Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai is facing mounting criticism after a high-end luxury vehicle was spotted in his convoy, contradicting his earlier stance against extravagant government spending.
The controversy erupted after a 2025 Lexus LX 700HR Super Ultra Luxury SUV, valued between $115,000 and $150,000, was seen transporting the president during a Central Bank of Liberia event on March 27, 2025. Critics argue that Boakai’s use of such an opulent vehicle, while the country grapples with economic hardship, is a betrayal of his promises of modest governance.
Boakai’s critics have pointed to his October 6, 2024, statement, in which he declared, “I can ride a wheelbarrow to the Executive Mansion, do not care,” as evidence of his shifting priorities.
Liberian activist Martin K. N. Kollie condemned the president’s actions, calling it a “display of ultra-opulence” at a time when many Liberians, including public servants, remain underpaid or unpaid.
“If it was wrong yesterday in the world’s eighth poorest country with an unemployment rate of over 90 percent, it is also wrong today,” Kollie stated. He further alleged that $1.1 million was spent off-budget in 2024 to purchase vehicles for President Boakai and Vice President Koung, vowing to use Liberia’s Freedom of Information Law to uncover the full details.
The Executive Protection Service (EPS), responsible for the president’s security, has defended the purchase. In a statement, EPS Director Sam Gaye dismissed criticisms, insisting that the vehicles were necessary replacements.
“The Executive Protection Service (EPS) is utterly unapologetic about the purchase of Special Purpose Vehicles for this President and all future Presidents. Period!! These vehicles were ordered in March 2024 to replace the ones that were used for six years by former President Weah,” Gaye wrote.
Despite the defense, growing public dissatisfaction and ongoing economic struggles have amplified the backlash. Critics argue that while Boakai condemned his predecessor George Weah for similar displays of wealth, his actions now mirror the very excesses he once opposed.
