“No Retreat In Nat’l Fight Against Graft”

By Morrison O.G Sayon

Monrovia-December 3, 2025: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has renewed his administration’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption, strengthening governance institutions, and accelerating national development.

Speaking during a cabinet retreat in Tubmanburg held on Tuesday December 2, 2025, the President emphasized that “there will be no retreat” in the national fight against graft.

Boakai, who assumed office pledging to restore public trust, highlighted that the government has already taken disciplinary steps, including the suspension and resignation of several officials accused of administrative or ethical breaches, an early signal, he said, of “seriousness, not symbolism.”

The President instructed the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to expedite outstanding audit reports, stressing that prolonged delays create space for “public speculation and institutional doubt.”

“Delays affect progress and erode confidence. We must close audit gaps faster to assure Liberians that accountability is real,” Boakai asserted.

Liberia ranked 142 out of 180 countries on the 2024 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, and the administration has been under pressure to show measurable improvements.

Boakai said his government aims to significantly improve Liberia’s score by 2026 through strengthened oversight and enforcement. He pressed his cabinet to adhere to the government’s Performance Management and Delivery System, reminding officials that public service delivery depends on collaboration and measurable results.  “We must meet our targets. Performance is not optional, it is the basis for accountability,” he said.

He acknowledged that some officials initially struggled with the expectations of the new system but noted that “they now understand” and must provide regular performance reports.

Addressing public concern over official foreign trips, Boakai vowed that all travels will now be evaluated based on measurable benefits. “We will track every foreign engagement to ensure Liberia gains development value not just meetings,” he declared.

Boakai pledged a rigorous vetting process for upcoming appointments, stressing that nationality, religion, political affiliation, or family ties will not determine who occupies key posts. “Liberia must move forward. Only competent, committed, and patriotic individuals will serve,” he stressed.

In outlining his 2026 development priorities, President Boakai announced several major initiatives including Football Academy for Bong County, a new football academy will be built in Gbarnga, sponsored by M&G, which the President said will be held accountable for timely implementation.

Others are, National Urban Planning Initiative-the government plans to redesign and layout capital cities across counties to ease congestion, expand economic activity, and reduce land disputes. “Everyone wants to live near the road. Planned cities will spread opportunities across communities,” he explained.

He also named Fire Service Station Relocation saying that the decades-old Fire Service Station on Broad Street in Monrovia will be relocated to improve emergency response operations. On road construction acceleration, President Boakai said Liberia’s road network remains one of the least developed in West Africa, with only 700 km of paved roads out of an estimated 12,000 km.

Boakai insisted that more than one construction company must work simultaneously to meet infrastructure deadlines especially during Liberia’s six-month rainy season, which historically delays completion.

On modern market at the Omega Site, he said plans are underway for a modern, multifunctional market at Omega, featuring medical clinic, parking facilities, literacy programs and Classroom spaces while a lead mobilizer has already been commissioned to secure funding.

President Boakai reported signs of economic improvement, noting that Liberia’s national budget has reached US$1 billion for the first time in history, with over 80% of revenue generated domestically.

Liberia’s GDP growth, estimated at 4.3% in 2024, is projected to rise further as fiscal discipline and governance systems strengthen. He also highlighted improved national security, stronger rule of law measures, and better cooperation among integrity institutions.

President Boakai addresses his Cabinet in Tubmanburg at the Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday

The President emphasized the continued urgency of the national drug abuse crisis, noting that thousands of young Liberians often referred to as “zogos” require rehabilitation and reintegration services. “The fight against drugs must intensify. Our young people need rehabilitation, not condemnation,” he said.

He thanked communities for their role in reporting drug networks and supporting victims. In a stern warning, Boakai cautioned police officers and security personnel against abusing their authority. “Your badges are not hunting licenses. Uphold the law, don’t break it,” he declared.

Integrity institutions, he said, must work within deadlines and avoid acting above the law. Boakai noted that Liberia is gradually regaining its international credibility, with renewed confidence from development partners. He praised the constructive cooperation between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, describing it as essential for stable governance.

President Boakai’s message in Bomi County signals a renewed push for accountability, development, and institutional reforms as Liberia prepares for the next phase of its national agenda.

With anti-corruption measures tightening, economic indicators improving, and major projects underway, the administration aims to demonstrate tangible results in 2026.