to the people. “We’ve made significant strides, and we can’t allow these blunders to undermine the progress we’ve achieved,” she added, calling for corrupt officials to be removed swiftly.
Her statement follows a recent investigative report by Verity News, which exposed a $75,000 car scandal involving Rustolyn Suacoco Dennis, CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL). The report, released just before Gbaa’s comments, has only intensified concerns about the state of governance in Liberia.
Madam Gbaa’s call for action also comes amid criticism within the Unity Party itself. Queen Johnson, a prominent figure within the party, recently accused President Boakai of enabling corruption through his appointments. In a scathing declaration at the party’s headquarters, Johnson claimed that “all the ministers and managing directors appointed by Boakai are corrupt,” fueling concerns that corruption is rampant at the highest levels of the government.
The pressure on the administration continues to mount, with new allegations surfacing at the National Housing Authority (NHA). Two senior officials, Alex Reily and Prince Bonnah, have been implicated in illegal land sales. According to a leaked report from the Executive Mansion, Reily mishandled funds from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for a land transaction, while Bonnah is accused of selling public land without proper documentation.
These incidents add to a growing list of scandals that have plagued the administration in its first year, sparking widespread calls for accountability. Opposition figures have seized on the turmoil, with Gbarpolu County Senator Edwin Snowe declaring the Unity Party government a “one-term government” during a recent confirmation hearing. Snowe’s remarks reflect a rising perception that corruption is eroding public trust in the administration.
Madam Gbaa’s remarks are significant not only because of her position within the government but also due to the timing. Her outspoken stance signals deep frustration even within the ranks of the ruling party. Though she did not name specific individuals, it is clear that she is referring to the latest corruption scandals that have surfaced, particularly the land sale allegations and the NOCAL scandal.
The growing chorus of calls for action is putting increasing pressure on President Boakai to address the allegations head-on. Many believe that the administration’s failure to respond decisively to these scandals will further damage its credibility and public support. The President’s campaign, centered on fighting corruption and improving governance, is now facing scrutiny as these allegations continue to develop.
Public reaction to Gbaa’s statement has been mixed. Some citizens have praised her courage, seeing her comments as a call for accountability within the administration. Others, however, question whether her words will result in tangible change or if they reflect deeper divisions within the government. There are those who argue that her comments could be part of an internal power struggle, while others view them as an honest attempt to push for reform.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the Boakai administration has yet to issue a formal response to the growing corruption allegations or Madam Gbaa’s statement. This silence has only fueled speculation about whether the President will take decisive action or if political considerations will prevent him from addressing the issue directly.
Meanwhile, Cllr. Gabriel Nah has weighed in on the matter. Speaking to Smart News Liberia on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, he noted that as Liberia’s political climate becomes increasingly tense, the coming weeks will be critical for President Boakai. “The public is watching closely, and many expect bold actions to restore faith in the government. The future of the administration, and its ability to steer these scandals, will depend on how the President responds to the crisis,” he said.
Cllr. Nah further emphasized that Madam Gbaa’s call for action sends a clear message to the President that the time for decisive measures is now. “The public is growing impatient, and many will be watching to see if President Boakai can meet the rising demands for accountability,” he concluded.