Keypoints
- President sacks underperforming officials
- Crackdown spans key state institutions
- Opposition protests yield limited impact
PRESIDENT Joseph Boakai’s sacking last week of three top officials at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency was part of his resolve to dismiss sobriquets such as ‘sleeping president’ and ‘toothless bulldog’ that were appended to him by ordinary Liberians when he came to power.
But Boakai is proving his critics wrong – clamping down hard on corruption and inefficiency across government, echoing wider anti-corruption reforms in West Africa.
Asset declaration crackdown
In a bold move last November, Boakai invoked 2014 Code of Conduct, suspending over 450 public officials without pay for failing to declare their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
Those affected were given a one-month suspension and ordered to return all government property in their possession.
‘This is a strong start. But he must continue if officials underperform,’ Adama Dempster, a civil society advocate, said then.
Top officials removed
Boakai’s crackdown has since touched several key government institutions.
Financial misconduct claims led to the removal of three officials from the Liberia Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC).
At the National Oil Company of Liberia, Rostalyn Suakoko Dennis – a former lawmaker – was suspended for alleged financial mismanagement.
Emmet Glassco, head of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, also faced similar action.
The president’s anti-corruption push reached the Ministry of Commerce, where Minister Amin Modad was asked to resign.
He allegedly oversaw the procurement of a vehicle costing over $85,000, nearly double the government’s approved budget of $45,000.
The issue reportedly stemmed from controversy over a rice price hike, further compounding the ministry’s troubles.
Diplomats also face suspensions
Even members of Liberia’s diplomatic corps have not been spared.
Nine ambassador-designates, including those appointed to the US, Japan, Senegal and Ghana, were suspended for failure to declare assets.
Among those affected were Lewis Brown, Permanent Representative to the UN, and Al Hassan Conteh, former University of Liberia president.
Many have since complied and returned to their posts, highlighting Liberia’s shifting diplomatic corps.
‘The President believes in due process. He acts when there is credible evidence,’ said one government source.
Development drive continues
Despite political tensions, Boakai is pushing forward on development.
Road construction – some inherited from past administrations – is underway.
A major infrastructure boost is expected with the upcoming arrival of 85 earth-moving machines, which will be distributed across counties to support local projects, adding momentum to major road projects across Liberia.
Opposition protests fall flat
Still, the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), led by former President George Weah, argues the administration is not doing enough.
A recent protest led by CDC’s Mulbah Morlu drew hundreds to the streets, citing corruption and worsening economic conditions.
However, the protest’s impact was limited, even within opposition ranks.
At a recent event, Boakai urged government employees:
‘Remain focused. Don’t let anything distract you from your duties.’
A president underestimated no more
As his administration moves forward, one thing is clear: President Boakai can no longer be underestimated.
The man once dismissed as slow-moving is now making bold, calculated moves – proving that he is neither a toothless bulldog nor a sleeping giant.
