By Stephanie M. Duncan
MONROVIA–President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Thursday used his 23rd Cabinet Meeting to urge members of his Cabinet to remain focused on delivering results for Liberians, warning them not to be distracted by public criticism or intimidation as his administration works to address the country’s longstanding challenges.
Making remarks at the Cabinet meeting held under the theme, “From Progress to Impact: Advancing Evidence-Based Governance, Social Protection and Service Delivery,” President Boakai thanked Cabinet members for their contributions and sacrifices to the country, particularly the time they give up from their families in the discharge of their official duties.
The meeting was chaired by the Director General of the Cabinet, Nathaniel T. Kwabo, and brought together senior government officials to review ongoing programs, achievements and challenges across key sectors.
“I’d like to express my thanks, appreciation to all of you for your contribution to what the nation is experiencing, and I know that it doesn’t go without your own sacrifices in terms of time, family time,” President Boakai said.
He also commended those who organized Liberia’s recent Independence Day celebrations, describing the process as involving significant work and attention to detail.
The President said the government was beginning to see progress in several sectors, including healthcare and public financial management.
“I listen to the radio station now. They talk about some of the achievements in the medical area in making sure that people get their salaries on time,” he said.
“This is all what we’ve been praying for and working for, and that’s what it means to have teamwork,” Boakai added, while thanking the Minister of Finance and his team for their efforts.
According to the President, while some Liberians may not fully recognize or appreciate the work being done by government, ministers should remain focused on their responsibilities.
“Some people just see things happening. They don’t know. Some of them don’t even care. That’s the job you have to do. You don’t have to make everybody understand,” Boakai stated.
He encouraged members of his government to continue working together, emphasizing that no individual can successfully govern the country alone.
“Nobody can do it alone, and teamwork is very important,” he said.
President Boakai also urged ministers to attend public events whenever possible, saying their presence demonstrates government’s support for achievements and initiatives taking place across the country.
“We still want to encourage ministers to attend public occasions. I know you may not be there at all times, but it’s important because your presence shows that support for what is achieved,” he said.
Addressing public criticism of government officials, Boakai cautioned ministers against allowing public opinion to influence their decisions.
“We have a society where everybody can talk on any issue; they have all the solutions,” he said.
“But again, their opinions entirely should not make you not do what you’re supposed to do,” the President cautioned.
He urged ministers to make decisions based on their knowledge, expertise and the national interest.
“So do what you want to do. Do it with a clear mind. Do it in honesty, and don’t let them force you into making decisions,” Boakai said.
The President also addressed Liberia’s drug situation, acknowledging the seriousness of the problem and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to combating drug trafficking.
“Our country will continue to fight for it to remain a drug-free country, for it to remain to be a country that respects international laws, a country that protects its citizens at whatever cost,” he declared.
Boakai expressed confidence in members of Liberia’s security institutions and thanked security personnel for their efforts.
“We want to thank the security for their efforts,” he said, while acknowledging the risks associated with their work.
The President also warned individuals who may attempt to threaten or intimidate security personnel or disrupt government’s efforts.
“Those people who think that they will threaten or intimidate us, we’re not stopping,” Boakai said. “Let them just do what they will do, but we will do what we’re supposed to do in the interest of our country.”
He stressed that the fight against drugs must also include stronger border security.
“It is not just the drug trafficking. Our borders we have to keep secure,” he said, calling for greater cooperation among security agencies operating along Liberia’s borders.
“We had to make sure that we work with the various teams that work around the border and joint security work to make sure that Liberia is a country that respects the rule of law and discipline,” Boakai added.
The President also emphasized the importance of public works and road maintenance, noting that government resources must be properly managed and translated into tangible development.
“They can put up the money, but if people are not going around to make sure the money goes to the right place, make sure that the roads are done, it doesn’t achieve anything,” he said.
Boakai praised ongoing road and public works efforts and emphasized the role of the Ministry of Finance in ensuring that resources are available for road maintenance.
At the same time, the President acknowledged that government cannot avoid criticism.
“I don’t care what you do. People look at the fault,” Boakai said, using an anecdote about a classroom mathematics exercise to illustrate his point.
“I always tell people when someone goes to buy a table, they’re looking at it. They’re not looking at how beautiful the table. They’re looking at where the fault is,” he stated.
Boakai urged government officials to accept criticism while continuing to strive for better performance.
“We can’t be faultless, but we can do our best to make sure that we do the right thing,” he said.
President Boakai also highlighted the distribution of humanitarian items sent to Liberia by friends and partners in the United Kingdom.
He said the items include shoes, clothing, slippers and other essential materials intended for needy children and students.
“Today’s agenda, it doesn’t look very heavy, but it has to do with very important issues,” Boakai said, explaining that he had tasked the Ministries of Gender and Education with coordinating the distribution of the items.
According to the President, approximately 10 containers of valuable items have been sent to Liberia through the arrangement.
He said other institutions, including the Liberia National Police, have also received donated materials, noting that the police received about 5,000 items.
“A lot of good reaction, but all things don’t just flow into the country. They are by efforts,” Boakai said.
He explained that the donated items are being used to support vulnerable children, including children whose parents cannot afford basic necessities and street-connected children.
The President said the Ministries of Gender and Education have been distributing shoes, clothing and slippers across several counties and will report on the impact of the initiative.
The Cabinet meeting also featured reports and discussions from various government institutions, including the Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Education and port authorities.
President Boakai further announced progress regarding the restructuring of Liberia’s ports and said attention would also be given to the airport sector.
“By the way, I think we have finally reached the decision and approved the restructuring of what these ports should be, the seaport, and we go to the airports,” he said.
The meeting concluded with the Cabinet leadership inviting members to propose additional issues for consideration as the government continues efforts to translate its reported progress into measurable impact for citizens.
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