Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai has declared a 40% reduction in his salary, aiming to set a standard for “responsible governance” and show “solidarity” with the Liberian people.
This decision follows scrutiny of government salaries amid rising living costs, with about 20% of Liberians living on less than $2 a day.
Boakai, who revealed in February that his annual salary was $13,400, will now earn $8,000 following the pay cut.
His predecessor, George Weah, had also reduced his salary by 25%. While some citizens commend Boakai’s move, others question its significance, given his additional benefits like daily allowances and medical coverage.
The presidential office’s budget this year is nearly $3 million.
Anderson D Miamen from the Centre of Transparency and Accountability in Liberia described the pay cut as “welcoming,” expressing hope that the public will see the positive impact of the deductions.
W Lawrence Yealue II, an advocate for government transparency, praised the decision as “very commendable,” emphasizing the importance of leadership from the top. He also suggested that Boakai’s benefits be reviewed in the next budget.
In addition to reducing his salary, Boakai has promised to empower Liberia’s Civil Service Agency to ensure fair compensation for public servants.
Recently, a group of lawmakers protested the lack of official cars by arriving at parliament in tuk-tuks, known locally as keh keh, a common transport mode for ordinary Liberians.
Boakai, who took office in January after defeating Weah in a run-off election, has pledged to combat corruption and financial mismanagement.
He has declared his assets, ordered an audit of the presidential office, and strengthened the General Auditing Commission and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.
Weah’s administration faced allegations of corruption and excessive spending, leading to mass protests as the cost of living soared for ordinary citizens.
Source-BBC
