President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has commissioned the first batch of officials of his government, warning them that anyone caught in corruption will pay the prize.
โWhen we officially took office, we informed the country and the world that the โbusiness as usual approachโ would be a relic of the past for this Administration, and we mean it,โ he said during the ceremony last week.
President Boakai stated that his administration will not tolerate corruption and pilferage, warning that anyone caught in the act will face the consequences, with no consideration of status.
โLet it be known that we will not tolerate corruption and pilferage from the peopleโs coffers, as those found to be in breach of our anti-graft laws will give account and pay the [prize],โ President Boakai declared.
He continued that โa hint to the wise is enough.โ
โThis is why we expect nothing less from the ministers, heads of agencies, and advisors being commissioned today, and others to follow by executing the mandate of their respective offices and performing their duties efficiently and selflessly for the public good,โ he noted.
Following the exercise, the Executive Mansion issued a statement saying president Boakai had commissioned the first batch of members of his Cabinet Ministers recently confirmed by the Liberian Senate.
The Executive Mansion said the exercise was part of his constitutional obligation enshrined in Article 54 of the 1986 Constitution.
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During the ceremony, President Boakai challenged the newly appointed officials to recognize the enormous task they have been called to perform in the interest of the country.
He urged them to perform at the highest level, ensuring the deliverance of the government’s priorities to achieve his development agenda set for the next six years without any excuses.
He also ordered all government officials to immediately declare their assets to comply with anti-graft regulations as required.
President Boakai declared that every cabinet minister and head of agency would sign a performance contract to ensure projected deliverables are met, and enhance government efficiency.
He urged that they promote an open, transparent, and accountable government.
President Boakai also announced that the Citizens Feedback Mechanism Project, piloted in five counties, will be activated, and implemented across the country to keep a close eye on the government’s performance.
He reminded his ministers and heads of agencies that public service is not an entitlement but an opportunity for them to give back to the country and its people.
He urged them to carry out their duties with utmost professionalism and compassion and find fulfillment in genuinely transforming the country.
Cabinet ministers and advisors commissioned at the occasion last week included Foreign Minister Sara Beyslow Nyanti, Finance Minister Boima Kamara, Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings, Minister of State Sylvester Grigsby, Youth and Sports Minister J. Cole Bangalu, and Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah.
The officials included Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Kpoto, Minister of Commerce and Industry Amin Modad, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mrs Gbeme Horace Kollie, Advisor to the President on Foreign Affairs, Amb. George Wallace, Senior Advisor to the President, Dr. Augustine Konneh, and National Security Advisor, Atty. Samuel Kofi Woods.
Others were Legal Advisor, Cllr. Bushuben M. Keita (Esq.), and Ms. MacDella Cooper, Political Advisor to the President.
