By Bill W. Cooper
President Joseph Boakai has issued a new mandate requiring all government officials from the Executive Branch to seek his approval before embarking on any international travels.
The decision, according to sources, comes as part of the President’s efforts to streamline government operations and ensure that all official trips are in line with the country’s priorities and objectives as well as in fulfillment of one of his campaign promises.
It can be recalled that during the 2023 Presidential election campaign, President Boakai then vowed to reduce all foreign travels for government officials unless in the interest of the country and citizenry.
He assured, “Under my Presidency, all government officials Foreign travels will be restricted once not clearly outline the country’s benefits. Also, I will ensure that all of my officials do a county tour before Foreign travels.”
Truth to his words, the President, in a leaked presidential mandate in the possession of this paper, mandated, “No official of government from the executive branch should travel on international trips without my approval.”
“Also, any official wishing to travel should state the benefits of his or her travel to the country and all officials wishing to travel on international official trips are required to submit to the office of the President within five working days of your travel plans.
And if a Cabinet member returns to the country, said cabinet member or members are to obtain a ‘advice to meet the President form’ which should tell the President the main outcomes and achievements of international travel,” the mandate noted.
The Presidential mandate at the same time revealed that beginning now, the approval for international travel for official business would be considered when such trips will result in clear benefits to the government and citizenry.
Accordingly, the presidential mandate which includes official visits, conferences, and other events that require international travel applied to all government officials, including ministers, deputy and assistant ministers, and heads of agencies.
President Boakai has however emphasized the importance of ensuring that government officials are accountable for their actions and that all international trips are in the best interest of the country.
According to the mandate, by requiring officials to seek his approval before traveling, the President aims to prevent unnecessary or frivolous trips that do not contribute to the country’s developmental agenda/goals.
The former President further clarified that the mandate is not meant to restrict officials’ ability to travel, but rather to ensure that all trips are in line with the country’s priorities and objectives.
Meanwhile, the Liberian leader decision to mandate approval for international travels comes at a time when Liberia is facing a number of challenges, including economic, infrastructure among others.
By taking steps to ensure that government officials are accountable for their actions, President Boakai hopes to demonstrate his commitment to good governance and transparency.
