–Liberians Grade Weah over Boakai in first-year survey
By Jerromie S. Walters, Jessica Cox & Nerese Farr
As Boakai’s administration approaches its one-year mark, a considerable portion of the Liberian populace feels his inaugural year has been less effective than that of his predecessor. Many cite the soaring costs of necessities lapses in combating drugs, low job creation, and a troubling disregard for the rule of law as key challenges facing the nation.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai defeated former President George Weah with 50.64 percent of the votes to 49.36 percent in the second round of the 2023 presidential election, which was held on 14 November. Taking up office at 79, Boakai who is now 80 is recorded as the oldest president of the country. President Boakai was sworn into office on Monday, January 22, 2024. With a six-year term, it means the 80-year-old has five years some days to exhaust his first term.
The effectiveness of any government is often measured by its ability to fulfill the promises made during its campaign and the subsequent impact on its citizens. WomenVoices reached out to Liberians to gauge their perspectives on the Boakai administration’s performance thus far.
Voices of the masses
With almost a year down, a significant number of Liberians rate the Boakai-led government at less than 4 out of 10 for its first year in office, with many asserting that Weah’s initial year was more favorable. Disappointment is palpable among citizens, who attribute the administration’s struggles to rising prices of local goods and the increasing difficulty of providing for their families. Business owners express concern about the ongoing economic stagnation, noting that a lack of cash flow has hindered their operations and reduced customer traffic.
These concerns from Liberians who come from diverse political parties concur with the plight of some disillusioned supporters of the ruling Unity Party (UP) who have expressed their frustrations over what they perceive as a growing disconnect between the party leadership and its grassroots supporters. Unlike those who have concerns with their party (UP) officials, scores of other citizens, like Dekontee Nagbe, Jacquline Debleh, and Erick Flomo feel that the government has failed to live up to the expectations set when they were elected a year ago.
The current administration came to power with an assurance through the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). It outlines an integrated approach to development that emphasizes the country’s core priorities, focusing on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation & Health, and Tourism for all Liberians, particularly the most marginalized and vulnerable communities. The government has set January 15, 2025, for the launch of the Agenda.
With almost a year down, some Liberians have also pointed out other key issues, including the government’s inability to prosecute corrupt officials, the lack of a cohesive reconciliation strategy, and inadequate measures to combat fire disasters that have left many homeless. Additionally, the unresolved conflict surrounding the House of Representatives leadership has further compounded public dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, a faction of the populace remains optimistic that the Boakai administration can still fulfill its commitments and improve the lives of all Liberians.
Richard D. Garway, a newspaper vendor in Monrovia, expressed his discontent with the government’s performance, stating, “The first year has not been good at all!” He hopes that as the new year unfolds, the government will make tangible improvements and not let down the citizens who have placed their trust in them.”
Garway urged the government to assist those in need, enhance roads across the country, and bolster security, as the rising rate of untimely deaths is alarming. He emphasized that effective governance should prioritize problem-solving through peaceful means rather than violence. “To rule well, the government should appoint individuals who will act in the nation’s interest rather than based on friendship,” he advised.
Highlighting some shortcomings of the Boakai administration, Garway noted that the education sector has seen no significant advancements since he took office. He mentioned the limited technical training opportunities for students and criticized what some perceive as a reliance on propaganda rather than substantive governance.
Opposing views
Contrasting opinions emerge from other citizens. Justin Emmanuel Williams rated the government at 77%, praising improvements in rural infrastructure, particularly roads connecting Ganta to Ivory Coast. He believes that given the current power struggles within the government, the administration has made commendable progress in its first year.
However, Williams also pointed out the importance of upholding the rule of law and addressing internal power dynamics, particularly concerning the speakership crisis within the House of Representatives and the recent fire that devastated the Capitol building.
Another citizen, Zechariah M. Maipo, portrayed the administration as principle-driven rather than friendship-based. He emphasized that the government’s goal is to serve all citizens, despite internal challenges and public scrutiny. “I’m highly against the president’s decision to side with the majority bloc though he’s my president,” he said..
Maipo criticized the government’s shortcomings in the agricultural sector but, like many others, remains hopeful for improvements in the coming year, particularly in the areas of rule of law, infrastructure development, and agricultural reform.
MICAT Trashes The Comparison
In response to comparisons between the first year of President Joseph Boakai’s administration and that of former President George Weah, Daniel Sando, Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism, emphasized that any attempt to draw parallels between the two administrations is misguided.
He characterized Weah’s presidency as one of the most controversial and disastrous periods in Liberia’s history, marked by rampant corruption, insecurity, and a series of scandals. Sando praised the Boakai administration for making significant strides in its first year, asserting that it has positively influenced Liberia’s economic, social, and political landscape.
He highlighted the administration’s effective economic policies aimed at fostering growth and improving living standards, which he believes will lead to long-term financial stability and increased public trust in the government. Sando also emphasized the Boakai administration’s commitment to social reforms, particularly in healthcare and education.
What did Liberians expect?
During the 2023 campaign, the Unity Party (UP) vehemently echoed the consequences of drugs, massive corruption, mysterious killings, unrealistic budgetary allocations, and what they considered as extreme hardship they believed the Weah-Taylor administration imposed on the people of Liberia.
Those pressing issues they flagged were overwhelmingly embraced by the electorate, as they voted against Weah in their majority, in a rescue quest. This was because the various issues were visible and they saw the UP as the best alternative, especially during the runoff election.
Preparing for the years ahead
In his New Year’s message, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the nation’s development and emphasized the urgent need for the effective implementation of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
As part of his vision for 2025, President Boakai outlined four critical areas that his government will prioritize to ensure a prosperous future for all Liberians. These include: Economic Strengthening, Education and Healthcare, Transparency and Accountability, and Unity and Reconciliation.
“Our focus will be the implementation of our development plan,” President Boakai stated.
The administration aims to bolster the economy by creating job opportunities, supporting small businesses, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources to promote financial stability across the nation.
