MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has expressed grave concerns over what it describes as the continuation of “business as usual” under the Boakai-Koung administration. In a press conference held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at CENTAL’s headquarters in Monrovia, the Executive Director of CENTAL, Anderson D. Miamen, voiced his dismay over the government’s perceived insensitivity to the pressing needs and aspirations of the Liberian people.
Miamen reminded the public of the bold promises made by President Joseph Boakai when he took office on January 22, 2024. The President had declared his commitment to breaking from past practices, vowing to lead a government that would adhere to the rule of law and democratic governance. “The message they sent by their act of courage and determination is loud and clear: no more business as usual,” Boakai had said. However, Miamen stressed that a little over a year into Boakai’s presidency, these promises appear to be nothing more than empty rhetoric.
A key issue that CENTAL highlighted in its criticism is the President’s failure to uphold the rule of law. Miamen pointed out that high-ranking government officials have been removed from their positions and replaced by partisans, all while ignoring legal processes. He stated, “A President who promised to uphold the rule of law would not go at any length to break the law to project his interest.” This, he argued, represents a stark contrast to the President’s pledges to ensure a new and different Liberia.
CENTAL further took issue with the government’s handling of the case of Mr. Aloysius Tarlue, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia. Tarlue’s removal, which was allegedly linked to an audit conducted by the bank, resulted in a settlement costing the Liberian people US$374,239.24. Miamen questioned whether the real reason behind Tarlue’s removal was his conduct or if it was part of a broader strategy to facilitate the placement of Boakai’s allies in key positions. The fact that this settlement, involving a former government official, had been carried out under strict confidentiality only added to the suspicions surrounding the administration’s financial decisions.
“Why should the Liberian people foot the bill for a settlement concerning the removal of a public official, especially when no clear explanation is provided?” Miamen demanded. He underscored that such actions not only waste taxpayer money but also fuel public skepticism about the true motives of the Boakai administration.
Another issue raised by CENTAL was the apparent lack of transparency in government expenditures. Miamen drew attention to widespread allegations that senior officials of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) are earning exorbitant salaries and benefits exceeding US$15,000 per month. Despite these claims, President Boakai had only tasked the Bureau of State-Owned Enterprises with investigating the matter, and over six months later, no public record had been produced regarding the findings.
Miamen also expressed concern over the lack of enforcement of the Code of Conduct for public officials, which requires them to declare their assets, income, and liabilities before taking office. CENTAL noted that compliance had been shockingly low, with only 26.5% of officials adhering to the legal requirement. Despite President Boakai’s directive in November 2024, giving officials a ten-day deadline to comply, no visible action has been taken against those who have failed to meet the requirements.
The Executive Director of CENTAL lamented the lack of accountability in the government’s handling of corruption and public funds. He emphasized that in a country plagued by poverty, where the demand for basic public services is urgent, the failure of top officials to adhere to legal and ethical standards sends a troubling message. He also urged President Boakai to take more decisive action, stressing that the continued disregard for public accountability undermines the trust of ordinary Liberians.
“Corruption is not just a moral issue; it’s an issue of survival for the people of Liberia,” Miamen stated. “The government must act swiftly to restore public trust and ensure that taxpayers’ money is used in the best interests of the people.” CENTAL further called for a full public disclosure of the findings of the General Auditing Commission’s audit and a detailed explanation of the rationale behind the settlement with Tarlue.
The organization also recommended that the Boakai administration prioritize its fight against corruption by taking concrete steps to ensure accountability for those who engage in financial misconduct. According to CENTAL, the misuse of public funds, especially for ambiguous settlements, risks diverting vital resources away from essential sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Miamen urged the administration to demonstrate its commitment to integrity and transparency through tangible actions, rather than relying on the status quo. “Taxpayer money should not be spent on questionable settlements or to silence individuals involved in misconduct. The people of Liberia deserve better,” he declared.
As the press conference concluded, Miamen emphasized that CENTAL would continue to monitor the administration’s actions and hold it accountable for its promises of reform. He called on the media and the public to stay vigilant and advocate for a government that genuinely upholds the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability.
In closing, Miamen called on the Boakai-Koung administration to address these issues head-on and stop turning a blind eye to corruption. He reiterated the importance of the government remaining accountable to the people, especially in a time when so many are suffering from economic hardship. The time for promises, he said, has passed; what Liberia needs now are real solutions and genuine change.
