By By Staff Writer
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has moved to put Liberia’s traditional leaders on the government payroll for the first time in the country’s history.
In an announcement made Wednesday, President Boakai said all appointed chiefs across Liberia will be placed on the national payroll effective July 1, 2026. The decision is being hailed as a major step toward strengthening local governance and formally recognizing the role chiefs have played as community representatives for decades.
Under the new initiative, chiefs who serve at the county, clan and town levels will begin receiving monthly government salaries through the regular payroll system, ending years of reliance on stipends and community support.
The President also disclosed plans to provide buses in every county to help transport chiefs and elders to official government functions. He said the move is intended to improve the welfare of traditional leaders and expand their participation in national development programs.
Government officials described the measures as “historic” for Liberia’s traditional leadership sector, noting that chiefs are often the first point of contact in conflict resolution, land disputes and community mobilization.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by traditional leaders and local officials, many of whom say the salary inclusion and transportation support will boost the dignity and effectiveness of chiefs across the country.
The rollout is expected to begin ahead of the July 2026 implementation date as the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning works with the Ministry of Internal Affairs to finalize the payroll integration.
