-Defends Boakai’s First Year
By Jerromie S. Walters
In response to ongoing 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, has issued a strong statement defending the current government’s achievements while denouncing the previous regime’s legacy.
Sando emphasized that any attempt to draw parallels between the two administrations is misguided. “As the spokesperson for the Government of Liberia, we would like to clarify that there can be no parallel between this government and the former regime, which embodies a failed legacy riddled with corruption, impunity, and unfulfilled promises,” he stated.
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. “The former President left Liberia as a nation divided, disillusioned, and struggling with the aftermath of unaddressed injustices,” Sando added, highlighting the mysterious killings of professional auditors and the disappearance of 16 billion Liberian dollars as key failures of the Weah administration.
Sando recounted how allegations of corruption-plagued Weah’s tenure from the outset, with high-ranking officials implicated in various scandals involving embezzlement and misallocation of state resources. He pointed out that while Weah was building luxury condominiums for himself, millions of dollars in public funds were misused, leaving the country in a state of financial distress.
“The former President was a co-conspirator in public corruption against the Liberian people,” Sando asserted, noting that public infrastructure projects, which were supposed to boost the economy, were marred by inefficiencies and inflated costs. Instead of addressing corruption, he claimed, the Weah administration resorted to denial and cover-ups, sidelining key agencies responsible for investigating misconduct.
The comparison
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 former President George 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 Liberian’s diverse political parties concur with concerns from some groups of 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 feel that the government has failed to live up to the expectations set when they were elected a year ago. Key issues include the inability to prosecute corrupt officials, the lack of a cohesive reconciliation strategy, and inadequate measures to combat fire disasters that have left many homeless.
Sando opposes
In stark contrast, 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. “The Boakai-led government has qualified Liberia for the second Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact and achieved macro-economic stability, with a projected growth rate of 5.1% in 2024,” he noted.
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. He pointed to improvements in the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, stating that running water has been restored to central Monrovia for the first time in many years, with plans to extend access to rural areas.
Furthermore, he asserted that the Boakai presidency has strengthened anti-corruption institutions, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability that was lacking in the previous administration. “This is intended to create a framework for good governance, fostering trust,” he explained.
In closing, Sando reiterated his stance that comparisons between the Boakai-led government and the former CDC regime are unfounded. “The former is negative while the latter is positive; there are no analogous,” he concluded, firmly positioning the current administration as a beacon of hope for Liberia’s future.
