President Joseph Boakai of Liberia has declared a 40% cut in his yearly pay, which will now only be $8,000 instead of $13,400. This action is a reaction to growing public criticism of government pay and general unhappiness with Liberia’s rising cost of living.
According to President Boakai’s office, he hopes that this move will demonstrate “solidarity” with the Liberian people and provide an example for “responsible governance”. George Weah, his predecessor, also took a similar measure, cutting his compensation by 25%.
Diverse responses have been given to the wage reduction. While some applaud the decision, others doubt its importance given that the president continues to receive advantages including a daily stipend and health insurance.
In Liberia, Anderson D. Miamen of the Centre of Transparency and Accountability referred to the pay reduction as “welcoming.” He wants the general public to know where the deductions go and how they are being used to make a difference in people’s lives.
Government transparency supporter W. Lawrence Yealue II called the decision “commendable” and underlined that leadership must begin at the top. Additionally, he believes that the upcoming budget would examine President Boakai’s advantages.
In order to guarantee equitable compensation for public employees, President Boakai has additionally pledged to strengthen Liberia’s Civil Service Agency. This promise comes after MPs, who arrived in parliament in tricycles, known locally as keh-keh, a common form of transportation for many Liberians, protested because they had not gotten their official automobiles.
After defeating Mr. Weah in a run-off election to take office in January, President Boakai has concentrated on combating financial mismanagement and corruption. He has disclosed his holdings and requested an audit of the White House; the findings are not yet available. He has also reinforced the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and the General Auditing Commission.