…Boakai sends out warning shot at first cabinet retreat
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
Liberian President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has warned members of his cabinet to live up to the expectations of the Liberian people and work at the level of the position to which they were appointed by rising to the occasion and tackling the challenges ahead.
Addressing his first cabinet retreat at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town on Tuesday, May 23, 2024, President Boakai warned that for his leadership and the ARREST Agenda, failure is not an option. So, officials who are part of the team must play their roles, live up to the expectations of their job, or step aside.
At the same time, the president admonished his cabinet to work together in harmony and unity, and to strive towards the development and prosperity of Liberia.
“For me and the ARREST Agenda, failure is not an option. So, as a part of the team, you must play your role, live up to the expectations of your job, or step aside.” President Boakai stated that his government is a moving train, moving at a high velocity, either one is on board or is left behind.
“This train is moving, and moving fast. Either you are on board, or you are left behind.
So, I challenge every one of you, esteemed members of the Cabinet and other officials, to work together in harmony and unity, and to strive towards a common goal – the development and prosperity of our country.” Boakai warned
Meanwhile, the Liberian Leader admonished his ministers that the expectations of the Liberian are at an all-time high, therefore, to deliver on those hopes, officials of government must do things differently and with a renewed sense of patriotism and determination to deliver on the government promises.
“We must rise to the occasion and tackle these challenges head-on, with a sense of purpose and determination. While it is a privilege to serve, the responsibility that comes with service must also, and always, remind us of the crucial duty to perform and deliver on the priorities we have set to improve the livelihood of our people and promote the common good.”
He added, “Expectations of our people are at all-time high. To deliver on those hopes, we must do things differently and with a renewed sense of patriotism and determination to deliver on our promises. We must take this moment as talented members of a team to engage in thoughtful, constructive, and open conversation. We should exchange ideas, and plan on how best to address the economic and social challenges confronting our country.”
President Boakai stated that in a globalized world and the age of technological advancement, Liberia must be seen competing; not to be satisfied as a nation at the mercy of others or be relegated to the lowest rungs of the development ladder.
He wants officials to set high standards for themselves and advance the cause to change the country for good be willing to push themselves beyond their limits, and implement bold and innovative solutions to the problems that plague society.
“We must set high standards for ourselves and advance the cause to change our country for good. We must be willing to push ourselves beyond our limits, think outside the box, and implement bold and innovative solutions to the problems that plague our society. We cannot afford to sit back and watch, while other nations soar ahead. It is time to harness our collective talent, intelligence, and resources, and propel our country toward greatness,” he said.
The President continued by admonishing his cabinet not to be carried by corruption and self-interest but to be guided by a sense of duty. He added that they must be the catalysts for change, who inspire others to follow in their footsteps. “Let us not be swayed by greed, corruption, or self-interest, but rather let us be guided by a sense of duty and responsibility to our citizens. Let us be the catalysts for change, the visionaries who inspire others to follow in our footsteps.”
President Boakai concluded by urging his officials not to rest until they have unlocked the full potential of the nation and have brought about a transformation that will be felt for generations to come. He asserted that with togetherness the government can shape the future of the country and make a difference.
“Together, we can achieve greatness. Together, we can shape the future of our country. Together, we can make a difference. Let us rise to the challenge and work tirelessly towards the development of our nation,” admonished his officials.
The retreat
The three-day Cabinet Retreat endeavors to reinforce the President’s goal of leading Liberia on the path of transformative socio-economic development through improvement in Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism, otherwise known as the ARREST Agenda.
The government emphasizes that the retreat endeavors to heighten inter-departmental communication and enhance performance among policymakers. It has also been made known that the goal or purpose of this retreat lies in the sad reality that past evaluations indicate fragmented efforts and siloed operations, highlighting the need to produce a more integrated national development plan that demands effective coordination among various government agencies and robust performance management systems.
Recognizing the need for integrated national development planning and effective coordination among government agencies, Key objectives include reinforcing the President’s Agenda, initiating discussions on the new National Development Plan, promoting cohesion and coordination, enhancing transparency and accountability measures, and encouraging team building within the administration.
“The specific objectives of the retreat are: To reinforce the President’s Agenda: The president will build on previous discussions about his ARREST Agenda with a wide range of officials in the administration. To begin the conversation on the formulation of the new National Development Plan: the executive will agree on the concept and roadmap on how to roll out the national development plan. To promote Cohesion and Coordination and enhance progress in the Government: Coordination among Cabinet Members to Foster Collaboration toward realizing the government’s vision and priorities.”
The objectives continue: “To further Transparency and Accountability measures to track performance across the government. To encourage team building: The retreat will foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among members of the new administration. Through team-building activities and information interactions, relationships can be strengthened, leading to better collaboration and decision-making.”
Moreover, the retreat seeks to provide the following outcomes: “A developed process to facilitate intra-government coordination across the administration; internal and sectoral. An endorsed “one government one communication” framework. An endorsed national development plan roadmap. An approved performance management compliance system for ministries, agencies, commissions, and state-owned enterprises (MACs. A sanctioned team-building mechanism: Begin the establishment of cabinet subcommittees on thematic issues for the next quarter.”
The Government acknowledges that despite progress in electoral democracy, peace, and the economy, challenges in service delivery, accountability, rule of law, and infrastructure persist. Because of this, the new administration is focused on driving transformative socio-economic development through its ARREST Agenda, targeting Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
Expected outcomes range from facilitating intra-government coordination to establishing cabinet subcommittees on thematic issues for the next quarter. The government’s 2024 Cabinet Retreat is poised to set the stage for a more coordinated and efficient approach to realizing Liberia’s vision and priorities.
