MONROVIA – On Friday, January 31, 2025, Anderson D. Miamen, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), took to his Facebook page to criticize President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s the Unity Party (UP) administration for its wasteful spending and misuse of public funds. Miamen questioned the financial wisdom of paying substantial housing allowances to public officials, especially when they are already expected to own homes at such high levels.
Miamen’s concerns were specifically directed at the housing allowances given to top public officials. He highlighted the example of the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, who is receiving a yearly allowance of $60,000 for housing. Over a period of 10 years, Miamen pointed out, this would amount to $600,000 in housing allowances for just one person. He argued that this amount could be better spent by building a multi-story building to accommodate the governor and his deputies, eliminating the need for such excessive allowances in the future.
The issue extends beyond the Central Bank Governor, according to Miamen. He mentioned that heads of other public corporations are likely receiving similar allowances. If ten individuals are receiving $60,000 annually, this amounts to a staggering $6 million in just 10 years. Miamen questioned the logic of such financial decisions, asking why public resources were being spent in this manner when many of these officials already own homes.
He further emphasized that a responsible leader, committed to reducing waste, could easily review such policies and make changes that would save the government significant amounts of money. According to Miamen, the government could avoid these unnecessary expenditures and invest in long-term solutions that would benefit all citizens, rather than just a select few.
Miamen’s statement also touched on the broader issue of corruption in Liberia’s public sector. He criticized the mismanagement of public funds, noting that many government officials who make these poor decisions would never use their personal resources in such a manner. He stressed that public resources should serve the greater good and not be squandered on the few who already benefit from unrealistic salaries and benefits.
As an outspoken advocate against corruption, Miamen’s call for accountability resonates with many Liberians who are frustrated by the ongoing mismanagement of public funds. His plea for more responsible and transparent governance highlights the urgent need for reform to ensure that government resources are used effectively to address the country’s pressing challenges.
