Monrovia, Liberia – In one of his most forceful public criticism of corruption and bad governance on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, President Joseph N. Boakai said that the years of conflict in Liberia were caused by “weak institutions, lack of accountability, abuse of public trust, and poor stewardship of national resources.” Speaking at the opening of the 22nd Governing Board Meeting of the African Organization of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions at the E.J.S. Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, Boakai stated that transparent management of public resources and robust oversight institutions are essential to Liberia’s recovery and future stability.
Speaking to representatives from 26 African nations, the Liberian leader stated that his administration would continue to take strong action against financial malfeasance in government and cautioned that corruption and impunity continue to pose serious dangers to governance throughout the continent. “Public officials were not appointed to be served but to serve. They must demonstrate stewardship, responsibility, and integrity in managing the resources entrusted to them,” he stated.
The President emphasized what he called “unprecedented accountability reforms under his administration,” including audits of the Office of the President, the Judiciary, the Legislature, and the Central Bank of Liberia, in a speech full of anti-corruption rhetoric. Additionally, he cited the creation of organizations like the Office of the Ombudsman and the Asset Recovery Taskforce, the implementation of asset declaration regulations, and the suspension and termination of public servants suspected of financial malfeasance.
Boakai’s revelation that funds from fines levied against noncompliant officials were utilized to buy school chairs for Liberian pupils was one of the speech’s most dramatic moments. Calling it “a proud moment” and a symbol of rising worldwide confidence in Liberia’s governance reforms, the president commended P. Garswa Jackson Sr. and Liberia’s General Auditing Commission for bringing the prestigious AFROSAI-E conference to Liberia for the first time.
Boakai further argued that Africa’s problem is not a lack of wealth but poor management of resources.
“Liberia, like many African nations, is not poor,” he said. “Africa is richly endowed with abundant natural resources, fertile soils, vast mineral wealth, and a dynamic youthful population with enormous potential,” the president narrated.
He emphasized that openness and responsible governance are essential to achieving Africa’s development goals and asked African audit institutions to continue serving as “guardians of public trust” and defenders of democratic accountability. In order to assess AFROSAI-E’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan and improve regional collaboration on public financial oversight, the summit brings together auditor generals and accountability specialists from throughout English-speaking Africa.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion Media Team
