“Liberians Have Heard Enough Excuses” Boakai Demands Results From Government Officials

Executive Mansion, Liberia: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has admitted that Liberians are increasingly impatient with the slow pace of progress and warned newly commissioned officials that limited resources must not become an excuse for government inaction.

Speaking at the Executive Mansion on September 8, 2026, President Boakai said citizens have listened to enough explanations about why the government cannot deliver essential services and now expect public officials to produce tangible results.

“Our people have heard enough explanations about why things cannot be done. They want leaders who will find ways to get things done,” the President declared.

The warning came as President Boakai commissioned officials appointed to state-owned enterprises, the National Elections Commission, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, ministries and local government positions.

He cautioned that public appointments should not be treated as political rewards, personal entitlements or opportunities to use state authority for private benefit.

“Appointment to public office is not a reward. It is not an entitlement. And it certainly is not a license to exercise power for personal benefit,” President Boakai said.

The President also warned officials against treating government vehicles, offices, budgets and equipment as their personal property. He reminded them that these resources belong to the Liberian people and must be used strictly for public purposes.

Boakai Raises Concern Over Patronage at State-Owned Enterprises

Addressing officials assigned to state-owned enterprises, President Boakai warned against the waste of public resources and the distribution of employment and contracts based on personal or political relationships.

He said state-owned enterprises must be professionally managed, financially responsible, transparent and accountable to the public.

The President’s statement highlights longstanding public concerns that some state institutions are used to reward political allies instead of delivering the services for which they were created.

President Boakai said his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development cannot remain merely a government document or collection of promises. He insisted that the policy must produce improvements citizens can see, feel and experience.

NEC Chairman Faces Credibility Test

President Boakai also placed a heavy responsibility on the newly commissioned Chairman of the National Elections Commission, warning that the credibility of Liberia’s democracy depends on the independence, fairness, integrity and professionalism of the electoral body.

He instructed the NEC leadership to act in a manner that earns the confidence of Liberians across political, ethnic and regional divisions.

The President’s warning places the new NEC leadership under immediate public scrutiny, particularly regarding its ability to operate independently and avoid decisions influenced by political or personal interests.

LACC Urged to Fight Corruption Without Fear or Favor

Addressing the Vice Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, President Boakai said Liberians expect greater accountability and integrity from their government.

He called for corruption investigations and prosecutions to be guided by the law, available evidence and the national interest.

“Our fight against corruption must be credible, impartial and uncompromising,” the President stated.

However, the credibility of that commitment will depend on whether the administration supports investigations involving politically connected officials with the same seriousness applied to ordinary public servants.

Officials Warned Against Chasing Titles

President Boakai criticized officials who place greater importance on their government positions than on the responsibilities attached to those offices.

“To our Assistant Ministers and other officials in the Executive Branch, I expect you to work,” he said.

He instructed them to support their ministers and agency heads, contribute useful ideas, solve problems and offer professional advice when necessary.

“Government cannot function effectively when officials are more concerned about titles than responsibilities,” President Boakai added.

Superintendents and other local government officials were also warned against providing services based on political loyalty. The President said their responsibilities extend beyond the people who supported their appointments and that they must serve every Liberian.

President Boakai promised to support officials who perform their duties properly but warned that they would be held accountable for failure, misconduct and poor performance.

He called on them to establish measurable goals and judge their success by the difference their work makes in the lives of citizens.

The President’s remarks set a clear standard for his officials. The crucial test, however, will be whether those who fail to meet that standard are actually removed or sanctioned, regardless of their political connections.

“Positions in government are temporary,” President Boakai reminded the officials. “What will remain is the record of what we did while we had the opportunity to serve.”