Acting Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Johnny Tarkpah, has firmly defended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent wave of dismissals across government ministries and agencies.
Describing the actions as constitutional, necessary, and consistent with the President’s commitment to accountability and good governance.
Speaking Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Ministry’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Minister Tarkpah said the President’s decision to remove several top officials was not politically motivated but rooted in his constitutional authority and anti-corruption mandate
“President Boakai has the constitutional right to hire and fire anyone he appoints in government,” Tarkpah emphasized.
“Some of our noisy neighbors are claiming the President dismissed officials because they refused to take part in corruption.
But this is the same President who has been removing people for corruption-related offenses, a few years ago, no one dared to take such action.”
The Minister’s remarks came amid a wave of public debate and speculation surrounding the President’s latest dismissals, which affected several senior officials.
Including Wilton Paye, former Minister of Mines and Energy and a prominent figure within the ruling Unity Party, where he once served as Secretary General and National Chairman.
Critics have argued that some of the dismissals may have been politically charged or targeted against individuals who were not in line with the President’s policies.
However, Tarkpah dismissed these allegations as “baseless propaganda,” insisting that President Boakai’s actions reflect a renewed effort to uphold transparency and restore public confidence in government.
“This administration is determined to build a system where accountability is not selective and where no one, no matter their political influence, is above the law,” Tarkpah asserted.
Minister Tarkpah reiterated that the President’s recent actions align with his ARREST Agenda, which stands for Accountability, Reconciliation, Education, Stabilization
And Transformation a policy framework the administration says is designed to combat corruption, promote institutional efficiency, and improve public service delivery.
He emphasized that the dismissals are part of broader government reforms to ensure that officials entrusted with public responsibilities act in the interest of the Liberian people.
Despite these assurances, some civil society groups and political commentators continue to question whether the government’s anti-corruption measures will be applied consistently across the board.
Liberia’s long struggle with entrenched corruption, they note, has often been undermined by weak enforcement, political interference, and limited institutional capacity.
In interviews conducted by journalists across Monrovia, public opinions were sharply divided.
While some Liberians criticized the government for not providing detailed reasons for each dismissal, others praised President Boakai for taking decisive steps to strengthen accountability in government.
“We are tired of officials abusing public trust,” said a resident of Paynesville, “if the President is serious about fighting corruption, he must continue to act firmly. No one should be above the law.”
Meanwhile, the Executive Mansion has announced a new round of appointments intended to fill key vacancies and strengthen governance across multiple institutions
Ministry of Mines & Energy Mr. R. Matenokay Tingban Minister, Mr. Sumo Samuel Momolu Assistant Minister for Mines
Mr. Samuel Summerville Assistant Minister for Mining Exploration
Ministry of Education, Mr. Thomas Momo Parker Deputy Minister for Planning, Research and Development
Mr. Oscar Gurtor Flomo Assistant Minister for Planning, Research and Development
National Commission on Higher Education Dr. Cecelia Cassell Executive Director, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
Ms. Agnes C. Marshall Assistant Minister for Children and Social Protection, Ms. Josephine Greaves Assistant Minister for Research, Policy and Planning
Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) Mr. Ernest R. Hughes Managing Director, Mr. Nyan Mantein Chairman of the Board
In related developments, President Boakai accepted the resignation of Hon. Massaquoi Kamara, Chairman of the Board of the Liberia Airport Authority
And approved the retirement of Hon. Jeremiah Mends-Cole, Managing Director, on medical grounds
The President also made several judicial appointments aimed at strengthening Liberia’s justice system, Cllr. William G. Capehert Judge, Traffic Court, Gbarnga City
Cllr. Eric Morlu Judge, Debt Court, Lofa County, Cllr. Daniel D. Dolokelen Judge, Debt Court, Bong County
Atty. Anthony Kollie Judge, Criminal Court “E”, Lofa County, Cllr. Rennie O. Moses – Judge, Criminal Court “E”, Grand Gedeh County
Analysts view the President’s sweeping personnel changes as a signal of his intent to enforce discipline and performance within the public sector.
However, they caution that the administration’s credibility will depend on whether similar standards are applied to all officials regardless of political alignment or influence.
As Liberia continues to grapple with corruption, weak institutions, and economic stagnation, President Boakai’s handling of these dismissals may serve as an early indicator of his government’s seriousness in pursuing real reform.
“Liberians are watching closely,” said a political commentator in central Monrovia. “If these dismissals are followed by clear policies, prosecutions, and transparency, it could mark a turning point. By Amos Harris
