Monrovia, Liberia – Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe has issued a stern critique of President Joseph Boakai’s administration, highlighting significant governance failures and ongoing corruption issues that, according to him, are stalling Liberia’s progress. Delivering a recent public address, Gongloe laid bare his concerns, pointing to mismanagement, a disregard for the rule of law, and neglect of civil servants as critical areas needing urgent attention.
Governance Failures and Corruption Concerns
Gongloe’s criticisms centered on the administration’s handling of security and legal protocols. He highlighted instances where the government used illegal search warrants and improperly deployed the military during public protests, describing these actions as violations of the law that undermine public trust. “Governance by adherence to the rule of law is fundamental to the success of any democratically elected government,” Gongloe emphasized, stressing that failure to uphold the law sets a dangerous precedent for future governance in Liberia.
The lawyer and political figure also aimed at the persistent corruption within Boakai’s administration, lamenting the lack of accountability for high-ranking officials implicated in corrupt activities. Despite initial promises to address corruption, Gongloe argued that the current government has not demonstrated serious commitment. “Corruption continues to plague our country, and despite early promises of reform, the Boakai administration has not taken corruption seriously,” he said. Gongloe called for immediate and stronger measures to hold officials accountable and restore public confidence.
Neglect of Civil Servants and the Widening Salary Gap
In addition to corruption and governance issues, Gongloe pointed out the administration’s failure to address the growing salary disparities between government officials and civil servants, which he argues contribute to the disillusionment and financial struggles of many public workers. Civil servants, including teachers, healthcare workers, and law enforcement officers, have seen little improvement in their wages, which contrasts sharply with the salaries of high-ranking officials.
Gongloe criticized President Boakai’s recent announcement of a salary reduction, arguing that such measures lack transparency. “A percentage is meaningless unless the whole number is known,” Gongloe stated, implying that without clear information on actual earnings, such proclamations remain superficial gestures rather than meaningful reform.
Call to Abolish Graduation Fees in Public Schools
Addressing education, Gongloe condemned the continued imposition of graduation fees in public schools, describing these costs as unnecessary financial burdens on families already struggling in a country marked by extreme poverty. He called on the government to eliminate these fees across both public and private schools, arguing that education should be accessible without hidden costs. “President Boakai did not pay graduation fees at CWA and the University of Liberia. This one-day fee is imposing unnecessary hardship on parents, guardians, and sponsors of students,” Gongloe pointed out.
Gongloe’s critique is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Liberia under President Boakai’s leadership. His call for greater accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law highlights the pressing need for reforms that prioritize the welfare of all Liberians. As he put it, “We must put the interest of Liberia above partisan or any other relational interest.” The question now is whether the Boakai administration will heed this call and take the necessary steps to correct its course.
Liberian-born Emmanuel Orlind Cooper is an accomplished multimedia journalist with extensive experience covering news and stories on a variety of media platforms. Orlind's work frequently demonstrates his profound grasp of the region and its complexity, given his Liberian heritage.
Now residing in Woodbridge, Virginia, he keeps connecting with readers across continents with his perceptive journalism and sharing his viewpoint. He is well-respected in the sector because of his unwavering commitment to honesty and morality, which sets him apart in the field.
Orlind's work is more than simply his job; it's a dedication to giving voice to the voiceless, illuminating unsung tales, and advancing the worldwide conversation on important concerns. His goal as a journalist is to use the media's power to change the world, not just to disseminate information. He is a key player in modern journalism because of the inspiration, education, and engagement that his work consistently provides.