Transparency strengthens public trust and underscores unyielding dedication to rooting corruption and fostering a climate of openness and accountability, signaling an era of responsible and conscientious leadership. The law only says public officers should declare their assets; they don't need to make them public.

President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung did something unusual in Liberian politics by publicly disclosing details of their asset declarations, in response to increasing pressure to fulfill a major campaign promise.

"The requirement for public officials to disclose their assets according to Section 10.2 of the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and Employees emphasizes the significance of transparency and accountability in governance. However, the law does not mandate designated officials and employees to make their declarations public."

BoaKai emphasized that by making his assets declaration publicly available, he aims to set a compelling example for public officials and citizens alike, highlighting the importance of accountability and ethical leadership.

READ: Liberia's new President Joseph N. BoaKai

Some supporters of Mr. Boakai and his deputy remember that then-President George Weah did not publicly declare his assets despite facing criticism.

Weah, during his presidency, noted that disclosing his assets to the public could endanger him and his family, especially his children.

Mr. Boakai, a former vice president under Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for 12 years, ran an anti-corruption-based campaign that earned him his electoral victory over Mr. Weah and his Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC) in 2023.

Declaration of Assets

According to the information published for Mr. Boakai, the value of his total assets is put at $1,171,919.60, including cash on hand: $5,750, cash in the bank: $61,295.96, real properties: $766,391.07, personal properties: $212,400, and other assets $126,082.57 and a total net worth of $970,419.60.

Among the notable assets revealed by President Boakai, a lifelong agriculturist is his ownership of cattle valued at US$16,000. The president also reveals he has pigs valued at US$6,400.

Vice President Koung, in his declared assets are worth more than 7 million. As an elected representative of District One in Nimba County, the former co-chair of the lucrative Ways, Means, and Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, he is one person who comes with a heavy burden to the high office as he stands accused of engaging in shady business deals over the years.

During his term, Koung, along with a few lawmakers, stood accused of manipulating the national budget to amass wealth. Some say Koung, like Boakai, might be under-declaring what he has acquired over the years. They are insinuating the Vice President might likely hide many of his assets in Nimba County.

Public sentiment

To many in a country like Liberia, to be worth nearly One million United States Dollars is not something ordinary because on record, government salary is very meager, and no sincere public official has been able to acquire a wealth of $970,000.

Demonstrating a dedication to transparency and ethical leadership, Boakai's actions distinguish him from others. However, many question the President's declared assets, which appear excessive and contradict his claims of serving the public with sincerity and honesty during his twelve years as Vice President of Liberia under the government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. This government was previously deemed highly corrupt by its former Auditor General, John S. Morlu, II.

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