Monrovia, Liberia – Days after President Joseph N. Boakai left Liberia with a delegation of more than twenty men for Japan, Liberian Human Rights lawyer Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has stated that Liberia, the world’s tenth poorest nation, made a mistake by sending a delegation of 23 government officials, including twelve cabinet ministers, without a plan of its own.
“It is illogical for a minister, deputy minister, and assistant minister to travel from the same ministry, or for subject matter advisors to travel with ministers who have statutory responsibilities for the same subject matters,” Cllr. Gongloe said in a release dated August 18, 2025.
He said that most Liberians find it unpleasant that President Boakai departed the country with a huge delegation to Japan, including dozens of officials and a larger group of travelers, according to recent reports.
He then on, “To be clear, I oppose the apparent extravagance, but I support the mission.”
The political leader of the Liberian People Party (LPP) clarified that the nation is impoverished, with inadequate infrastructure, a high rate of food insecurity, and subpar healthcare and educational systems.
He narrated, “We cannot afford jumbo entourages. Our people are demanding medicine in hospitals, desks for schools, and clean water in communities. Every dollar must work for the people.”
However, the LPP political leader called on the Executive Mansion to always publish the facts and release the full delegate list, stating who is funding what, and the purpose of each official; saying, if Japan or other partners are covering costs, it should be disclosed.
“We can represent Liberia with pride and prudence at the same time. Our message to the people of Liberia and the world at all times should be that the Liberian Government is serious: serious about investment, serious about reform, and serious about protecting taxpayers’ money,” he noted.
According to the Liberian human rights attorney, humility fosters public trust as well as sympathy and support from around the world.
According to him, costly travel and the extremely high wages of some Liberian government officials—which in some cases are even greater than those of officials in similar positions in the US—add to extravagance rather than caution; in fact, they amount to officially sanctioned theft.
“I am in favor of prudent, legal, and strategic international engagements. In every way, shape, or form, I am against waste. Whether or not budgeted, excessive expenditure on lavish salaries and benefits as well as international travel is a type of legalized theft,” Cllr. Gongloe continued.
