Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai Calls for Accountability in Government by Slashing Salaries by 40%
As a gesture of goodwill toward his fellow Liberians and to demonstrate his commitment to responsible leadership, President Joseph Boakai of Liberia has announced a steep 40% pay cut. In light of growing public dissatisfaction with the cost of living, his office said this action demonstrates a will to solve the nation’s economic problems and set an example.
A Look at the Economy and How People Reacted
A lot of Liberians are having a hard time making ends meet because of the economy. A large segment of Liberia’s population endures extreme poverty; almost 20% of the population subsists on less than $2 per day. In light of this, demands for more equal remuneration practices have prompted a thorough examination of government salaries.
In February, President Boakai came clean about his yearly pay, which was $13,400. Different people all around the country have different opinions to the proposed cut, which would bring it down to $8,000. Since the president continues to get perks like a daily stipend and health insurance, some wonder how much of a sacrifice it really was. Others, however, applaud the move.
Government Openness and Comparison with Prior Periods
George Weah, President Boakai’s predecessor, too took a similar tack, cutting his pay by 25%. It is believed that this pattern of leading by example will help bring about more openness and accountability in government.
Anderson D. Miamen of Liberia’s Centre for Transparency and Accountability applauded the president’s move and voiced his desire for the people to reap real advantages from the tax cuts. Another proponent of open government, W. Lawrence Yealue II, praised the action and stressed the need for strong leadership to lead by example.
Economic Reform on a Larger Scale
Along with his wage decrease, President Boakai has promised to give the Civil Service Agency more authority to pay government employees fairly. Pay equity and economic inequality are systemic problems in the public sector that this effort seeks to remedy.
As a kind of protest against the shortage of official vehicles, a group of MPs recently showed up to parliament in tuk-tuks, or keh keh as they are known locally, which is a typical way of transportation for many ordinary Liberians. Public and private sector discontent with what is seen as economic mismanagement and inequality is on full display in this demonstration.
Dedication to Combating Fraud
President Boakai has pledged multiple times since assuming office in January to increase oversight of government finances and combat corruption. He has already reported his wealth and instituted an audit of the executive branch, the outcome of which is yet unknown. In addition, he has elevated the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and the General Auditing Commission to greater heights of responsibility and scrutiny.
People were out in full force to oppose the former government of George Weah due to the escalating cost of living and the many accusations leveled against it regarding corruption and wasteful expenditure. The steps taken by President Boakai to resolve these matters demonstrate his resolve to regain the confidence of the people and establish accountable leadership.
Proximity to Future Events
To combat Liberia’s economic woes and encourage responsible leadership, President Boakai has decided to reduce his pay. Although views on the efficacy of this action may differ, it signifies a determination to set a good example and put the well-being of the country’s inhabitants first. Such steps might lead to more open and fair government in the future as Liberia works through its economic problems.
