The Flying President: Concerns Regarding Boakai’s Large Delegation for Japan’s TICAD-9
By Seltue Robert Karweaye Sr.
Liberia and Japan have a strong partnership built on Japan’s significant development assistance. During George Weah’s presidency (2018-2024), Japan focused on infrastructure, food security, and economic growth. Key projects included the Japan Freeway and a road corridor linking Freeport to the Gabriel Truck Bridge, with investments totaling about US$93 million. Japan also allocated $20 million for road connectivity improvements. In addition to infrastructure, Japan provided crucial food assistance through the KR Food Aid Program, with a $2.7 million grant in November 2018 and a donation of 5,019 metric tons of rice in December 2019.The government and people of Japan provided a grant of $217,780 for the initiation of phase one of the Modern Duala Market Project. In 2023, the Government of Japan also committed to providing $20 million to extend the road from Freeport to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge.
This spirit of cooperation continued fervently during the Joseph Boakai administration. A grant agreement was signed on March 12, 2024, between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Liberia for the Japan Freeway Extension Project. Japan also donated $3 million worth of rice in September 2024, following a delivery of 3,294 metric tons valued at $1.5 million in June 2024. This ongoing support highlights the strong partnership and shared development goals between the two nations.
As a developing nation, Liberians are keenly aware of the importance of the strong bilateral relationship between Liberia and Japan, nonetheless, President Boakai’s upcoming trip to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), scheduled for August 20 to 22, 2025, in Yokohama, Japan, as well as his attendance at Expo 2025 in Osaka, has elicited a range of reactions from citizens and stakeholders across the nation. Concerns have been raised regarding the frequency of international trips taken by the administration since taking office.
In approximately 19 months of service, President Boakai has undertaken a series of international trips, including visits to the United States (four times), China, Italy, South Korea, Indonesia, Canada, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau. This pattern of travel has sparked discussions among the population regarding the implications of these trips on domestic priorities and whether they address the pressing needs of the Liberian people.
According to a press release from the Executive Mansion dated August 15, 2025, President Boakai is set to participate in the TICAD-9. He will be accompanied by a delegation comprising 23 members. In addition to the delegation, the President will also bring along his communication, protocol, security, and attendant teams, bringing the total estimated count of accompanying personnel to around 40.
Analysts have expressed significant concerns over the President’s compliance with the Government of Liberia’s Revised Travel Ordinance Law of 2025, which came into effect on January 2, 2025. Specifically, critics argue that the President’s delegation infringes on Rule #3, which stipulates that “Total Government of Liberia-funded representation at any program or event held outside Liberia shall not exceed five (5) persons in total, regardless of how many entities are involved.” Additionally, Rule #4 states that for specific high-level meetings, such as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Africa-China Summit, Korea-Africa Summit, and the Commission on the Status of Women Conference, the maximum allowable number of delegates is capped at seven (7). Given that TICAD-9 falls under the category of such high-level events, it raises questions regarding the appropriateness of the President’s extensive delegation.
As per the GOL Revised Travel Ordinance Law, the Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for officials traveling abroad is established at US$344 daily. This allowance is further broken down into US$110 for meals and US$234 for hotel accommodations. Excluding costs associated with communication, protocol, security, attendant teams, and air travel, it is projected that Liberian taxpayers will incur approximately US$4,816 for each delegate accompanying the President to TICAD-9. Consequently, the overall expenditure for the entire delegation—which amounts to US$110,768—excludes airfare, which could significantly increase the total financial commitment to this trip. This situation has prompted calls for greater accountability and adherence to established travel regulations within the government.
The ongoing controversy surrounding the size of the President’s delegation to the TICAD-9 is steeped in multiple critical issues that deserve thorough scrutiny: First, the financial implications of the delegation’s size are considerable and warrant serious concern. Beyond the base expenses of chartering international flights—which can reach staggering amounts depending on distance and aircraft specifications—there are also significant costs associated with accommodations in Tokyo, where hotel rates for suitable lodging can soar. Furthermore, each delegate receives per diem allowances, intended to cover daily meals and incidental expenses, adding to an already ballooning budget. Given the government’s distressing financial position, characterized by a rampant borrowing strategy to satisfy even fundamental public obligations, a chorus of voices is questioning the prudence of such high-profile expenditures. Is it defensible to allocate such resources when the nation is grappling with budget deficits that threaten essential services?
In addition to the financial implications, these extravagant expenditures raise pressing questions about the government’s genuine understanding of—and empathy for—the severe challenges facing ordinary Liberians. While the administration persistently urges the populace to display patience with the ARREST Agenda—an initiative ambitiously designed to address critical sectors such as Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism—evidence of sincere leadership in this regard appears scant.
A particularly striking illustration can be found in the 2025 national budget of $880.6 million, signed into law by the President in early January, showing a troubling lack of funding for social protection programs, leaving many vulnerable citizens without support. Public outrage has surged over the startling expenditure of more than $300,000 on two lavish bulletproof Lexus SUVs, a move that starkly underscores a significant disconnect between government actions and the everyday realities experienced by many citizens. This expenditure raises critical questions about the underlying priorities of the government and its accountability to the public.
In light of the ongoing economic hardships afflicting the nation—whether due to rising prices, widespread unemployment, or inadequate public services—many Liberians are increasingly questioning whether the government is deliberately ignoring their struggles or simply lacks the empathy needed to understand their plight. While the Boakai administration may assert that it prioritizes the well-being of its citizens, the public’s interpretation of its actions is what truly matters.
This situation emphasizes the importance of optics in governance. Regrettably, the Boakai government has displayed insufficient awareness and sensitivity regarding how its lavish spending might be perceived, especially during such arduous times for many families. The choice to invest heavily in luxury vehicles instead of addressing pressing social and economic issues raises significant concerns about the administration’s credibility and its genuine commitment to serving the needs of the people. As public trust erodes, the government must reconsider its approach to spending and strive for a more compassionate connection with the citizens it represents.
Furthermore, in light of the country’s current debt profile, which paints a worrisome picture for its financial future, the government’s current pattern of excessive spending will likely hinder its ability to secure any meaningful support for debt forgiveness or relief from its Western creditors. Despite widespread apprehension regarding the loan accumulation under the Weah administration, the Boakai government has continued down a similar path, prioritizing borrowing over responsible fiscal management.
In June 2025, a coalition of civil society organizations, including prominent advocacy groups and community leaders, released a powerful joint communiqué urging the Liberian government to reject any austerity measures that could exacerbate the already critical economic situation. They emphasized the need for a fair and inclusive approach to debt restructuring and called for comprehensive reforms in the tax policies, which they argue disproportionately favor large corporations while imposing a heavier burden on ordinary citizens.
As it stands, Liberia’s public debt has surged beyond $2.5 billion, translating to an astonishing 67% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This alarmingly high debt level severely limits the government’s capacity to invest in vital sectors such as healthcare, education, and climate resilience—areas deemed essential for achieving the country’s long-term developmental objectives. In the national budget approved for 2025, a considerable allocation of $153 million, accounting for 17.4% of the budget, is dedicated exclusively to servicing this debt. This highlights the urgent necessity for a fundamental shift in fiscal policy that prioritizes public investment and seeks to alleviate the crippling debt burden on the Liberian population.
Despite repeated warnings from civil society groups and concerned citizens regarding the unsustainable nature of our borrowing practices, the government’s propensity to continue accumulating debt shows no sign of abating. Many observers are left questioning whether the administration possesses the fiscal discipline required to curtail extravagant and unnecessary expenditures. Without such discipline, the government will likely find it increasingly difficult to convince international creditors to agree to debt relief or forgiveness, potentially jeopardizing the country’s economic stability and growth prospects.
The size of the TICAD-9 delegation and certain expenses highlight the need for greater accountability, especially as the government’s economic policies strive to deliver the promised benefits. Addressing these concerns could enhance the potential for meaningful political change in Liberia. President Boakai’s delegation to TICAD-9 brings to mind the controversy surrounding the inclusion of two 2025 Lexus LX 700HR Super Ultra Luxury bulletproof SUVs in his extensive presidential convoy. This penchant for grandeur is emblematic of Boakai’s political style, which has consistently revolved around cultivating and sustaining a network of political patronage and loyal clients.
Also, concerns regarding the size of Boakai’s TICAD-9 delegation are likely to heighten the growing dissatisfaction among the Liberian populace, who are increasingly disillusioned with the current state of democracy and the pervasive presence of messianic politics in the country. Consider the possibility that he might travel with a significantly reduced entourage, foregoing the usual extravagant display associated with high-ranking officials. Instead of a large delegation, he could opt for a small group of essential advisors or even attend international conferences virtually, demonstrating a commitment to efficiency and a pragmatic use of public resources. By streamlining his motorcade to a more modest size—perhaps even utilizing a staff bus for local meetings—Boakai could convey a message of humility and accessibility that resonates with ordinary citizens. Such a dramatic transformation would not only mark a significant departure from the traditional expectations of political leadership in Liberia, characterized by a prebendal mentality prioritizing personal gain over public service, but it would also actively challenge the prevailing norms within the political landscape.
If President Boakai were to embrace this radical change, it would likely capture the attention of the Liberian public and spark discussions across communities about the nature of political leadership. This strategic shift could redefine his public image, prioritizing authenticity and connection with the citizenry, thereby rekindling a sense of trust in political institutions. Moreover, his ministers and aides, witnessing their leader exemplifying a more humble approach to governance, would likely feel compelled to align with this new philosophy. This adjustment could foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and genuine service, moving away from a history of entitlement and excess. I rest my pen.
