MONROVIA – President Joseph Boakai, who ascended to power on an anti-corruption platform after defeating George Weah in last year’s presidential election, faces mounting criticism for his silence on recent reports of extensive looting at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL). Despite pledging to prosecute anyone caught stealing public resources, the Boakai administration has yet to address allegations of significant financial misconduct involving government officials.
The controversy centers around a series of checks revealing the plundering of state coffers through shell companies. Amara Konneh, the former Finance Minister, who now serves as a senator for Gbarpolu County and a prominent leader in the ruling party, is implicated in these activities. During his tenure at the Ministry of Finance, a cartel reportedly exploited these shell companies to siphon funds from the CBL.
Political analysts suggest that Konneh’s influential position within the ruling party might be the reason behind President Boakai’s reluctance to act. This perceived inaction contradicts Boakai’s campaign promises and has sparked public outcry and disillusionment.
The Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Asset Recovery Team, both established by President Boakai, have also been criticized for their inactivity in this matter. Despite their mandate to combat corruption, these bodies have yet to take any visible steps to investigate or address the allegations.
Human rights groups and anti-corruption activists are not standing by idly. They have vowed to continue pressing for accountability and justice, insisting that those involved in the scandal must face consequences. The public’s patience is wearing thin as they await concrete actions from a government that promised a new era of transparency and integrity.
The pressure is now on President Boakai to uphold his commitments and demonstrate that his administration will not tolerate corruption, regardless of the political stature of those involved.
