‘Instruments For Stronger Governance, Anti-Corruption Measures Are Still Pending’ -Boakai Reminds Legislators

President Joseph Boakai says delays in acting on legislative proposals could jeopardize the success of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
He called on lawmakers to act swiftly on key legislative proposals, emphasizing the need for strong governance, transparency, and accountability.
The Liberian leader named the Presidential Transition Bill, the National Tourism Bill, and the Local Government Bill as top legislative priorities for his smooth running of government.
Presenting the State of Nation Address on Monday January 27, in Monrovia, President Boakai commended lawmakers for passing e11legislations and a joint resolution but urged them to accelerate work on critical pending bills.
“Last year, I made it clear that the ‘business-as-usual’ approach to governance would be a thing of the past,” President Boakai declared. “Our actions will not stop at the past; we will conduct audits of our own expenditures over the past year and address any violations of public trust,” he maintained.
“We must work together as partners in governance, united by our common goal of improving the lives of the Liberian people,” the President warned.
The President also stressed the urgency of the Bank-Financial Institutions and Bank-Financial Holding Companies Act of 2024, the new Zoning Law, and six financing agreements that will directly impact the national budget and economic growth.
In an effort to empower young people, President Boakai proposed the Liberia Youth Service Program (LYSEP) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission Act of 2024.
He added that, the administration will submit new proposals, including the Amended Payment Systems Act, the Liberia Insurance Regulatory Commission Act, and the Revised Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
He however outlined plans to reform state-owned enterprises through the establishment of the State-Owned Enterprises Authority of Liberia (SEAL), aimed at improving governance and fostering economic growth.
President Boakai highlighted bold anti-corruption measures taken over the past year; saying that the General Auditing Commission (GAC) has published 60 out of 80 audit reports, including audits conducted before the current administration.
“Key institutions scrutinized include the Executive Protection Service, the Central Bank, the GoL Consolidated Fund, and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority,” he added.
“Some audits conducted before my tenure revealed serious system weaknesses and millions in unaccounted public funds,” the President stated, adding that the government remains committed to working with integrity institutions, the National Legislature, and the Ministry of Justice to combat waste and abuse.
“For the first time, the Office of the President, the Judiciary, the Office of the Chief Justice, and the Senate have undergone audits marking a historic step toward accountability,” he mentioned.
He noted that, the Independent Auditing Agency has embedded internal auditors in 91 of 131 spending entities to enhance financial oversight.
“Further strengthening integrity, cabinet members and agency heads now sign codes of conduct and performance contracts with the President, alongside asset declarations. Both the President and Vice President have publicly declared their assets,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, President Boakai called on lawmakers and the Judiciary to become full allies in the fight against corruption, urging them to act on audit reports and fast-track corruption cases noting that payroll audits across government ministries have already removed thousands of ghost names, saving millions of dollars.
“Liberians yearn for decisive action against corruption, and I vow to deliver!” he declared, emphasizing that integrity in governance must be the foundation of national progress.
As Liberia moves forward, the administration remains committed to fostering economic growth, strengthening democratic institutions, and restoring public trust in government.