Monrovia – Veteran human rights lawyer and political leader Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has welcomed Liberia’s participation in the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) and Expo 2025 in Japan, but strongly criticized what he described as the government’s “extravagant” official delegation.
In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Gongloe said Liberia’s participation in such international platforms is vital for investment, technology transfer, tourism, and job creation. However, he warned that the size and composition of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s delegation to Japan undermine the country’s credibility and contradict the government’s message of reform.
“It is a misstep for Liberia, the tenth poorest country in the world, without its own development plan, to travel with an official delegation of 23 government officials—twelve of whom are cabinet ministers,” Gongloe said. “What sense does it make for a minister, deputy minister, and assistant ministers to travel from the same ministry, or for subject matter advisors to travel with ministers who already have statutory responsibility for those portfolios?”
Reports suggesting that dozens of Liberian officials and additional associates are traveling to Japan have triggered widespread criticism from the public, many of whom have described the trip as wasteful. Gongloe echoed these concerns, calling the delegation size “annoying to most Liberians” who struggle daily with poverty.
“Let me be clear: I support the mission, but I oppose the apparent extravagance,” he stressed.
Gongloe argued that Liberia’s priorities should focus on addressing pressing domestic challenges such as poor healthcare, crumbling educational systems, weak infrastructure, and widespread food insecurity. He said that in such a context, the government cannot afford “jumbo entourages” that consume scarce resources.
“Our people are demanding medicine in hospitals, desks in schools, and clean water in communities. Every dollar must work for the people,” he said.
To ensure accountability, Gongloe called on the Boakai administration to publish the full delegation list, disclose funding sources, and clarify the purpose of each official on the trip. “If Japan or other partners are covering costs, let the Liberian people know so they can be at ease,” he added.
The former presidential candidate emphasized that Liberia can engage the world with “pride and prudence” at the same time. He argued that modesty in official travel signals seriousness to both the Liberian people and the international community.
“Expensive traveling, combined with the very high salaries of some Liberian government officials—which in some cases exceed those of officials holding comparable positions in the United States—amounts to extravagance, not prudence. In fact, it amounts to legalized theft,” he stated.
Gongloe reiterated his long-standing position that public service must be about sacrifice, not personal enrichment. “Government is a place to serve, not to steal,” he declared.
While reaffirming his support for international partnerships that are strategic, lawful, and frugal, Gongloe condemned all forms of wasteful spending—whether through inflated salaries, bloated benefits, or oversized delegations.
“A better Liberia is possible,” he concluded, underscoring his call for a culture of transparency, accountability, and frugality in government operations.
