Boakai Sets Firm Tone On Accountability -‘Failure Isn’t an Option’, He Declares at Bomi Cabinet Meeting

MONROVIA – Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a clear message to his cabinet and public officials: accountability and performance are non-negotiable. As his administration closes its second year in office, Boakai is emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and measurable results, warning that delays and underperformance will not be tolerated. This firm stance is aimed at driving progress in key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, and governance. With rice production expressly expanding to 15,000 hectares and domestic revenue collection supporting a record US$1 billion national budget, the President says Liberia is showing signs of economic growth. However, challenges persist, and Boakai is calling on all stakeholders to work together to address them. The President boast during his seemingly last cabinet meeting for the year that his vision for a modern Liberia is taking shape, with plans for infrastructure development, anti-corruption efforts, and improved governance. As the administration moves into 2026, the focus is on delivering results and building a better future for the Liberian people, he boasted. The Analyst reports.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., on Tuesday convened his second major Cabinet sitting in Bomi County, using the platform to set a firm year-end tone on governance, accountability, economic performance, and national priorities as his administration closes its first year in office.

Addressing ministers and heads of agencies, the President applauded the “collective effort” of government functionaries throughout 2025 but stressed that public service must deliver measurable results, warning that delays, excuses, and underperformance “create more problems for the country.”

“Everybody must play their part”

President Boakai noted that every official—whether appointed or elected, shares responsibility for the state of the nation.

“Everything you do adds to the making of a country… If you come and do nothing, and the next person does the same, then we do not have a country,” the President said.

He extended appreciation not only to public officials but also to private citizens and institutions contributing positively to national development.

Agriculture: Rice Production Expands to 15,000 Hectares

In what he called one of the most encouraging strides of the year, the President disclosed that rice cultivation has expanded to nearly 15,000 hectares.

He emphasized that the figures provided by sector actors are verifiable and invited the public to “check behind them” to confirm progress.

Governance: Anti-Corruption Drive and Pending LACC Cases

President Boakai reiterated that his anti-corruption stance remains uncompromising, revealing that several cases involving suspended officials are now before the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).

“These matters must be addressed without delay… delays create other problems because people continue to talk and it affects our progress.”

He cautioned integrity institutions that they are “not above the law.”

Security: Tougher Stance against Drugs

The President said the national security environment has improved, but stressed the need to intensify action against narcotics and rehabilitation for affected youth.

He issued a stern warning to drug enforcement officers:

“The badges you wear are not hunting licenses. Drug enforcement is not an excuse to break the law.”

Economy: Revenue Growth Supports US$1 Billion Budget

President Boakai reported improvements in economic stability, driven in part by increased domestic revenue collection that now supports the US$1 billion national budget—a significant jump from the traditional US$600–700 million range.

He praised the Ministry of Finance and tax authorities for their work:

“Most of this money comes from our own resources, and that is the beauty about it.”

Tourism Authority, Foreign Trips & Performance System

The President described the establishment of the Liberia Tourism Authority as a “strategic move” to boost the nation’s global visibility.

On foreign engagements, he said: “We will track the outcomes of foreign trips to ensure Liberia benefits from every engagement.”

He reminded ministries to fully implement the government’s performance management system, noting earlier confusion but hoping “it is working now.”

Appointments: “No Business as Usual”

President Boakai emphasized that leadership selection will remain rigorous, guided by competence, integrity, and patriotism rather than party or family ties.

“We can help people, but when it comes to service delivery, it has to be the right people,” he stated.

He warned that those recommending unqualified individuals will also be held accountable.

Infrastructure: Roads, Electricity, and the Omega Modern Market

The President outlined several major infrastructure priorities, including road construction reform

He called for dividing large road projects among multiple contractors to speed up delivery and avoid delays caused by long rainy seasons.

Electricity Expansion

Boakai praised the LEC Managing Director for progress, citing ongoing work to extend electricity to Roberts International Airport (RIA).

Omega Modern Market Project

In a major announcement, President Boakai disclosed plans to fully reclaim the Omega site and establish a modern market complex equipped with: medical facilities, banking and parking services, literacy programs for market women, learning spaces for children, A partner organization has already committed to helping raise funds for the facility, he said.

Land Use, Fire Station Relocation & Urban Planning

President Boakai raised concerns about unplanned settlements and overstretched public facilities.

He revealed plans to relocate the Ashmun Street Fire Station to create space for urban improvement.

Governance Relations: Cooperation among Three Branches

The President praised the improved working relationship between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, emphasizing the need for harmony to advance national development.

Gbarnga Conference & Football Academy Commitment

He commended county traditional leaders for their unity and strong participation at the recent national conference in Gbarnga.

Boakai said partners have pledged to support a new football academy in the city: “We will not let them rest until they do it, we need it.”

Military Housing, Equipment & Troop Welfare

The President expressed satisfaction with the Armed Forces of Liberia for properly utilizing funds provided for barracks improvements.

He noted that 605 soldiers have already been relocated from congested facilities.

He also referenced the government’s intervention to speed up the arrival of equipment expected from Cameroon.

Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action

President Boakai closed his remarks by urging officials to prioritize service delivery as the administration moves into 2026.

“We are committed to building the nation… based on what we know about our country and where we want to move.”

He then invited the Cabinet to proceed with the official agenda for the Bomi meeting.