Liberian President Joseph Boakai has announced a significant reduction in his salary, cutting it by 40% from $13,400 to $8,000 per year. This move is aimed at demonstrating “responsible governance” and solidarity with the Liberian people, many of whom struggle with a high cost of living.
Boakai’s decision comes as government salaries face intense scrutiny, with around one in five Liberians living on less than $2 per day. His predecessor, George Weah, had also taken a 25% pay cut. While some have welcomed Boakai’s move, others question whether it is a genuine sacrifice, given his additional benefits like daily allowances and medical cover.
Transparency advocates like Anderson D Miamen and W Lawrence Yealue II have praised the president’s decision, hoping that the salary reduction will be clearly allocated and benefit the public. Boakai has also pledged to empower the Civil Service Agency to ensure fair compensation for public servants.
The president’s move is part of his efforts to tackle corruption and financial mismanagement, which plagued his predecessor’s government. Boakai has declared his assets, ordered an audit of the presidential office, and strengthened the General Auditing Commission and Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.
As Liberians await the impact of these measures, some lawmakers have protested not receiving their official cars, using tuk-tuks (local transport) to attend parliament. Boakai’s leadership is being closely watched, and his commitment to transparency and accountability is seen as a positive step towards addressing the country’s economic challenges.
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