By Stephanie Duncan
MONROVIA—President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has warned newly commissioned government officials against treating public office as a personal reward, stressing that positions in government are a public trust that must be exercised in the interest of the Liberian people.
Speaking Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the commissioning of government officials at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, President Boakai said the officials, despite holding different positions across government, share the same obligation to serve the people faithfully, honestly and effectively.
He said appointments to public office reflect the confidence placed in individuals to contribute to national development, but cautioned that such appointments should not be viewed as entitlements or opportunities to exercise power for personal benefit.
“Public office is a public trust,” President Boakai said, reminding the officials that the authority entrusted to them ultimately belongs to the Liberian people and that they are only temporary custodians of that authority.
The President said Liberia’s citizens are increasingly demanding tangible improvements in their daily lives, making it necessary for his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development to move beyond policy documents and promises into measurable results.
He stressed that the responsibility for delivering those results rests with all government officials.
Addressing officials assigned to State-Owned Enterprises, President Boakai called for professional management, financial responsibility, transparency and accountability.
He warned against using state-owned enterprises as avenues for waste, political patronage or the distribution of employment and contracts based on personal relationships.
According to him, state-owned enterprises must deliver the services for which they were established and make meaningful contributions to Liberia’s development.
President Boakai also highlighted the responsibility of the National Elections Commission, saying the credibility of Liberia’s democracy depends significantly on the independence, integrity, fairness and professionalism of institutions responsible for administering elections.
He urged the Chairman of the NEC to work with colleagues in a manner that earns the confidence of Liberians regardless of political party, region, ethnicity or personal association.
The President also charged the Vice Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to pursue the fight against corruption without fear or favor.
He said the commission’s work must be guided by the law, evidence and national interest, stressing that Liberia’s anti-corruption campaign must remain credible, impartial and uncompromising.
For Assistant Ministers and other Executive Branch officials, President Boakai demanded performance and teamwork.
He urged them to support their ministers and agency heads, contribute ideas, solve problems and provide professional advice while respecting the chain of command.
“Government cannot function effectively when officials are more concerned about titles than responsibilities,” President Boakai warned.
He similarly challenged county superintendents and other local government officials to recognize their role as the face of the national government in communities outside Monrovia.
The President urged them to remain accessible, listen to citizens and work with traditional leaders, legislators, civil society organizations, women, youth, religious leaders and communities.
He cautioned local officials against allowing political differences to interfere with their responsibilities, emphasizing that once appointed to public office, their duty extends to all Liberians, including those who did not support them politically.
President Boakai further reminded the officials that accountability, integrity and the rule of law remain central to his administration.
He assured them that the government would support officials who act appropriately, while emphasizing that they would also be held accountable for their performance.
He warned officials against confusing access to state resources with ownership, stressing that government vehicles, offices, budgets, equipment and authority are properties of the Republic and must be used accordingly.
The Liberian leader acknowledged that government officials would face challenges, including limited resources, criticism and difficult decisions, but said such difficulties should not become excuses for inaction.
He said Liberians have heard enough explanations about why things cannot be done and now expect leaders who can find practical ways to deliver results.
President Boakai said he would continue to demand performance from officials entrusted with public responsibilities and urged them to establish measurable goals, work collaboratively and assess their success based on the impact of their service on citizens.
He reminded the newly commissioned officials that government positions are temporary and that their lasting legacy would be determined by what they accomplish while in office.
“Wherever you are assigned, leave that institution, county, community, or office better than you met it,” President Boakai said.
He urged the officials to serve with humility, lead with integrity, treat citizens with respect and work diligently as they undertake their respective responsibilities.
The President concluded by wishing the officials success and asking God to grant them wisdom and strength to serve Liberia faithfully.
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