By: Alphanso G. Kalama,
Email: alphansokalama@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Internal Affairs will on September 11, 2024 shutdown, as it mandates all staff to participate in a welcoming ceremony for President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. The announcement, issued by Deputy Minister Samuel F. Brown, demands that all employees, including deputy and assistant ministers, heads of programs, and general staff, assemble at Roberts International Airport at noon on September 11, 2024.
The directive includes the provision of buses to transport employees to and from the airport, with pick-up points at the Ministry’s central office. While the intent appears to be to honor the President’s return from official duties, the mandatory nature of the event has sparked debate about the appropriateness and implications of such a requirement.
Critics argue that requiring government employees to participate in what some view as a ceremonial display is an undue use of authority and a potential misuse of public resources. They claim it blurs the lines between government duty and political propaganda, raising concerns about the prioritization of presidential events over essential governmental functions.
The situation has highlighted broader discussions about the role of government employees in political activities and the balance between civic duty and administrative efficiency. As the event approaches, the debate continues over the implications of such directives and their impact on public perception of government operations.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Information Cultural and Tourism, Daniel O. Sando reacting to the issued communication from the ministry of internal affairs says the memo isn’t the view of the government and that they have ordered the cancellation of their pronouncement.
