MONROVIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has suspended Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Frederick S. Cooper for 60 days without pay, citing conduct deemed incompatible with his status as a public official.
The suspension took effect immediately and represents one of the administration’s clearest recent disciplinary actions against a senior government official.
According to the Presidency, Cooper’s suspension is based on acts that were considered incompatible with his responsibilities as a public servant. The exact nature of the acts was not disclosed in the announcement.
In his communication to Cooper, President Boakai stressed the importance of discipline, integrity and responsible conduct in government.
The President also issued a broader warning to officials serving in his administration, emphasizing that their conduct both in the performance of their official duties and outside their offices must reflect the standards and values of his government.
Boakai said public office is a position of trust and warned that officials would be held accountable for actions that undermine the integrity of government or bring the public service into disrepute.
The suspension comes as President Boakai simultaneously announced several changes to leadership at key government institutions, including the Ministries of National Defense and Commerce and Industry.
While the appointments affect the administrative structure of the government, the action against Cooper places greater attention on the administration’s expectations of personal conduct among public officials.
The President’s warning makes clear that holding government office carries responsibilities beyond the execution of official duties, with integrity and personal conduct also forming part of the standards expected from members of his administration.
The announcement was signed by Presidential Press Secretary Atty. Kula B.N. Fofana.
