- Boakai has announced a 40% reduction in his salary
- This is from $13,400 to $8,000 per year
- Boakai has vowed to tackle corruption
Liberian President Joseph Boakai has announced a 40% reduction in his salary, from $13,400 to $8,000 per year, in a move aimed at demonstrating “responsible governance” and solidarity with Liberians struggling with a high cost of living.
While some have praised the decision, others have raised questions about the significance of the cut, given the president’s additional benefits, such as a daily allowance and medical cover.
The presidential office’s budget for this year is nearly $3 million. Boakai’s move follows a similar decision by his predecessor, George Weah, who took a 25% pay cut.
The president has also pledged to empower the Civil Service Agency to ensure fair compensation for public servants.
The announcement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of government salaries and benefits, with some lawmakers recently protesting the lack of official cars by arriving at parliament in tuk-tuks.
Boakai has vowed to tackle corruption and financial mismanagement, and has taken steps such as declaring his assets, ordering an audit of the presidential office, and strengthening anti-corruption agencies.
