By By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Monrovia—Former CDC Chairman and founder of STAND, Mulbah Morlu Jr., has delivered a scathing critique of President Joseph Boakai’s administration, likening its first year to a “Titanic disaster” characterized by missteps, broken promises, and a failure to deliver meaningful change.
In a piece titled “A Missed Chance to Save Liberia: Boakai’s Leadership Becomes a Titanic Disaster,” Morlu accuses the Boakai administration of squandering what he describes as a generational opportunity to establish a lasting legacy. Instead, he argues, the administration has been marked by corruption, poor governance, and shortsightedness.
A Legacy in Peril
According to Morlu, President Boakai has failed to uphold his much-touted ARREST Agenda, which was meant to promote accountability, transparency, and equity. Instead, Morlu claims, the administration has recycled corrupt officials, exacerbating Liberia’s longstanding challenges.
“The Boakai-led government has reduced itself to symbolic gestures, such as dedicating coastal buses in Grand Cape Mount County, while neglecting pressing systemic issues like corruption and impunity,” wrote Morlu.
The People Left Behind
Morlu paints a bleak picture of life for ordinary Liberians under Boakai’s leadership, citing high taxes and worsening poverty as evidence of the administration’s failures. He criticized the government for allowing foreign corporations like Bea Mountain to extract vast resources without benefiting local communities.
“What if, instead of donating a few buses, Mr. Boakai held large corporations accountable for exploiting the county’s resources? Wouldn’t that generate millions in revenue that could be reinvested into health, education, and development?” Morlu questioned.
He went on to compare Boakai’s leadership to “a parked car for twelve years,” referencing the president’s own past comments, and argued that the administration lacks the boldness required to drive transformative change.
Calls for Bold Action
Morlu outlined a series of recommendations to address Liberia’s challenges and rescue the Boakai administration from what he sees as impending collapse. Among his proposals:
- Dissolve the Cabinet: Replace tainted officials with new, competent leaders to restore public trust.
- Shorten Political Terms: Propose constitutional amendments to reduce the tenure of elected officials to increase accountability.
- Initiate National Dialogue: Convene stakeholders, civil society, and political leaders to draft a long-term National Development Framework.
- Review Concession Agreements: Ensure that corporations operating in Liberia contribute meaningfully to national development.
A Warning and a Call to Action
Morlu warned that without decisive action, the Boakai administration risks being remembered for deepening Liberia’s struggles rather than alleviating them. “Legacy is built on bold decisions, not on band-aid solutions,” he wrote, urging the president to prioritize substantive reforms over symbolic gestures.
He concluded with a sharp critique of Boakai’s leadership style, stating, “You can’t rescue anyone if you’re drowning.”
As Liberia faces mounting economic and governance challenges, Morlu’s critique underscores growing frustration among citizens and political observers alike. Whether President Boakai will heed these warnings and take bold action remains to be seen.
