Continuous scrutiny over differences in salary between the government and the public keeps rising; an estimated one in five people survive on less than $2 per day.
Boakai’s office said he hopes to exemplify “responsible governance” and display “solidarity” with the Liberian people. He revealed the news in February, announcing his decision to voluntarily cut his annual salary from $13,400 to $8,000.
This isn’t the first pay cut by a Liberian president. Former President George Weah took a 25% pay cut from 2018 to 2024 to help his people financially. Weah’s time in office was marked by alleged corruption and financial mishandling, which triggered mass protests as the cost of living for the public rose considerably.
Liberia's 🇱🇷 President Joseph Boakai says he has taken a voluntary pay cut and slashed his salary by 40% in fulfilment of his "commitment to fiscal integrity and national financial security" and to lead by example in "strengthening government accountability and demonstrating… pic.twitter.com/vwYPCYCpta
— Kennedy Wandera (@KennedyWandera_) July 8, 2024
Mixed emotions swirled over Boakai’s decision.
Some in the West African nation believed the move showed consideration for the Liberian people, but others didn’t think it was a big sacrifice since Boakai also received additional aid, such as a daily allowance and medical assistance.
Supporters of President Boakai’s decision welcome the pay cut.
W. Lawrence Yealu II, founder of an organization that advocates for government transparency, called the president’s choice “very commendable” and said, “Leadership has to be provided from the top.”
For next year, Yealu hopes Boakai’s benefits will be evaluated in the budget.
Anderson D. Miamen, a member of the nonprofit organization called the Centre of Transparency and Accountability in Liberia, said, “We just hope that the public will clearly see where the deductions will go and how they will be used to positively impact the lives of the people.”
Boakai’s presidential office’s budget is close to $3 million this year. During his time in office, Boakai announced that he would “empower” Liberia’s Civil Service Agency to ensure public servants “receive fair compensation for their contributions to the country.”
Additionally, Boakai strengthened the General Auditing Commission and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission. He vowed to dismantle the corruption and the financial crisis affecting his country.
