MONROVIA, LIBERIA – On Friday, December 6, 2024, Martin K.N. Kollie, a prominent activist and former campaign leader for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, issued a statement outlining nine urgent solutions for the current economic crisis in Liberia. Kollie, who served as Chairman Emeritus of the “Joseph N. Boakai (JNB) for President 2023″ campaign, presented these proposals as a call to action for the President, urging him to focus on fiscal reform and economic justice to truly make a difference for the Liberian people.
In his detailed write-up, titled “What Should President Boakai Do in 2025 If His ‘Rescue Agenda’ Must Inspire and Make Any Real Impact?” Kollie addressed the harsh realities faced by the Liberian population, highlighting that even those with jobs are struggling in the “working poor” category. He stated, “The people are suffering. A considerable portion of our population has turned into beggars and illegal hustlers. We can change this narrative, but we have to do it now, Mr. President. The question is how?”
Kollie proposed a series of recommendations designed to alleviate the burden on ordinary Liberians, who are grappling with poverty and economic instability. His first recommendation tackles the issue of government salaries, where he pointed out that the 2024 fiscal year budget allocated a disproportionate amount of resources to wages and benefits for high-ranking government officials. Of the US$738.85 million approved budget, US$675.5 million went toward recurrent expenses, with a staggering US$297 million earmarked for salaries and benefits of government elites.
The activist argued that the wages of government officials, including those in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), should be capped at US$5,000 per month, adjusting for inflation. He pointed out that many high-ranking officials are earning between US$11,000 and US$13,000 per month, while civil servants are barely making US$150, a wage that is insufficient to meet basic needs. Kollie’s solution calls for redirecting the funds saved from capping these salaries to increase the wages of thousands of civil servants, proposing that US$170 million be reinvested in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital development.
Additionally, Kollie emphasized the need for a major reduction in public sector waste, including extravagant spending on foreign travel, luxury vehicles, and unnecessary allowances for government officials. By cutting back on these expenditures, Kollie suggested, the government could save tens of millions of dollars and focus on more productive uses of public funds. He specifically noted the high cost of foreign travels and unnecessary celebrations, which drain the national treasury without offering any long-term benefit to the people.
Another critical proposal from Kollie was the review of Liberia’s tax regime, particularly in the extractive sector. He pointed out that Liberia is losing over US$300 million annually due to tax exemptions and tax holidays granted to foreign companies, especially in the mining and agriculture sectors. Kollie urged President Boakai to ensure that multinational companies operating in Liberia pay their fair share of taxes, which would help generate significant revenue for the country’s development.
Kollie also stressed the importance of economic diversification. He called for a focus on developing sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, which would provide more sustainable jobs and reduce the country’s dependency on exports of raw materials. He argued that the growth of Liberian-owned businesses and industries is essential for long-term economic prosperity.
Additionally, Kollie proposed broadening the tax base by ensuring that all businesses, including informal ones, are registered and taxed fairly. This, he said, would help the government meet its fiscal targets and create more employment opportunities for Liberians.
In his closing remarks, Kollie reiterated his commitment to seeing Liberia thrive, stating that his critiques were not rooted in animosity but in a deep desire to see the country prosper. He reminded President Boakai of the promises made during the 2023 campaign, emphasizing the need for immediate action to improve the lives of the Liberian people.
