As President Joseph Boakai’s honeymoon period quickly fades, his administration is grappling with serious challenges. The past nine months have been marked by setbacks and a troubling resurgence of old problems in Liberia. Recent reports highlight significant corruption at the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, with senior officials receiving substantial benefits, and troubling activities at the Central Bank of Liberia affecting the financial sector.
Rumors suggest a deepening crisis within the government, echoing concerns from the past. President Boakai acknowledged Liberia’s issues during his inaugural address, vowing to address them with realistic expectations. However, his early promises of swift action have not materialized as hoped.
A report by the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) reveals multiple allegations against Boakai’s administration, including misuse of public funds for luxury vehicles and bribery attempts to sway legislators. Public Works Minister Roland Giddings has admitted to bypassing procurement laws, while other controversies involve questionable deals with international companies and a lack of clear foreign policy direction.
Boakai’s administration faces criticism for appointing many of his own kin to key positions, a move seen as reminiscent of his predecessor’s practices. Despite his campaign promises of reform, the administration is struggling with governance issues and failing to attract significant foreign investment. The government’s handling of these matters continues to draw scrutiny and dissatisfaction from both supporters and critics alike.
