Monrovia, Liberia – July 29, 2025 – Liberian youth activist Wantoe Teah Wantoe has made it clear that his frequent criticism of the government is not out of hatred for the current administration. In a widely shared statement, he said his efforts come from a shared responsibility and a wish for more transparency in how the country is run.
“I don’t hate this government. I never have,” Wantoe said. “My concerns come from the belief that government should serve the people, not just individuals or political interests. Trust is earned through honesty, openness, and real results—not propaganda.”
Supporting President Boakai’s Comments
Wantoe pointed out that even President Joseph Boakai, in his recent Independence Day speech, acknowledged Liberia’s tough economic challenges. The President spoke about high prices, low national income, and economic problems that threaten social peace. He also mentioned some progress in farming, road building, and food production, but said there is still a long way to go.
Using the President’s words—“Small, small, we are marching toward a happy land by God’s command”—Wantoe highlighted that the problems critics talk about are the same ones the President mentioned. “If I or any critic said this, some would call us unpatriotic. But when it comes from the top, it’s suddenly seen as noble,” he said.
Wantoe believes this shows that honest communication and openness don’t weaken leaders; they actually help build trust and responsibility. “Honest leadership doesn’t weaken power. It makes it stronger,” he added.
Liberia’s Deep Structural Problems
Wantoe also talked about Liberia’s bigger, long-term problems. He said these problems go beyond just bad leadership and have been built up over many years.
“You don’t fix a foundation by decorating the ceiling,” he said. “We’re dealing with decades of weak systems, inherited problems, and worn-out institutions. This won’t be fixed in six years—maybe not even in twelve.”
He said Liberia needs more than just a president to succeed. The country needs a long-term plan that lasts beyond any one administration and can guide future generations. “The goal isn’t to save the nation for one term. It’s to rebuild the country for many generations. That takes vision, discipline, time, and honest talk—not selective patriotism, political noise, or denial,” Wantoe stressed.
Clarifying the MCC Compact Discussion
On recent talks about the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Wantoe explained that his points were based on facts, not politics. He said the MCC compact usually takes five to six years from start to finish. The process includes a proposal by the country, economic studies, policy changes, negotiations, approval, signing, and then project work and review.
“It’s not just a quick money transfer,” he said. “It’s a process based on timelines, data, performance, and reforms.”
Wantoe added that while the MCC compact is a good chance for Liberia, it can’t solve all the country’s problems. He noted that Liberia’s national budget is almost twice as large as the compact, yet basic services like water, health, education, and roads are still poor.
“The MCC compact is a helpful tool. It encourages accountability, results-based funding, and teamwork across sectors. But it’s not a magic fix,” he warned.
A Call for Truth and Practical Hope
Wantoe ended his statement by urging Liberians to have both hope and honesty in building their nation. “We must be hopeful, yes. But we also need to be truthful, careful, and informed. That’s not opposition. That’s true nationhood,” he said.
His remarks come as Liberia faces economic challenges and strong public demands for change. Many believe Wantoe’s call for honest talk matches a growing desire among people for transparency, responsibility, and real progress beyond just political words.
