IPNEWS: Some might have thought happenings of the Goerge Weah era was all over until President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., on Monday, March 3, ordered a surprising move as a significant vision of delivering results for the Liberian people now, not nursing political ambitions for 2029.
At the Opening of his first Cabinet meeting for 2025, the President issued a strong message to his ministers. He warned, “If your focus is on 2029, you may respectfully resign. My priority is serving the Liberian people—right now.”
The President reaffirmed his commitment to a governance system that prioritizes national development, accountability, and urgent reforms. As part of this agenda, the President has ordered a full-scale investigation into unresolved cases of mysterious deaths, including the missing boys, the deaths of auditors, and other cases of national concern.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai further called on Justice Minister Oswald Tweh to revisit the controversial 16 billion Liberian dollar case, demanding further investigation into the financial scandal that emerged during former President George Weah’s administration.
President Boakai made this call during his first Cabinet meeting in 2025 at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia. The case dates back to the regime of former President George Weah, where a financial controversy unfolded involving the alleged mismanagement of 16 billion Liberian dollars (approximately US$100 million) related to the importation and handling of newly printed banknotes. In 2017, under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s outgoing administration, the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) ordered the printing of new banknotes to replace old currency and stabilize the economy. However, when President Weah took office in January 2018, a significant portion of these new banknotes was found to be unaccounted for, sparking public outrage.
The scandal led to widespread protests, with thousands of Liberians demanding accountability and transparency. It severely damaged public trust in the government’s financial management.
In response, the Weah administration formed the Assets Investigation, Restitution, and Recovery Team (AIRReT) to probe financial irregularities, including the missing banknotes, as part of a broader initiative to combat corruption.
Now, President Boakai has mandated Minister Tweh to revisit the case, along with other matters currently pending before the Supreme Court, in an effort to ensure justice and restore public confidence in the country’s legal system.
“The Liberian people deserve answers,” President Boakai declared, declaring that “No case will be ignored as we will bring closure to these tragedies and ensure justice is served.”
The President has directed law enforcement agencies to expedite their investigations, collaborate with international partners if necessary, and provide regular updates to the public. He reassured that his Administration will not tolerate impunity and is committed to full transparency.
In addition to the death investigations, President Boakai laid out his Administration’s top priorities, calling for immediate action in several key areas:
1. Economic Strengthening & Public Financial Management – Closing loopholes and eliminating waste in government spending to promote fiscal discipline.
2. Road Connectivity – Fast-tracking infrastructure projects, particularly in the southeastern region, to improve accessibility and economic growth.
3. Youth Employment – Implementing innovative solutions to tackle youth unemployment and ensuring young people are given opportunities to contribute to national development.
4. Airport Security & Mineral Smuggling – Strengthening security at Roberts International Airport (RIA) following reports of illegal mineral trafficking.
5. Accountability & Governance – Ensuring investigations into all pending cases of corruption and mismanagement are concluded with full transparency.
The President issued Specific Directives for Immediate Action:
• The General Services Agency (GSA) must upgrade the front of the Ministerial Complex to meet international standards.
• Streetlights across Monrovia must be fully operational and not merely decorative.
• Immediate action must be taken to support and empower the National AIDS Commission to better serve Liberia’s HIV-affected population.
President Boakai made it clear that these directives are not suggestions, but mandates. He expects his Cabinet to act decisively and swiftly.
“The time for talk is over. The Liberian people expect results, and we must deliver,” the President emphasized.
He urged all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, government institutions, and civil society, to cooperate fully in the ongoing investigations and the implementation of these directives.
