MONROVIA –On Thursday, June 19, Presidential Hopeful of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Mr. Alexander Benedict Cummings, a prominent Liberian politician and former senior executive of Coca Cola, addressed the ongoing debate surrounding President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s use of private jets for official travel. Cummings, who has extensive experience managing a fleet of private jets, emphasized the importance of efficiency in governance, particularly for a leader presiding over a nation with pressing challenges.
Cummings acknowledged the criticisms related to the optics of President Boakai traveling by private jet while many Liberians struggle to afford basic necessities. “We must look at this honestly and practically,” he stated. “Spending 10+ hours in airport lounges, facing long layovers and unreliable connections, does not make sense when that time could be used for effective governing.”
He pointed out that while shorter commercial flights between cities like Monrovia and Accra, or Abidjan may warrant using commercial airlines, longer trips to destinations like Abuja or New York often lead to frustrating delays that can hinder the President’s ability to fulfill his or her duties.
However, Cummings stressed that optics matter, especially in a nation where many citizens are experiencing economic hardship. “With the average person struggling for a decent meal and basic healthcare, seeing leaders utilize private jets can feel like a slap in the face,” he remarked.
The key issue, according to the former Coca Cola Executive, lies in Liberia’s overall economic performance. “If Liberia were thriving—if citizens experienced real change with improved services and job opportunities—nobody would question the President’s mode of transport,” he stated. He even proposed the idea that in a more prosperous country, it might be sensible for the government to invest in a state-owned aircraft to facilitate official travel.
