MONROVIA, LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s use of a private jet in December for the 66th ECOWAS Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, along with his recent travels, has generated criticism, with opponents accusing him of hypocrisy and poor judgment. The backlash stems from his earlier condemnation of such practices while in opposition, where he criticized similar expenditures by his predecessor, George Weah, as wasteful amid Liberia’s economic struggles.
The controversy erupted when it was revealed that President Boakai traveled to Nigeria aboard a Bombardier Challenger 604, a private jet operated by a private owner. Critics argue that this move is at odds with Boakai’s promises of fiscal prudence under his “Rescue Mission” agenda, which pledged to curb wasteful spending.
At a regular press briefing on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Executive Mansion, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana defended the decision, addressing the criticisms in a statement. She cited logistical challenges associated with commercial travel, explaining that factors such as long layovers, limited flight schedules, and potential delays made a private charter the most practical option. “While a private jet may seem expensive, it is often cost-effective for urgent engagements due to reduced travel times and lower associated costs like overnight stays,” Fofana explained.
She further clarified that this choice was not indicative of a policy shift but rather an exception. “The use of private jets is not standard practice. It was driven by the urgency and importance of the ECOWAS Summit. These flights are acts of goodwill from friends and not a financial burden on Liberia’s resources,” she added.
Veteran journalist Jonathan Paye-Layleh also weighed in, sharing a personal conversation with the President. “President Boakai assured me that he has not spent a cent on private jets. He emphasized that these flights have been provided by fellow heads of state and friends at no cost to Liberia,” Paye-Layleh wrote.
Despite these justifications, prominent activist Martin K. N. Kollie issued a critique of the decision, labeling it a betrayal of the President’s campaign promises. Kollie pointed out that Boakai had vowed to end the culture of excesses in government spending, making this action a glaring contradiction. “President Boakai’s decision to use a private jet violates his promise to avoid wasteful expenditures,” Kollie said.
The activist raised concerns about transparency, urging the administration to disclose who financed the flight and whether public funds were involved. “If Press Secretary Fofana claims the flights were gifts from ‘friends,’ it raises ethical and legal questions. Who are these friends, and what interests do they have in Liberia?” he asked, citing potential violations of the Code of Conduct law.
In December, Kollie drew attention to the economic challenges facing Liberia, emphasizing that such displays of privilege are tone-deaf in a nation where the majority of citizens struggle to make ends meet. “Flying a private jet while thousands of students are out of school due to financial constraints is not only wasteful but also insensitive. It sends the wrong message to the people,” Kollie remarked.
The activist provided detailed flight information, revealing that the private jet departed Monrovia on December 14, 2024, and arrived in Abuja after a two-hour, thirty-four-minute journey. He criticized the optics of the decision, highlighting how it mirrors the very actions Boakai condemned under the Weah administration.
“You called private jet travel wasteful in a struggling economy. Now, as President, you are doing the exact same thing. It is a betrayal of trust and a failure to lead by example,” Kollie declared. He stressed the need for leaders to prioritize public interest over personal convenience.
Furthermore, Kollie questioned the tangible benefits of the President’s attendance at the ECOWAS Summit, given Liberia’s pressing domestic issues. “What did Liberia gain from this trip that justifies such lavish expenditures? The people deserve to know,” he said, adding that the lack of transparency only deepens public distrust.
Beyond the issue of wasteful spending, Kollie highlighted broader systemic problems plaguing Liberia. He cited shortages in medical supplies, soaring youth unemployment, and widespread poverty as areas demanding urgent attention. “Over 20,000 students at the University of Liberia and MVTC remain out of school, yet resources are being spent on private jets. This is a misplaced priority,” he argued.
Public reaction to the controversy has been equally divided. While some supporters defend the President’s decision as necessary for state matters, others see it as a betrayal of his campaign promise to usher in a new era of accountability. Social media platforms have been flooded with debates, with many Liberians expressing frustration over what they perceive as the administration’s failure to align its actions with its rhetoric.
The criticism has also reignited discussions about governance and leadership in Liberia. Analysts argue that such controversies erode public confidence in the administration’s ability to deliver on its promises. “The Boakai administration must recognize that optics matter. Actions like these undermine trust and fuel cynicism,” said one political analyst.
As the backlash continues, calls for greater transparency have grown louder. Many are demanding a detailed account of the costs associated with the President’s travels and an explanation of how such decisions align with the administration’s stated priorities.
In response to the criticism, supporters of President Boakai argue that the attacks are politically motivated. They claim that the President’s actions have been misrepresented to tarnish his image. However, Kollie dismissed these assertions, insisting that his critiques are rooted in a desire to see Liberia progress. “We supported President Boakai because we believe in Liberia, not in politicians. These truths must be told for the good of the nation,” Kollie stated.
President Boakai, who campaigned on a promise of transformative leadership, now faces the challenge of reconciling his administration’s actions with its rhetoric. The outcome of this controversy will likely shape public perception of his presidency moving forward.
