Calls On Boakai To Take Charge, Decisive Action
Monrovia, Liberia – The country’s present situation under President Joseph Boakai’s administration has left non-governmental group InfoQuest Liberia appalled and increasingly alarmed.
Just ten months into President Boakai’s term, the organization has noticed the stark discrepancy between campaign promises and concrete actions, which has become increasingly apparent and casts a long shadow over the future of Liberian governance, according to Acting Executive Director of InfoQuest Liberia Ezekiel Allen, speaking Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in Monrovia.
Allen claims that the administration, which was elected on a platform of fighting corruption, managing the budget responsibly, and abandoning “business as usual,” has not yet shown the decisive leadership and revolutionary governance that Liberians were promised and justifiably deserve.
He said that InfoQuest has observed an unsettling trend of conduct that is marked by an alleged lack of openness and growing accusations of corruption at the highest governmental levels. Mr. Allen used the opportunity to strongly urge President Boakai to act swiftly and decisively to address these problems and rebuild confidence in his administration’s dedication to sound governance.
“This calls for the implementation and enforcement of a strict policy regarding asset declarations for all government employees, the opening of full and independent investigations into any claims of corruption and ethical transgressions, the full publication of all reports that are commissioned in order to guarantee transparency and public access to information, the prompt and visible disciplinary action against officials who are found to have engaged in misconduct, and the implementation of stringent guidelines regarding government travel and expenditure in order to reduce unnecessary spending.”
According to InfoQuest Liberia’s Acting Executive Director, the group has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to advocate for the rights and interests of all Liberians and keeping the government responsible.
“We also exhort civil society organizations, foreign allies, and all individuals to stand with us in calling on our elected officials to do better.”
The speaker expressed that the future of Liberia is uncertain and that it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that the promise of sound government is not lost.
The interim head of InfoQuest also stated that honesty, openness, and a steadfast dedication to the well-being of Liberians are essential for paving the way ahead. Mr. Allen drew attention to the fact that President Boakai’s ten foreign visits in his first ten months in office raise major concerns about state resource allocation and priorities, especially in a nation facing severe economic difficulties.
“This frequent absence from the country not only incurs substantial costs, but also raises doubts about the President’s commitment to addressing pressing domestic issues. This lack of financial disclosure not only contravenes principles of accountability but also fuels suspicions of illicit enrichment among public servants.”
The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Sylvester Grigsby, is a prominent person in the government, and the Acting Executive Director of InfoQuest Liberia feels that severe corruption charges against him have further undermined the administration’s credibility.
“We think that the Boakai administration’s failure to address these claims sends a concerning message about its commitment to combating corruption, even at the highest levels of authority.”
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
