Cummings’ Perspective on Boakai Riding Private Jets -Tactfully Expresses Approval but Says Public Concerns Legitimate

MONROVIA – There has been much ado about Liberian presidents riding private jets, even with suggestions that the country should purchase a private jet for the president of the country. The current president, Joseph N. Boakai, has not been immune to criticisms from citizens for riding business class and/or private jets in country or to travel to neighboring and faraway countries at the cost of taxpayers’ money amid chronic hardship, particularly so when he had loudly condemned his predecessor, former President Weah, for doing the same thing in the past. Now here comes the Alternative National Congress’ political leadership, Alexander Benedict Cummings, joining the debate, as THE ANALYST reports.  

On ongoing debate, which is actually, public outcries on President Boakai riding private jets, opposition leader Alexander B. Cummings has weighed in. He wrote, “I’ve seen the debate around President Boakai’s use of private jets, and I think it’s important we look at this honestly and practically. As someone who’s worked at a  very senior level before and therefore flew and managed a fleet of private jets, I understand the value of time—especially for someone in charge of running a country.” 

Cummings said spending 10+ hours in airport lounges, dealing with long layovers and unreliable connections, doesn’t make sense when that time could be better spent doing the actual work of governing—whether in Liberia or abroad.

There are short, direct commercial routes where it makes sense to fly commercial—Monrovia to Accra, Abidjan, even Nairobi, he said, but was quick to say that for places like Abuja or New York, where you’re dealing with long transits and frustrating delays, flying private isn’t about luxury—it’s about efficiency and effectiveness.

“That said, let’s not pretend the optics don’t matter. Liberia is still struggling. People are hurting, and when the average person can’t afford a decent meal or basic healthcare, seeing leaders fly private can feel like a slap in the face,” the ANC leader said.

“But here’s the real issue: if Liberia was thriving—if people saw real change, better services, job opportunities, and a sense that their future was finally looking up—nobody would be talking about how the president flies. In fact, if the country was in a strong place, it might even make sense to invest in a government-owned plane that can be used for official travel and leased out when not in use.”

At the end of the day, he said, what matters most isn’t the flight—it’s the results, and that if the President is focused on delivering real progress for the Liberian people, then how he gets to the next meeting becomes a lot less important. 

“Let’s keep our eyes on what really counts: performance, not just perception,” Cummings stressed.