Sparks Mixed Reactions Amid Strange name and contact number
Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Boakai has disclosed information about his assets, but only after facing increasing pressure to honor a key campaign promise. Barely six months into his presidency, the president’s offices made public the specifics of the asset declarations in remarks.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai estimated his net worth as $970,419.60 when he released the details of his asset declaration. Nonetheless, the public has expressed serious concerns about the President’s asset disclosures.
Chapter 11, Article 90 of the Liberian Constitution and Section 10.1 of the 2014 Code of Conduct for Public Officials both mandate the disclosure.
The asset declaration that was recently made public indicates that President Boakai has an income of $43,400.47, assets of $61,295.96, and liabilities totaling $201,500. Interestingly, an appraisal of $766,391.07 is placed on his real estate holdings, along with $212,400 in personal goods.
But some Liberians, particularly astute observers, are raising doubts about the veracity of the information, and the disclosure has caused controversy.
They contend that given his $22,000 monthly salary and the fact that the form was signed on January 29, 2024, prior to entering office, President Boakai’s reported gross yearly compensation of $264,000 is improbable.
The disparities in the contact numbers on the disclosure form, which are registered under several identities, have drawn attention. There are questions regarding the veracity of the President’s revelation because the Orange number (0776182216) and the Lonestar MTN number (0881738500) are both registered under the name “Amos Yollah Boakai.”
President Boakai, according to reports from the local media, has admitted the form error and asked the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to return the declaration so that the required repairs can be made.
However, a lot of people see the move with skepticism, doubting its sincerity in light of persistent worries about possible fraud.
Those who oppose the UP government point out that this matter exposes a more serious issue with the President’s communication management and implies that Mr. Boakai’s declared campaign for transparency is really a covert operation.
According to the Executive Mansion, President Boakai believes that by disclosing his assets in public, he is demonstrating to both civilians and public servants the value of ethical leadership and accountability.
He claimed that the action further demonstrates his vision for a Liberia in which justice and fairness serve as the cornerstones of government and the advancement of the country is guided by these ideals.
The President further asserts that his choice to make his assets public illustrates his commitment to setting a strong example for others to follow and his vision for an honest administration.
He continued that transparency “underlines unwavering dedication to rooting out corruption and fostering a climate of openness and accountability” in addition to strengthening public trust.
By advocating for openness and moral behavior, he believes that his acts would inspire and provide hope to all Liberians, ushering in a period of responsible and diligent leadership in the country.
Subsequently, Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Senator Prince Kermue Moye of Bong County have declared and published their assets, respectively, in response to the president’s decision to make his public.
Vice President Koung has disclosed assets valued at over $7 million. As the former co-chair of the House of Representatives’ lucrative Ways, Means, and Finance Committee, he carries a hefty load with him to the high office, having been accused of engaging in questionable financial dealings over the years.
Following his election, Koung was a member of the House of Representatives’ Ways, Means, and Finance Committee, representing District One in Nimba County by default. Koung and other legislators were accused of using the national budget as a tool for wealth accumulation throughout his administration. Like President Boakai, VP Koung is rumored to be underreporting his collection of assets over the years. They’re implying that the Vice President probably keeps a lot of his possessions hidden in Nimba County.
Senator Prince Kermue Moye of Bong County published assets shows the senator is worth $ 1.7millon.
