IPNEWS: President Joseph N. Boakai will later today in confirmative with constitutional provision address the joint session of the Liberian legislature on the affairs of the nation. The 1986 Constitution of Liberia, Article 58 states that “The President shall, on the fourth working Monday in January of each year, present the administration’s legislative program for the ensuing session, and report to the Legislature on the state of the Republic, covering the economic condition of the Nation, including expenditure and income
On the heels of this President Boakai’s first Annual Message several market women and petty traders have been telling the authoritative independent probe some of the hardship faced each in doing business for ends meet.
Local business owners in Monrovia report substantial difficulties. From rapid increases in the prices of goods to slow sales, many local vendors say that the previous year (2023) was far more prosperous.
According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), only about 20% of small businesses have access to formal credit. The World Bank’s “Doing Business 2023” report ranks Liberia 176 out of 190 countries in terms of ease of doing business.
Vendors lament the challenges
Rachel Arday, another vendor, sells fufu in Monrovia. She described her struggles this year, saying, “This year the business tough. No market.” Last year, she bought a bag of fufu for $LD1,300. This year, the price has jumped to $LD2, 200, an increase of $LD1,000. At times, she has even paid $LD2,500 for the same bag.
Nyanpu Kollie, a palm nut vendor at Rally Town Market, shared her experience. “Things were going well at the beginning of 2024 until it took an awkward trend for us from March up to December,” she explained. The price of a bag of palm nuts has surged from $LD1,200 to $LD1,800. This increase has forced her to raise the retail price. “The palm nut pound used to be sold for $LD50 but it’s currently being sold for $LD100,” she added. “If you don’t take time, you can’t even get your money from inside.”
Mary, a pig feet vendor, expressed her gratitude despite the hardships. “The time hard small but we just tell God thank you,” she said. She believes the economic challenges are not solely the government’s fault. “We can’t say it’s the government making it hard. No way. Any government comes, it will be the same way. But there’s no money in time,” she noted.
In contrast, Taywah Tamba, who sells fresh peppers and other food items, reported stability in her business. “Both 2023 and 2024 were the same for me,” she said. With over ten years of experience in the business, she remains hopeful that things will get better.
However, Brown Tenneh, a tailor since 1956, described 2024 as a “very poor” year for his trade. “I mean no job. No business running,” he stated. He pointed out that his work primarily picks up during specific events. “The only time we sell is when somebody dies or when somebody is getting married,” he lamented. Brown also attributed some of the struggles to the influx of Chinese products in the Liberian market.
Meanwhile, Famata Sheriff, a single mother and marketer in Sinkor, expressed her frustrations about the rising cost of goods. “Argo oil gallon is LD 6,000, red oil is LD 5,500, paper bucket is LD 5,000, dry pepper is LD 1,000, and an onion bag is LD 2,500,” she said. She noted that prices this year are significantly higher than in previous years. “We used to buy an onion bag for LD 1,500 or LD 1, 300,” she added.
Sheriff also highlighted the impact of decreased sales on her family. “A seller has more than a buyer; no buying is going on in the market from January 2024 to now.” She used to earn a profit of LD 5,000 daily but now struggles to make just LD 1,000. “The slowness of buying in the market has made it impossible for my children to attend school in 2024,” she lamented.
She appealed to the national government, specifically the Ministry of Commerce, to regulate market prices. “Sierra Leoneans are increasing prices in the market, so there should be government regulations on local business owners in Liberia,” she urged.
Victoria Diggs, another vendor, emphasized similar concern. “The way we used to buy goods is not like before,” she said. “We used to buy chicken feet for LD 3,200, but now it’s LD 4,500 for one carton. Sausages used to be LD 3,200, but now it costs LD 4,300. Everything is very hard in prices, and even LD 15,000 can’t get you the items you need.”
The economy
According to the World Bank, about 50% of Liberia’s population lives below the poverty line. Economic growth has not been inclusive, and many citizens continue to struggle with basic needs. As of December 27, 2024, Liberia is grappling with a budget shortfall exceeding $35 million.
However, corruption remains a significant issue, impacting business operations and investor confidence. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index rated Liberia poorly, indicating widespread corruption.
Liberia’s GDP growth rate was projected to be around 3.6% by 2023, according to the World Bank. This growth is primarily driven by the agriculture, mining, and services sectors. The inflation rate in Liberia has been a considerable concern. As of mid-2023, it was reported at approximately 9.5%, driven by rising food prices and supply chain disruptions.
Revenue Collection
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) reported that it collected approximately $572.6 million in revenue by the end of October 2024, exceeding its target of $568.2 million. However, a significant shortfall was noted in the Domestic Tax Department’s collections, leading to concerns about the overall fiscal health.
The unemployment rate in Liberia also remains high, particularly among youth. Estimates suggest that youth unemployment could be as high as 40%, which poses a notable challenge to economic stability and growth.
Boakai’s Hardship settlement
Regardless of the difficulties expressed by local market woman, supporters of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., argued that the President has done some much is alleviating hardship on the local market women. They solidified their argument as the issuance of three critical Executive Orders aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing national infrastructure, and supporting key state-owned enterprises in November 2024.
These Executive Orders according to supporters of the President represents the President’s commitment to addressing urgent national priorities and ensuring sustainable development.
The Executive Orders are Executive Order No. 138 on Tax Exemption for Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), Executive Order No. 139 for the Suspension of Tariffs on Agricultural Products, and Executive Order No. 140 for the Exemption of Customs Duty for LPRC Projects.
Executive Order No. 138: Tax Exemption for Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC)
The President has renewed tax exemptions for the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), ensuring that it can deliver affordable electricity to the public. This includes exemption from:
• Customs duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential equipment, materials, and vehicles used for generation, transmission, and distribution.
• Fuel costs, including heavy fuel oil (HFO), to stabilize electricity rates and support LEC’s transition to expanded hydroelectric power.
This directive will enable LEC to expand its customer base, improve transmission systems, and ensure affordable electricity for Liberians.
Executive Order No. 139: Suspension of Tariffs on Agricultural Products
Recognizing the high tariffs on agricultural inputs as a barrier to growth, this Executive Order suspends tariffs on agricultural products and equipment to:
• Increase farmers’ access to high-quality inputs at affordable prices.
• Promote commercial agricultural activities and boost productivity.
• Enhance the livelihoods of rural farmers and strengthen economic stability.
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, is tasked with streamlining the tax exemption process to ensure eligible beneficiaries receive timely support.
Executive Order No. 140: Exemption of Customs Duty for LPRC Projects
The President has also granted an exemption from customs duties on materials required for the construction of a 17,000 M3 Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) Tank and a modern state-of-the-art laboratory by the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC).
• The PMS tank project will increase LPRC’s ullage capacity from 20,000 MT to 37,000 MT, significantly boosting Liberia’s fuel security.
• The laboratory will enable LPRC to conduct all petroleum-related tests locally, enhancing efficiency and operational standards.
This measure will accelerate project completion, enhance LPRC’s dividend contributions to the National Budget, and address petroleum-related challenges in Liberia.
These Executive Orders demonstrate President Boakai’s dedication to fostering economic resilience and improving public service delivery.
“Our focus is on supporting critical sectors—energy, agriculture, and petroleum—to drive Liberia’s development and improve the quality of life for all citizens,” the President stated.
The President urged all stakeholders and the public to embrace these measures, as they are essential for the nation’s reconstruction and long-term prosperity.
Expected Boycott
Margibi County Senator Nathaniel McGilll has vowed to join members of the ‘Rule of LAW CAUCUS TO BOYCOTT President Boakai’s Annual Message.
Senator McGil states that political leaders must at all times adhere to the oath of affirmation not only by words but by action and thinks that continued stalemate at the House of REPRESENTATIVE is a classic example of disregard to the rule of law that must not be permitted to continue if the oldest black REPUBLIC must regain its place among community of nations.
The outspoken and this Year’s recipient of the Best Senator Awards by the Independent Probe Newspaper, argued that it would be counterproductive to sit under a gavel of a body whose authority has been questioned by the highest court within the land-the supreme court.
“ Base on the fundamental requirements of democracy which is upholding the rule of LAW as the foundation of our REPUBLIC, and the need to ensure the separation of powers as enshrined in the constitution of Liberia is m, the continued recognition by President Boakai of REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD KOON as speaker when the supreme court has question the legal bases of the action undermines the fabric of our democracy. “
“the constitution of Liberia provides for only one speaker and at no time there can be two speakers. How we going to Annual message-a constitutional requirement under our constitution yet still be in violation with a speaker that comes to being outside the constitutional requirements?”
“ You can be assured we will lobby with other like minds FOR A Boycott of the President’s annual message as an initial step to protecting the constitution and the fabric of our democracy.” Senator McGill statetd,
EARIER ‘The Rule of Law Caucus’ announced a decision to boycott the today’s annual Annual Message, on grounds of their deep concerns over the ongoing erosion of legislative independence and the increasing interference of the Executive branch in the affairs of the Legislature.
“The Executive’s recognition of Honorable Richard N. Koon as Speaker, despite the legitimate Speaker still being in office, is a blatant violation of democratic principles and legislative autonomy. This unprecedented action not only strips the legitimate Speaker of his authority and dignity but also humiliates the Legislature as an institution. Attending the SONA under such circumstances would amount to tacit approval of this illegitimacy—a position we categorically reject.”
“Our concerns are further heightened by the recent aggression against members of the Rule of Law Caucus by law enforcement officers. In addition, we will resist, in the court of law, any attempt to fabricate evidence against our colleagues as a means to quell our resistance to the erosion of the rule of law. However, we remain committed to an impartial investigation of this matter and will continue to cooperate with the authorities during these investigations.
By boycotting the SONA, we are sending a resolute message: we will not acknowledge the authority of a Speaker who has not been legitimately elected. The matter is currently under judicial review, and any recognition of Honorable Richard N. Koon prior to a final court determination undermines both the rule of law and the democratic process.”
“As lawmakers, our constitutional duty is to uphold the sanctity of the Legislature. Participating in an event organized by an Executive that flagrantly disregards legislative independence would compromise our integrity and perpetuate this illegality. We call on members of the Senate and other lawmakers who share our concerns to join us in this principled stand. Together, we must reject any actions that degrade our institutions, erode the rule of law, and threaten Liberia’s democracy.”
“The Rule of Law Caucus remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, legislative independence, and democratic governance. This boycott is not an act of defiance but a firm and principled stand against actions that threaten the very foundation of our democracy.” The Rule of Law Caucus statement read.
As Liberia look forward to President Boakai’s Annual message today, authorities of the Liberia National Police says it have called in seven Lawmakers who are members of the Minority bloc supporting SPEAKER Fonati Koffa. Last week, The Liberia National Police (LNP) through the Majority bloc formally requested the appearance of several lawmakers in connection with the ongoing investigation into the devastating fire that engulfed the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024.
The LNP’s communication to the House of Representatives Majority bloc listed key figures, including Speaker Cllr. Fonati Koffa, Dixon Seboe, Marvin Cole, Frank Foko, Precilla Cooper, Abu Kamara, and Jacob C. Debee – all of the minority bloc – as persons of interest.
In a letter to the House, the LNP stated, “Given the sensitive nature of this investigation and the need for transparent proceedings, we would like to inform you that we have identified members of your House as persons of interest in this ongoing investigation and will be calling them for questioning.” The police assured that they are committed to conducting the investigation professionally while respecting the rights of all individuals involved.
House leadership, under Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon, has decided to address the matter in an executive session scheduled for January 24, 2025.
Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman revealed during a recent press briefing that investigator have gathered sufficient evidence pointing to arson. “We have identified individuals of interest and have contacted them. Should they fail to present themselves, arrests will follow,” Coleman stated.
