Liberian president Joseph Boakai voluntarily slashes salary by 40%

The decision, disclosed in a statement on the Liberian Government’s website on Saturday, highlighting Boakai's dedication to leading by example in promoting government accountability and solidarity with citizens.

This announcement comes shortly after a group of lawmakers arrived at parliament in tricycles, known locally as ‘Keke’, to protest the non-payment of funds for their vehicles by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.

"The Liberian Leader said the move is aimed at setting a precedent for responsible governance and nation-building," the statement read. President Boakai emphasised that his salary cut is intended to strengthen government accountability and to set an example of responsible leadership.

In addition to his own salary reduction, President Boakai pledged to empower the Civil Service Agency (CSA) to ensure public servants' salaries reflect the current economic state and that workers receive fair compensation for their contributions. He expressed his commitment to financial responsibility and equitable compensation across all sectors of public service, aiming to foster a culture of accountability and fairness within the government.

The initiative is also geared towards improving the wages of legitimate civil servants and creating opportunities for qualified professionals to deliver efficient and effective services to the nation.

President Boakai, who succeeded former President George Weah, is currently attending the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Nigeria.