In the wake of mounting criticism over the composition of President Boakai’s delegation to the upcoming Japan for TICAD 9 and Expo 2025, LPP Political Leader, Saye Tiawan Gongloe, says while he welcome Liberia’s engagement with Japan at TICAD and Expo 2025, especially the open door those platforms could open for investment, technology, tourism, and jobs. However, it I time Liberia must also travel lean, lawful, and focused.
“It is a misstep for Liberia, the tenth poorest country of the world, without its own plan, to travel with an official delegation of 23 officials of government, twelve of whom are cabinet ministers! 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 with statutory responsibilities for those subject matters.
The recent reports suggesting a very large delegation for this trip, with figures like dozens of officials and a wider cohort of travelers is annoying to most Liberians.
Let me be clear: I support the mission, but oppose the apparent extravegance.
Liberia is a poor country with poor healthcare and educational systems as well as poor infrastructure and high food insecurity. We cannot afford jumbo entourages. Our people are demanding medicine in hospitals, desks for schools, and clean water in communities. Every dollar must work for the people.”LPP Political Leader, Saye Tiawan Gongloe blasted.
Gongoloe challenged President Boakai to release the full list of delegates, stating who is funding what, and the purpose of each official. If Japan or other partners are covering costs, say so for Liberians to be at ease.
Gongoloe: “We can represent Liberia with pride and prudence at the same time. Our message to the people of Liberia and the world at all times should be that the Liberian Government is serious: serious about investment, serious about reform, and serious about protecting taxpayers’ money. Modesty stimulates public trust and international sympathy and support. Expensive traveling combined with the very high salaries of some Liberian government officials that in some cases are even higher than officials holding comparable positions in the US amounts to extravagance, not prudence. In fact, it amounts to legalized theft.
I support international engagements that are strategic, lawful, and frugal. I oppose waste, wherever in any form, shape or manner. Wasteful spending on high salaries and benefits as well as foreign trips, whether or not budgeted is a form of legalized theft. Government is a place to serve, not to steal.” .”LPP Political Leader, Saye Tiawan Gongloe.
