Monrovia, Liberia – July 22, 2025: In a bold and uncompromising address that cut through political protocol, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), issued a powerful rebuke to Liberia’s top government officials, urging them to prioritize results over rhetoric. Speaking at the High-Level Expanded Cabinet Meeting and launch of the Liberia Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB), Adesina made it clear that Liberia can no longer afford the cost of complacency.
With President Joseph Nyuma Boakai seated beside him at the EJS Ministerial Complex, Adesina delivered what many are calling the most direct critique of the Boakai administration since its inception. “If you don’t want to be a minister, don’t ask for the job!” he declared to rousing applause—an unfiltered call to action aimed at those within the government who have failed to deliver measurable progress.
Adesina’s comments reflect a growing frustration within Liberia’s development partners over the pace of reform, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, youth employment, and governance accountability. Liberia, still grappling with decades of economic stagnation and institutional decay, is increasingly seen as a litmus test for whether the Boakai administration can reverse the trend of political inertia.
Transformation, Not Titles
In his remarks, Adesina emphasized that leadership is about service and impact—not prestige or position. “You asked for the opportunity to serve. Now serve! This country needs transformation, not decoration. No more excuses!” he thundered, stressing the need for every minister to take ownership of their responsibilities and deliver tangible results.
His comments struck a nerve, particularly as they come amid signs of sluggish policy execution and slow budget disbursement in key ministries. Observers note that despite high-level planning sessions and roadmaps, implementation across several sectors remains inconsistent.
Adesina zeroed in on this disconnect, urging officials to stop “chasing titles” and instead anchor their leadership in accountability and performance. “If you tell the President something, it must happen,” he said, reiterating the need for credible, time-bound commitments tied to Liberia’s broader development strategy.
Spotlight on the Youth Economy
The setting for Adesina’s remarks—the launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB)—was itself a strategic moment. Designed to empower young entrepreneurs and expand access to finance, the YEIB initiative seeks to reposition Liberia’s youth not just as beneficiaries of aid but as drivers of innovation and growth.
Yet even this forward-looking initiative risks being undermined if government support mechanisms falter. Adesina’s call for action underlined the urgency: development finance, he warned, must be met with institutional readiness and a clear results agenda.
Who Was Listening?
Among the senior officials present were House Speaker Richard Koon, Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan, Agriculture Minister Alexander Nuetah, Information Minister Ledgerhood Rennie, Youth and Sports Minister Jeror Cole Bangalu, Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh, CBL Governor Henry F. Saamoi, and Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye, among others.
Their presence at the forum added weight to Adesina’s admonition—but it also highlighted the high-level audience to which his criticism was directly aimed.
Beyond Speeches: A Call for Governance Reset
Adesina’s remarks tap into a broader public sentiment: Liberians are tired of symbolic politics and expect leaders to produce results, especially in the fight against unemployment, underdevelopment, and youth disenfranchisement. As Liberia deepens its partnerships with continental institutions like the AfDB, the expectations for improved governance are only intensifying.
For Boakai’s administration, Adesina’s speech was more than a diplomatic gesture—it was a challenge and a warning: transform or be held accountable.
Whether this moment will catalyze a shift in governance culture remains to be seen. But one message is clear: the age of comfortable underperformance in public service is no longer acceptable—either act or step aside.
