President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called for urgent reform and accountability in his administration during a recent Cabinet meeting. He emphasized investigations into unresolved high-profile cases and warned officials with presidential ambitions to choose between serving the public or resigning. Several key figures are speculated to be potential candidates for the 2029 elections, heightening pressure for tangible results in governance as Liberia faces economic challenges.
In a recent Cabinet meeting, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai expressed his impatience with the progress of his administration as it seeks to fulfill its promises just over a year into his presidency. He emphasized the need for national development, accountability, and urgent reforms, instructing investigations into various high-profile cases such as mysterious deaths and auditor fatalities. “The Liberian people deserve answers,” he stated, asserting a commitment to transparency and justice, and urged law enforcement to act decisively and cooperate with international partners where needed.
President Boakai also outlined key priorities for his administration, which include strengthening the economy and public financial management by closing financial loopholes and improving fiscal discipline. He called for the swift advancement of infrastructure projects in southeastern Liberia to enhance accessibility and stimulate economic development, alongside initiatives to tackle youth unemployment. He further stressed improving security at Roberts International Airport to combat illegal mineral trafficking and called for the thorough investigation of corruption cases.
During his address, President Boakai warned officials with prospective presidential aspirations within his administration to either commit fully to governance or resign if their focus is on the 2029 elections. “If your focus is on 2029, you may respectfully resign. My priority is serving the Liberian people—right now,” he declared. This warning reflects the urgency and pressure for results amid speculation surrounding high-profile figures eyeing the next presidential election.
Several high-ranking officials are reported to be potential candidates for the presidency in 2029, including Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, who has made substantial strides in politics, building a solid track record. Other notable figures include Foreign Minister Sarah Beysolow-Nyanti, who has experience in international diplomacy, and MacDella Cooper, the political leader of Movement for One Liberia, who has remained active in political discourse since her initial candidacy in 2017.
Additionally, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, National Chairman of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), has been vocal in his support for Vice President Koung’s candidacy. Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey-Yarkpawolo, a former candidate and current Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), may play a significant role in 2029, particularly if the Liberia People’s Party decides to run. Potential candidates include Cornelius Kruah and Edward Appleton, both of whom have demonstrated political ambition and support for President Boakai.
As the 2029 presidential election approaches, Minister of Finance Augustine Ngafuan displays growing influence within the Unity Party as a potential candidate. His past intention to enter the race and current efforts to unify party members indicate his ongoing political aspirations. With the backdrop of economic challenges and U.S. aid cuts, President Boakai’s directives echo the need for tangible results, and the true commitment of his administration’s officials remains to be seen.
In summary, President Joseph Boakai’s administration is under scrutiny to achieve its goals within a challenging economic context, especially with looming presidential ambitions among key officials. His recent directives reflect a determined focus on accountability, public welfare, and infrastructure development. As the political landscape evolves, the balance between governance responsibilities and individual aspirations for the 2029 presidential election presents a crucial test for his administration’s unity and effectiveness.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
