MONROVIA, Liberia — Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has cautiously endorsed the reform direction outlined by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, while warning that Liberia’s economic recovery will depend on fiscal realism, disciplined governance, and stronger public accountability.
Speaking during a wide-ranging radio appearance on Changing Minds, Changing Attitudes on Monday, February 3rd and aired on the Liberia Broadcasting System, Sirleaf described the President’s third Annual Message as ambitious and largely positive, but stressed that reform promises must be matched by implementation capacity and sustainable financing.
The former President welcomed progress on long-delayed institutional reforms, particularly the enactment of the Local Governance Act and the strengthening of transition frameworks, which she noted were necessary to deepen decentralization and policy continuity. However, she cautioned that laws alone would not transform governance without consistent enforcement and citizen trust.
On the economy, Sirleaf acknowledged the government’s projection of growth above five percent but warned that such growth would not significantly reduce poverty unless it reached higher and more inclusive levels.
“Growth of five percent is progress, but it is not enough to change lives in a country with deep structural poverty,” she said, noting that Liberia would need sustained growth closer to seven percent to generate meaningful employment and income gains.
She also raised concern over Liberia’s continued dependence on concession-related revenues, particularly large upfront payments that provide short-term fiscal relief but may undermine long-term stability if not prudently managed.
“Upfront payments are tempting, but they can distort future revenues if they are not carefully negotiated and transparently used,” Sirleaf warned, stressing that Liberia must avoid repeating past mistakes where windfalls failed to translate into lasting development.
A major focus of Sirleaf’s remarks centered on domestic revenue mobilization. She urged the government to strengthen tax enforcement, particularly among high-income earners and politically exposed persons, arguing that national development cannot be sustained if tax compliance remains selective.
She called on the Liberia Revenue Authority to apply the law evenly, emphasizing that public confidence grows when citizens see leaders and elites meeting their own obligations.
Sirleaf also underscored the importance of transparency, recommending that the government revive clear and accessible public reporting on revenue performance, budget execution, and expenditure priorities.
“When people don’t see the numbers, they fill the gaps with suspicion,” she said, adding that openness is essential in combating misinformation and restoring public trust.
Reflecting on her own experience in office, Sirleaf said reform requires patience, consistency, and political courage, particularly when decisions are unpopular. She encouraged the Boakai administration to remain firm on reforms while ensuring that communication with the public remains honest and inclusive.
Despite her cautionary tone, Sirleaf expressed optimism that Liberia is moving in the right direction, noting that reform momentum, if protected from political interference, could lay the foundation for long-term stability.
“This is not the time for shortcuts,” she said. “It is the time for discipline, clarity, and national responsibility.”
Her remarks come as the Boakai administration advances an ambitious legislative and economic agenda for 2026 amid fiscal constraints, rising public expectations, and heightened scrutiny of governance performance.
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