MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The issue of corruption within the government of President Joseph Boakai has once again surfaced as a matter of intense debate among Liberians. A series of actions taken by Boakai’s administration, including the suspension of several high-ranking government officials for alleged corruption, has sparked a mix of praise and skepticism from the public. Citizens are both commending the president’s commitment to fighting corruption and raising concerns about the selective nature of the measures being taken.
Corruption has long plagued Liberia, leaving deep scars on its political and social fabric. Over the years, it has undermined the country’s economic development, eroded public trust in government institutions, and hindered the delivery of basic services. The pervasive nature of corruption has exacerbated inequality and destabilized the political system, contributing to the country’s underdeveloped infrastructure and a lack of accountability. For many Liberians, the fight against corruption is viewed as crucial to the country’s future prosperity.
As a candidate for the presidency in 2023, Joseph Boakai made it clear that he would not tolerate corruption. He described it as the “bad apple” that has ruined the fabric of Liberian society and undermined its growth and development for over a century. Boakai vowed to prioritize transparency and accountability if elected, pledging that the fight against corruption would be central to his administration.
In recent weeks, President Boakai has moved to tackle corruption within his administration by suspending several officials accused of financial mismanagement and other offenses. Among those affected are high-ranking female officials, including Davidetta Brown Lansanah, Chair of the National Elections Commission; Rustonyn Suacoo Dennis, CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL); and Emma Metieh Glassco, Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority. Additionally, Joseta Neufville Wento, head of the National Road Fund, is reportedly linked to corruption and could soon face suspension by the president.
While many citizens have applauded the president for his swift action in suspending officials implicated in corruption, some have raised concerns that Boakai’s approach is selective. Critics argue that the president’s actions have disproportionately targeted women, with little or no action taken against other prominent male officials who have also been implicated in corruption scandals.
Liberians point to the case of Abdullah Kamara, acting chair of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), who was implicated in a General Auditing Commission (GAC) audit report, but has yet to face any consequences. Kamara continues to hold his position, raising questions about the president’s commitment to a thorough and fair fight against corruption.
“There is a growing perception that the president is selectively going after female officials, leaving male officials, such as Kamara, unscathed,” said one concerned citizen. “Why has nothing been done about Syvester Grigsby, Abdullah Kamara of the LTA, or Dorbor Jallah of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), who were at the center of corruption allegations? These are questions that need to be answered.”
Some critics have also pointed to the case of Dorr Cooper, the Commerce Inspector General, who allegedly lied about being a student of the University of Liberia. Despite the university’s statement confirming that Cooper was not enrolled, he remains in his government position. This has further fueled accusations of selective anti-corruption measures, with critics urging the president to act on all reports, not just those targeting certain individuals.
While the president’s actions have been lauded by some as a step in the right direction, others believe that more must be done to send a clear message about the government’s stance on corruption. “We commend President Boakai for his efforts, but the fight against corruption must be holistic and not selective,” one citizen commented. “If we are truly serious about fighting corruption, there should be no exceptions. The president cannot pick and choose which officials to hold accountable.”
Anderson D. Miamen, the executive director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), also weighed in on the issue. In a Facebook post dated February 12, 2025, Miamen expressed his appreciation for the president’s recent actions but stressed that they were not enough. He called for the suspension of other officials implicated in corruption, including those at the LTA, Central Bank of Liberia, and the Ministry of Commerce.
Miamen’s statement echoed the sentiments of many Liberians who are calling for a comprehensive approach to the fight against corruption. “As much as we appreciate the president’s moves to suspend those accused of corruption, we remind him that there are still key figures like Dorr Cooper and others whose cases must be addressed,” Miamen wrote. “The president must take immediate action against those implicated, including the acting chairperson of the LTA.”
The calls for a more inclusive and fair anti-corruption drive are growing louder as more individuals are scrutinized for their roles in Liberia’s ongoing corruption crisis. The recent suspensions, while seen as progress by some, have highlighted the challenges of maintaining public confidence in the government’s ability to address corruption in a consistent and transparent manner.
The debate over the president’s approach to corruption is further complicated by the broader political context. Liberians are still struggling with the aftermath of the 2023 presidential election, which saw former President George Weah’s government lose power largely due to its failure to address corruption. Many believe that the failure to tackle corruption was a key factor in the electorate’s decision to vote for change. Now, with Boakai at the helm, there are hopes that his administration will deliver on its promises to combat corruption, but those hopes are tempered by concerns about the fairness and transparency of his efforts.
The growing divide over the president’s handling of corruption highlights the delicate balancing act that Boakai faces. On one hand, he is under pressure to demonstrate a strong commitment to rooting out corruption within his government. On the other hand, he must ensure that his anti-corruption efforts are seen as fair, impartial, and thorough. The challenge, it seems, will be to convince the public that the fight against corruption is not just a political tool, but a genuine effort to restore accountability and integrity to the Liberian government.
