Capitol Hill, Monrovia – President Joseph N. Boakai issued one of his most severe public warnings to government officials on Thursday, May 7, as his administration works to turn around Liberia’s failing economy. Indiscipline, poor public representation, and poor financial management were all harshly condemned by the Liberian Leader.
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting at the Executive Mansion’s Tea House with the theme “Building a Model Economy through Digital Identity and Fiscal Discipline,” President Boakai stated that certain public officials are negatively impacting Liberia’s reputation by acting irresponsibly and speaking without considering the diplomatic ramifications of their actions.
“When you speak, you represent Liberia, not yourself. Some people go to these places and make statements as if they are speaking for themselves. People take it seriously, and it affects the country,” he added.
The President cautioned government representatives, ambassadors, and high-ranking officials to be extremely careful, emphasizing that careless public remarks may destroy the country’s reputation and erode investor confidence. According to him, Liberia can no longer afford careless representation both domestically and internationally, and the government may take direct action against certain officials for their contentious remarks and bad behavior.
“Maybe we will call them and talk to them. If you do not understand the diplomatic implications, you should consult before speaking,” he warned.
The Liberian leader also focused on the country’s poor economic situation, accusing certain business owners of taking advantage of the populace by charging high prices for food, petroleum products, and other goods. He said that the government uses public funds to keep fuel costs stable and make sure importers don’t turn national misery into personal gain.
“People are suffering too much already. We cannot allow people to take advantage of the pain of ordinary Liberians just to make more money,” the President narrated.
Moreover, he admitted that electricity shortages remain a major frustration nationwide, describing the country’s unstable power supply as a daily struggle for both homes and businesses. “All of us are feeling the light off and on. It is not perfect, but people must also help by not overloading transformers and destroying the little infrastructure we have,” he said.
In a direct challenge to Liberians depending heavily on foreign-owned small businesses, Boakai questioned why sectors traditionally reserved for citizens, including sand mining, water sales, and petty trading, are increasingly dominated by non-Liberians. “You take people selling your own water back to you. There is nothing wrong with business, but Liberians must have opportunities too,” he added.
The Liberian leader revealed that the government, headed by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, is examining laws meant to safeguard Liberian-owned companies and improve citizens’ access to the economy. Boakai went on to criticise local business owners, particularly market women and small traders, for their poor business management, claiming that many of them generate money but are ignorant of sustainability, profit, and savings.
He said, “Everybody says they want to do business, but what is business? People make money today and spend everything tomorrow. They do not save, they do not plan, and then they remain poor.”
The President recommended the implementation of financial literacy and business education initiatives to assist regular Liberians in managing small businesses and accumulating long-term wealth. He encouraged government representatives to improve public administration while cautioning that leadership is not solely based on technical credentials.
According to him, “Working with people is different. You may be technically strong, but if you cannot manage people, you cannot succeed in public office.”
Also, Boakai praised Liberia’s diaspora community for investing in schools, health programs, and local development, while urging stronger partnerships between Liberians abroad and citizens at home. “The only ship that has not landed here is partnership. People must work together. One person may have the money, another may have the expertise,” he narrated.
The President stressed that Liberia’s image has improved internationally, but warned that sustaining that progress will require discipline, responsible leadership, and unity across all sectors of government. “We are no longer going to be represented the old way. This time, we must demand respect, but we must also behave responsibly enough to earn it,” Boakai said.
