– As Liberia Faces Worsening Economic Strain
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Advocate Martin K. N. Kollie has strongly criticized the budget allocations for the office of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, raising serious concerns about what he describes as an unjustifiable expenditure of public funds. Kollie’s remarks, made public on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, come amid increasing frustrations within Liberia’s impoverished population, who continue to contend with high unemployment, poverty, and food insecurity. Kollie’s critique centers on the apparent disconnect between the lavish spending of government officials and the dire economic conditions faced by the majority of the country’s citizens.
In an assessment, Kollie pointed out that Vice President Koung earns an annual salary exceeding US$240,000, which is notably higher than the salary of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who makes US$235,100. Kollie expressed disbelief at this discrepancy, questioning how a government that routinely seeks foreign aid and loans to sustain itself can justify such inflated salaries. “How can the government continue to beg for international assistance while paying its officials exorbitant wages?” Kollie asked, challenging the logic behind these disparities.
The activist also drew attention to the budgetary allocations for the Vice President’s office, which, according to the 2024 and 2025 fiscal budgets, received a staggering US$7.5 million over the last two years. Kollie noted that this amount was more than what was allocated to President Joseph Boakai’s office during the same period, further emphasizing what he described as a dangerous trend of mismanagement. In fiscal year 2024, Vice President Koung’s office was allotted US$3.76 million, while the President’s office received only US$1.96 million. The following year, Koung’s office was budgeted for US$3.75 million, while Boakai’s office received US$3.44 million. Kollie pointed out that this meant the Vice President’s office had received US$2.1 million more than the President’s office in just two years.
Kollie’s analysis went beyond salary discrepancies to examine the allocation of funds within the Vice President’s budget. He highlighted questionable expenditures, such as the US$242,000 set aside for foreign travel and allowances, and the additional US$259,000 actually spent. Kollie was particularly critical of the significant funds designated for entertainment, including US$24,000 for fuel for entertainment and another US$24,000 for food and catering services. These amounts, he argued, were in stark contrast to the meager budgets allocated to essential public services such as healthcare and education.
Further breaking down the budget, Kollie contrasted the lavish spending in the Vice President’s office with the inadequate funding of critical services in Nimba County. He pointed to the fact that G.W. Harley Hospital in Nimba, a critical healthcare facility, had been allocated just US$110,000 for fiscal year 2024, but by November of that year, only US$54,000 had been disbursed. Kollie noted that the Nimba County Health Team’s budget for 2025 was set at US$100,000, yet the team had only received half of that amount. This, he argued, highlighted the government’s failure to prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens, particularly those in underserved regions.
Kollie also took issue with the budget allocated to the office of the Second Lady, Madam Stephanie Dahn-Koung, who oversees the Group of 77, an organization for persons with disabilities. The Group of 77’s budget for 2024 amounted to US$328,606, with 69% of the funds going toward salaries. Kollie questioned the ethics of spending such a large percentage of the budget on administrative costs rather than directly supporting the disabled population, a group that has long been marginalized in Liberia. He argued that the misallocation of funds in this manner further illustrated the disconnect between government spending and the needs of the people.
The activist’s criticism extended to the broader issue of public sector wages, with Kollie calling for an immediate reduction in salaries and allowances for public officials. He proposed that a wage cap of US$5,000 be instituted across all government entities, an amount he believes is more in line with Liberia’s economic realities. “The people are suffering, and it is time for the government to lead by example,” Kollie said, stressing the importance of redirecting resources toward sectors that could improve the lives of ordinary Liberians.
Kollie also urged the government to take meaningful action to reduce public sector waste and prioritize investment in areas that would create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance social infrastructure. He criticized the government for its failure to properly allocate national resources, questioning whether the funds being lavished on high-ranking officials were serving the public or merely perpetuating a culture of waste and corruption. “The resources belong to the people. It’s time to stop the reckless spending and invest in the future of our nation,” Kollie stated.
Social media users and political commentators have joined the conversation, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms to reduce inequality and address the systemic issues of corruption and mismanagement that continue to plague the Liberian government. Kollie concluded his statement by urging the government to honor its commitment to “rescue” the people of Liberia, rather than “reuse” them as mere pawns in a political game of greed and exploitation.
“The Liberian people are losing hope every day, and it is our responsibility to reverse this trend,” Kollie said. “The people deserve better, and it is time we start investing in their future, not in the lavish lifestyles of government officials.”
