In Liberia’s current political landscape, the Presidency under Joseph Nyumah Boakai has been the subject of growing scrutiny and frustration. The country, still grappling with deep-rooted issues of corruption, mismanagement, and economic instability, seems to be led by a President who is seen as a passive figurehead, allowing others within his government to steer the nation’s course. The imagery invoked by Boakai himself during the 2017 Presidential debates, where he referred to himself as “an old car parked in the garage,” is a reawakened ghost that has become a troubling symbol of his leadership style or the lack thereof. This article examines Boakai’s leadership considering his past role as Vice President under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and explores how his perceived weakness (PARKED_CAR) is contributing to the frustration of Liberians, who feel abandoned by their government and hindered in their collective aspiration for national growth.
A Ceremonial Leader in a Time of Crisis
One of the clearest indicators of President Boakai’s passive leadership is the alleged widespread corruption and factionalism that continue to plague his administration. Reports of infighting among cabinet ministers and the apparent inability of the executive branch to present a united front where competent individuals from other political groups could utilize article 18 of the Liberian constitution have only served to reinforce the notion that Boakai is a ceremonial leader, a figurehead who has not asserted his authority over the government through the process of good governance. As one Monrovia resident put it, “We elected Boakai to lead, not to watch from the sidelines while others fight overpower and contracts. It’s like he’s not even here” (Citizen Interview, 2024).
Boakai’s tenure as Vice President under Johnson Sirleaf, where he was perceived as a largely symbolic figure with minimal influence, has carried over into his presidency. Many critics argue that Boakai has failed to transition from the vice-presidential role of support to the more decisive and authoritative position required of a president in Liberia’s presidential system. The ongoing dysfunction within the government appears to reflect this failure to adapt, as ministers jockey for power in the absence of clear direction from the top.
The Symbolism of the “Old Parked Car”
Boakai’s infamous “old, parked car” analogy from the 2017 presidential debate has taken on new significance. At the time, it was meant to highlight his readiness to take charge after years of being “parked” under Johnson Sirleaf’s administration. However, it has since become a metaphor for a president who appears to be immobilized, unable or unwilling to lead. According to political analyst Jefferson Karmo, “Boakai’s ‘old car’ comment was initially seen as a pledge to spring into action, but it now looks like a self-fulfilling prophecy. For the past nine (9) months since his ascendency to the presidency, he hasn’t moved the country forward; instead, he’s allowed the engine of government to stall” (Karmo, 2024).
Boakai’s perceived inertia is troubling for a nation that desperately needs strong leadership. Liberia faces numerous challenges, from economic stagnation to the lingering effects of past conflicts and requires a president who is willing to make tough decisions and hold officials accountable. Instead, Boakai’s leadership is marked by what many see as passivity. As one frustrated citizen noted, “How can the country grow if the president won’t even confront corruption in his own office?” (citizen interview, 2024). This sentiment is widespread, with many Liberians feeling that the president has effectively ceded control of the government to his cabinet ministers and the vice president, leaving the country to drift aimlessly.
Corruption and Inaction
One of the most glaring issues of Boakai’s presidency is the rampant corruption that continues to afflict Liberia. The country, which has long struggled with systemic corruption, is now seeing its problems intensify under Boakai’s watch. Transparency International’s 2024 report ranks Liberia as one of the most corrupt nations in the world, with government officials regularly engaging in corrupt practices with little fear of repercussion. This has fostered an environment in which cabinet ministers and other high-ranking officials operate with impunity, confident that the president will not intervene. “Corruption is everywhere,” said a university professor in Buchanan. “It’s in the schools, in the hospitals, in every government office. And it’s getting worse because Boakai isn’t doing anything about it. Look at the recent $22million dusty road project by the minister of Public Works and the $96,000 vehicle purchased for the Minister of commerce by the LRA. This is frustrating mostly when these perpetrators walk away with Impunity. He’s letting his ministers enrich themselves while the people suffer” (citizen interview, 2024). Boakai’s frequent absences from the country, particularly his nine international trips within the first nine months of his presidency, have only exacerbated the problem. These trips, many of which have been criticized as unnecessary, leave the country without effective leadership and create opportunities for further mismanagement. “He’s always gone,” lamented a market vendor in Ganta. “How can he fix the problems here if he’s never here?” (citizen interview, 2024).
The Role of the President: Power and Responsibility
Under Liberia’s Constitution, the president is vested with significant powers, including the authority to appoint and dismiss government officials, propose legislation, and ensure the enforcement of laws. This centralization of power is intended to allow the president to take decisive action in moments of national crisis and to guide the country’s development. However, these powers also come with the responsibility to act, something that Boakai has been accused of shirking. As the head of the executive branch, Boakai is ultimately responsible for the performance of his administration. The Constitution makes it clear that the president must be an active participant in the governance of the country, yet Boakai’s leadership style seems to be one of delegation rather than direct engagement. This has created a power vacuum in which cabinet ministers and other officials are able to operate without oversight, leading to increased corruption and infighting. Political commentator Gabriel Williams argues that Boakai’s reluctance to exercise his presidential authority is undermining Liberia’s governance structures. “When the president doesn’t lead, it creates chaos,” Williams said. “The ministers are left to fight among themselves for control, and the result is a government that doesn’t work for the people. Boakai is failing to use the power the Constitution gives him, and that’s why Liberia is suffering” (Williams, 2024).
Frustration from the Public
The frustration felt by ordinary Liberians is palpable. In both urban and rural areas, citizens are increasingly disillusioned with Boakai’s presidency, which they see as ineffective and disconnected from their daily struggles. Many had hoped that Boakai, with his long experience in government, would bring stability and progress to the country. Instead, they feel abandoned by a leader who seems more interested in maintaining the status quo than in addressing Liberia’s pressing challenges. “I voted for Boakai because I thought he would be different from Johnson Sirleaf,” said a farmer in Bong County. “But now I see that he’s the same he doesn’t care about us. He’s more concerned with traveling and keeping his ministers happy than with helping the people” (citizen interview, 2024). This sense of betrayal is widespread, with many Liberians feeling that they were misled by Boakai’s promises of change. The president’s inaction on key issues such as corruption, economic development, and infrastructure has left the country stagnating, with little hope for improvement soon.
Leadership and Accountability (Taking Charge as Entrained in the Liberian Constitution)
Liberia’s current predicament underscores the importance of strong, decisive leadership in a presidential system. The role of the president is not merely ceremonial; it requires active engagement in governance, the ability to make tough decisions, and the willingness to hold officials accountable. Boakai’s failure to do so has led to a government that is dysfunctional and unresponsive to the needs of its citizens. As Liberia looks to the future, the country cannot afford to continue down this path. The president must take responsibility for his administration and begin to exercise the powers vested in him by the Constitution. This means confronting corruption head-on, ensuring that cabinet ministers are held accountable for their actions, and taking a more active role in the day-to-day governance of the country. Only by doing so can Boakai hope to restore the trust of the Liberian people and put the country back on the path to growth and development.
I conclude the article using the metaphorical phrase of ‘‘An Old Parked Car’’ in a demeaning way to consolidate the statement by Cllr. Taiwon Gongloe *What Kind of Country is This*. Also, it is important to remember the famous quote from Mr. Alexander B. Cummings ‘‘We cannot keep doing the same thing and expect different results’’. President Boakai’s tenure has so far been defined by inaction, some alleged and confirmed corrupt cases, and a lack of leadership. His own description of himself as “an old, parked car” has proven to be an apt metaphor for a presidency that is stalled, unable to move the country forward. The frustration of the Liberian people is a testament to the urgent need for change in how the government is run. As the head of state, Boakai must step up and fulfill the responsibilities of his office. If he continues to allow others to govern in his place, Liberia will remain mired in stagnation, and the hopes of its citizens for a better future will continue to fade in an industrial way.
Credit to the below related sources:
– Williams, Gabriel. “The Challenges of Governance in Liberia.” Liberian Observer, 2024.
– Karmo, Jefferson. “Boakai’s ‘Old Car’ Analogy and Its Implications for Liberia.” FrontPage Africa, 2024.
– Citizen interviews conducted in Monrovia, Ganta, Buchanan, and Bong County, September 2024.
About the author
Sir-George S Tengbeh is a Researcher and expert on public sector management, Labour Economic & policy, Governance, and Water Resource Management. He is the founder of the Liberia Labour and Governance Alliance (LILGA), a non-political CSO mainstreaming bad labour practices and advocating for good governance.
#TheGhostWriter #SirGeorgeSTengbeh#libghostwriter@gmail.com
