The political leader of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), Simeon Freeman, has launched a blistering critique of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, accusing him of corruption, poor governance, and a failure to address Liberia’s long-standing socio-economic challenges.
In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday, Freeman described the presidency as “an office burdened with the hopes and aspirations of nearly six million people,” arguing that those expectations have largely gone unmet under President Boakai’s leadership.
Presidency Under Fire
Freeman said the presidency bears responsibility for the welfare of ordinary Liberians, including children facing hunger, parents struggling to make ends meet, students seeking quality education, and citizens in need of accessible healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and economic opportunity. According to him, the current administration has fallen short across these critical sectors, leaving Liberia trailing behind regional peers and global standards.
To support his claims, the MPC leader cited several national indicators he described as alarming: Maternal mortality remains high, ranging between 628 and 854 deaths per 100,000 live births—well above the Sub-Saharan African average and nearly double the rate in neighboring Sierra Leone.
Electricity costs stand at about US$0.22 per kilowatt-hour, among the highest in the region, compared to approximately US$0.033 in Guinea, a situation Freeman said hampers industrial growth. Poverty and unemployment remain widespread, with more than 30 percent of Liberians living in extreme poverty and nearly 60 percent below the national poverty line.
Healthcare capacity is severely strained, with one doctor reportedly serving between 5,000 and 20,000 people. Road infrastructure remains inadequate, with only 1,200 to 1,500 kilometers paved out of an estimated 12,000 to 15,000-kilometer road network.
Freeman also criticized Liberia’s continued dependence on imports and raw-material exports, noting that government revenue relies heavily on import and service taxes, which he argued disproportionately burden ordinary citizens.
Allegations of Personal Benefit
The most serious accusation raised by Freeman concerns claims that President Boakai, within his first year in office, began constructing a retirement home in Foya, Lofa County, allegedly using public funds that were not appropriated in the national budget.
Freeman alleged that the project cost approximately US$10 million and contrasted it with what he described as unfulfilled government commitments, including a pledge to empower 10,000 computer-trained youths.
“No president since the founding of this country has so selfishly placed personal interests above national needs,” Freeman asserted, describing President Boakai as “the most corrupt president Liberia has ever had.”
He further argued that even if the president had no direct knowledge of the alleged project, responsibility ultimately lies with the executive branch. Freeman questioned which officials were involved, the source of the funding, and what actions, if any, have been taken against those responsible, adding that continued silence amounts to tacit approval.
Freeman concluded by calling for immediate accountability, warning that President Boakai “must account now for such major theft of public property or be made to account.”
Government Response Pending
As of press time, neither the Executive Mansion nor relevant government ministries had issued an official response to the allegations. Political analysts say the claims are likely to intensify public debate and opposition pressure at a time when economic hardship remains widespread.
This publication will continue to seek responses from the government and other relevant institutions as the situation develops.
