By Socrates Smythe Saywon | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – A key official within President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration has resigned from government, citing growing concerns over the state of governance, accountability, corruption, illicit drug activities, and what he described as increasing challenges to democratic principles in Liberia.
In a resignation letter dated June 16, 2026 and addressed to President Boakai, Sando D. Johnson formally stepped down from his position as Liaison between the Office of the President and the Liberian Senate, effective immediately.
Johnson’s departure is likely to attract significant public and political attention, not only because of the strategic nature of his role in facilitating communication between the Executive and Legislative branches of government, but also because of the concerns he outlined as reasons for his resignation.
In the letter, Johnson expressed appreciation to President Boakai for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as both an honor and a privilege. He said he accepted the position despite not being a member of the ruling Unity Party because he believed in the ideals of inclusive governance, national reconciliation, and collective national development.
“When I accepted this appointment, I did so guided by my unwavering belief that national service must transcend political affiliations and that every Liberian of goodwill has a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our country,” Johnson wrote.
However, he indicated that recent developments within Liberia’s governance landscape had made it increasingly difficult for him to continue serving in a manner consistent with his personal convictions and sense of public duty.
According to Johnson, concerns surrounding adherence to the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and tolerance for dissenting opinions have become increasingly troubling.
“Recent developments within our national governance landscape have increasingly raised concerns regarding adherence to the rule of law, transparency, accountability, tolerance of dissenting views, and the overall protection of democratic principles,” he stated.
The former Senate Legislative Liaison Officer also pointed to what he described as growing public concerns regarding corruption and the increasing prevalence of illicit drug activities, issues that have recently generated intense national debate following a series of high-profile narcotics interceptions in Liberia.
Johnson further warned of what many citizens perceive as a shrinking space for independent voices and constructive criticism within government and the broader national discourse.
His resignation letter suggests a growing unease among some public officials regarding the direction of governance and the government’s response to mounting public concerns.
“As a public servant, I have always believed that disagreement should never be mistaken for disloyalty and that criticism, when offered constructively, should be embraced as an essential component of democratic governance,” Johnson wrote.
He added that the current environment has made it increasingly difficult for him to remain faithful to those principles while continuing to serve in his present capacity.
Significantly, Johnson emphasized that his resignation was not motivated by personal grievances, bitterness, or political ambitions. Instead, he said the decision was driven by his desire to remain true to his conscience and preserve his integrity.
“My decision to resign is therefore not driven by bitterness, personal grievance, or political ambition. Rather, it is motivated by a desire to remain faithful to my conscience, preserve my integrity, and continue contributing to national discourse as a private citizen committed to the progress, peace, and democratic development of Liberia,” he wrote.
While stepping away from government, Johnson expressed hope that the Boakai administration would continue pursuing policies that strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, promote accountability, and improve the welfare of ordinary Liberians.
The resignation comes at a time when the Boakai administration continues to face criticism from opposition figures, civil society organizations, and some former supporters over issues ranging from governance and corruption allegations to concerns about transparency and the handling of major national controversies.
Although Johnson did not accuse any specific government official of wrongdoing, his resignation letter represents one of the most direct public expressions of concern from a serving official within the administration regarding the state of governance and democratic accountability.
Political commentators who weighed in on Johnson’s resignation letter across social media platforms, especially Facebook, argued that the move could intensify public debate over governance, transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. However, as of publication, the Executive Mansion had not issued an official response to the resignation.
