ANC Leader Cummings Urges Boakai to Uphold Campaign Promises and Take Stronger Action on Corruption

Monrovia, Liberia: Alexander B. Cummings, the leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), has called on President Joseph Boakai to live up to his campaign promises and take decisive action in the fight against corruption. Cummings specifically referenced Boakai’s recent suspension of key government officials for failing to declare their assets, urging the president to take further steps toward accountability.

                          By: Samuel Johnson 

In his first media engagement in nearly a year, Cummings expressed deep concern about the government’s disregard for the rule of law, noting that officials who once championed legal protections while in opposition are now undermining those same principles in power. He criticized the government for straying from its commitments to the Liberian people and failing to deliver on campaign pledges.

Cummings also addressed the controversial removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, alleging that the executive branch played a role in the decision to recognize Representative Richard Nagbe Koon as Speaker of the 55th National Legislature. He asserted that the removal process was improperly executed by members of the majority bloc and promised to make a decisive decision after consulting with the three caucus members who supported Koffa’s removal.

While Cummings refrained from passing judgment on the Boakai administration’s first year, he stressed the need for the president to take corruption seriously and ensure that all government officials are held accountable—without being selective.

Despite his criticisms, Cummings commended President Boakai for suspending officials who failed to declare their assets but urged the president to go a step further. “The suspension is a commendable move, but after one month, those who fail to comply should be dismissed outright,” he emphasized.

Cummings also expressed skepticism about the government’s newly launched development plan. He questioned its feasibility, stating that it lacked inclusivity and did not adequately address Liberia’s fundamental national issues. “The development plan may sound ambitious, but I’m not sure how achievable it is. The same old strategies are being used, and they have not effectively engaged Liberians in solving the country’s challenges,” he remarked.