Monrovia, Liberia – Alexander Cummings, the political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), has harshly criticised the Boakai-Koung administration for doing less for the Liberian people. Cummings cites inadequate budget allocations and misaligned expenditure priorities as evidence that the government is not serious about agriculture and job growth.
In an interview, Cummings stated that the national “ARREST AGENDA” should start with agriculture. He maintained that agriculture is a source of employment and growth, but emphasized that investment needs to expand beyond farming. He noted that investing in agriculture involves more than just farming. Cummings added that in order to increase the value of country agricultural products, “we must combine farming with the construction of factories.”
Housing and tourism are other lost potential, according to Cummings. Investing in housing will address Liberia’s problem and generate jobs. Investing in tourism he said, is a significant portion of the economy, citing example of Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, and the Gambia.
“We got 350 miles of beaches in Liberia,” he said, highlighting the country’s natural resources. “We have waterfalls and mountains. Therefore, I believe that the investments we make will have an immediate impact on people’s lives.”
He expressed dissatisfaction of the way the expanded budget is being used. “We’re allocating the same way into recurring expenses, into investing in the government instead of investing in the people, even though we got this increased amount,” he stated. “Why don’t we invest in water systems, power, tourism, and agriculture?”
Cummings questioned legislative spending: “Instead, we’re investing more in the legislature. 103 people, over 50 million United States dollars, why? Let’s be aggressive. Let’s be aspirational. Let’s set high goals for ourselves,” he said. “We believe that you invest in people, and the people will develop the country.”
Reported by: Agnes Bedfordlyn Bedford
