MONROVIA, OCTOBER 10, 2024 – The Unity Party National Youth Congress (UPNYC) has reiterated its unwavering support for President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s administration, applauding the strides made since he assumed office in January 2024. In a press statement issued on October 8, 2024, the UPNYC acknowledged the President’s efforts to restore economic stability and improve governance in Liberia.
The statement highlighted the President’s success in securing a “Non-Permanent” seat at the United Nations Security Council, a historic achievement that elevates Liberia’s stature on the global stage. The youth body described this victory as a win not only for Liberia but for the West African region, the continent, and the international community.
In addition to commending the President, the UPNYC also praised Hon. Amos Tweh, Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC), and Hon. Mohammed Ali, Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), for their exemplary leadership. The Congress credited the two officials for advancing President Boakai’s “ARREST Agenda” through the positive transformation of their respective institutions.
The youth group further called for the Ministry of Transport and the Liberia National Police (LNP) to enforce new transport fares that reflect recent reductions in petroleum prices, emphasizing the need for the public to benefit directly from the lower fuel costs.
The statement also lauded the Civil Service Agency (CSA) for eliminating “ghost names” from government payrolls, an issue inherited from the previous administration. The removal of these fraudulent entries has been a critical step in restoring integrity to the public sector. The CSA was also applauded for lifting the recruitment freeze, which opens the door for fresh talent to join the government.
However, the UPNYC expressed concern over the lavish salary structures within the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), inherited from the previous government but still problematic under current economic conditions. The Congress backed President Boakai’s call for an immediate review of all salaries and benefits within State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to align with national priorities and economic realities.
The youth group also urged the administration to take swift action on reports from the General Auditing Commission (GAC), which revealed instances of corruption involving former and current officials, including at the Central Bank of Liberia and the Ministry of Finance. The UPNYC emphasized that accountability and justice are essential to rebuilding public trust and called for expedited prosecutions of those implicated in the mismanagement of public resources.
The Congress issued a stern warning to members of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), stating that after witnessing years of economic mismanagement and corruption under the CDC-led government, they have no moral standing to criticize the Boakai administration. The UPNYC advised the CDC to focus on vacating the Bernard’s property as ordered by the Supreme Court and refrain from making baseless allegations of corruption.
Additionally, the UPNYC condemned a recent request by Commerce Minister Amin Modad for $96,000 to purchase a luxurious vehicle, deeming the expenditure unnecessary given the current economic challenges facing Liberia. The Congress urged Modad to return the vehicle and prioritize policies that alleviate the high cost of living for ordinary citizens.
The UPNYC concluded by calling on President Boakai to intervene in ongoing disputes within key government ministries and agencies, including the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and the National Port Authority (NPA), to prevent further disruption in government operations.
