Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai has announced a significant reduction in his salary, aiming to lead by example in promoting responsible governance and showing solidarity with the Liberian people.
Amidst growing concerns over government salaries amidst rising living costs, President Boakai has decided to cut his annual salary by 40%. Previously disclosed at $13,400 annually, his salary will now be adjusted to $8,000.
This decision mirrors a similar move by his predecessor, George Weah, who had previously reduced his salary by 25%.
While some in Liberia have praised President Boakai’s decision as a step towards addressing economic challenges, others question its impact, considering additional benefits such as daily allowances and medical coverage that he continues to receive.
The presidential office’s budget for this year is reported to be nearly $3 million.
Anderson D Miamen, from non-profit organisation the Centre of Transparency and Accountability in Liberia, said the president’s pay cut is “welcoming”.
“We just hope that the public will clearly see where the deductions will go and how they will be used to positively impact the lives of the people,” he told the BBC.
W Lawrence Yealue II, whose organisation also campaigns for government transparency, described the president’s decision as “very commendable” and said that “leadership has to be provided from the top”.
He added that hoped Mr Boakai’s benefits would be reviewed in the budget for the next financial year.
As well as reducing his salary, Mr Boakai has pledged to “empower” Liberia’s Civil Service Agency to make sure public servants “receive fair compensation for their contributions to the country”.
Last week a group of lawmakers complained they had not received their official cars, which they needed to perform their duties.
As a form of protest, they turned up to parliament in tuk-tuks, known locally as keh keh, a common mode of transport for ordinary Liberians.
Mr Boakai took office in January after defeating Mr Weah in a run-off election.
He vowed to tackle corruption and financial mismanagement during his presidential.
As well as declaring his assets since taking office, Mr Boakai has ordered an audit of the presidential office. The results have not yet been released publicly.
Mr Boakai has also beefed up the General Auditing Commission and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.
Mr Weah’s government was plagued by allegations of corruption, and lavish spending, which triggered mass protests as the cost of living spiralled for ordinary people.