Monrovia – The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) has strongly dismissed ongoing comparisons between the first year of the former George Weah-led administration and the current government under President Joseph N. Boakai. In a detailed response, Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs, Daniel Sando, described the comparison as misguided, asserting that the former administration left a “failed legacy” riddled with corruption, insecurity, and economic mismanagement.
A Legacy of Controversy
Highlighting the Weah administration’s shortcomings, Sando labeled it as one of the most controversial and disastrous periods in Liberia’s history. He pointed to widespread corruption, mysterious deaths of auditors, and financial scandals such as the disappearance of L$16 billion and a failed US$25 million mop-up exercise. According to Sando, the administration prioritized personal enrichment over public service, citing Weah’s construction of 47 personal condominiums and the demolition and reconstruction of his private property within months during his first year in office.
“Millions of dollars in public funds were either misused or diverted into private hands, with little or no accountability or legal repercussions,” Sando stated, adding that key anti-corruption institutions were either sidelined or compromised.
The Deputy Minister also accused the Weah administration of fostering an environment of insecurity and failing to deliver on democratic promises, leaving Liberia divided and disillusioned.
A Positive Shift Under Boakai
In contrast, Sando outlined what he termed the significant progress made under President Boakai’s leadership in just under a year. He pointed to Liberia’s qualification for the second Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, a 5.1% economic growth rate in 2024, and efforts to stabilize inflation as key achievements.
Sando also emphasized strides in social reforms, particularly in healthcare, education, and water supply. “Running water has been restored to central Monrovia for the first time in many years,” he noted, adding that plans are underway to extend this to rural communities.
On governance, Sando lauded the Boakai administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He noted that anti-graft institutions have been strengthened, laying a solid foundation for good governance.
“No Parallel Exists”
Concluding his remarks, Sando stressed that any comparison between the two administrations is baseless. “There can be no parallel between the Boakai-led government and the former CDC regime. The former is negative while the latter is positive,” he declared.
The statement underscores the administration’s confidence in its achievements and its commitment to distancing itself from the controversies that marked the Weah era.
