-President Highlights Decentralization Agenda, UN Security Council Role, Anti-Drug Campaign and Rural Development Priorities
MONROVIA, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has announced that government-appointed chiefs across Liberia will be placed on the national payroll beginning July 1, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to decentralization, agriculture, energy development, and national security as key pillars of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
The announcement was disclosed by Presidential Press Secretary Kula B. Fofana during the Executive Mansion’s weekly press briefing, where she outlined a series of recent presidential actions, policy decisions, and upcoming international engagements.
According to Fofana, President Boakai believes traditional leaders play a critical role in governance, dispute resolution, community cohesion, and local development, making it necessary for government to provide them with greater institutional support.
Chiefs to Receive Government Salaries
Speaking about the recently concluded International Policy Roundtable on Local Governance and Rural Development, the Presidential Press Secretary disclosed that the President has directed that duly appointed chiefs be formally incorporated into the government payroll system beginning next month.
She said the Civil Service Agency has already assured the President that funding for the initiative was included in the national budget.
Fofana explained that chiefs and elders often serve as the first point of contact for resolving local disputes and addressing community concerns before matters reach central government authorities.
“They work diligently in solving community problems and play a key role in maintaining peace and cohesion in their communities,” she said.
In addition to placing chiefs on payroll, President Boakai has also pledged to provide transportation support to traditional leaders by facilitating the acquisition of buses for counties to ease their movement during official functions and community engagements.
Agriculture Remains Top Priority
The President’s 21st Cabinet Meeting, held Thursday, focused heavily on agriculture and food security, with officials reviewing progress under the government’s “Liberians Feed Yourselves Agenda.”
According to Fofana, the Ministry of Agriculture presented updates on achievements, challenges, and implementation strategies under the National Agriculture Development Plan.
The President reportedly used the meeting to stress the importance of agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency, emphasizing that food security remains one of his administration’s foremost priorities.
As a former Minister of Agriculture himself, Boakai is said to have reiterated the need for greater urgency in implementing programs aimed at increasing domestic food production and reducing dependence on imports.
Government Pursues Expanded Energy Access
The Executive Mansion also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen Liberia’s electricity sector following the recent dedication of an additional 20 megawatts of solar power at Mount Coffee.
According to Fofana, the administration remains focused on expanding energy generation and distribution across the country, noting that electricity remains central to economic growth, education, healthcare, transportation, and industrial development.
She revealed that government is pursuing multiple energy initiatives, including plans under Liberia’s proposed second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, which places significant emphasis on energy sector reforms and infrastructure development.
Although acknowledging that Liberia remains far from meeting its total electricity demand, Fofana said the administration is pursuing both short-term and long-term solutions to increase national power generation capacity.
Liberia Preparing for Security Council Leadership
The Press Secretary also discussed Liberia’s growing role on the international stage following its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
She disclosed that cabinet ministers recently received an update from Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti regarding Liberia’s participation on the Council and preparations for the country’s upcoming presidency of the Security Council in December 2026.
According to Fofana, Liberia intends to use its position to advocate for stronger African representation in global governance and to promote issues relating to peace, security, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable development.
” Liberia’s interest is the interest of Africa,” she stated, emphasizing that the country will continue to align itself with broader African Union positions on international issues.
President to Speak at Ghana Reparations Conference
Meanwhile, President Boakai is expected to travel to Accra, Ghana, on June 17 at the invitation of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to serve as a guest speaker at a high-level consultative conference examining next steps following a landmark United Nations resolution concerning the trafficking of enslaved Africans.
The conference is expected to focus on issues of historical justice, accountability, and reparations associated with the transatlantic slave trade.
Fofana said Liberia fully supports broader African efforts to seek recognition of historical injustices and strengthen Africa’s collective voice in international affairs.
Boakai Briefed on US$19 Million Cocaine Seizure
The Press Secretary confirmed that President Boakai has been regularly briefed on the recent seizure of nearly a quarter-ton of cocaine at Roberts International Airport, a shipment authorities have valued at approximately US$19 million.
She described the President as deeply concerned about the threat posed by illicit drugs and reaffirmed his commitment to combating narcotics trafficking.
While acknowledging public concerns about the pace of the investigation, Fofana defended the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency’s decision not to release certain details immediately, arguing that investigators must be allowed to complete their work without compromising ongoing inquiries.
“The President is very clear on his fight against drugs and wants perpetrators brought to justice,” she said.
Government Monitoring Undocumented Burkinabè Migrants
The briefing also addressed concerns about the growing presence of undocumented Burkinabè nationals in Liberia.
According to Fofana, the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), working alongside immigration authorities and international partners, has developed a strategy to document, identify, and assess the activities of Burkinabè nationals currently residing in various parts of the country.
The initiative follows recent cabinet discussions about migration, border management, and concerns that some undocumented migrants may be involved in illegal mining and other unauthorized activities.
Ambulance Driver Arrested for Breaching Presidential Motorcade
In a separate security-related development, the Executive Protection Service (EPS) confirmed the arrest of an ambulance driver who allegedly breached the presidential motorcade earlier Friday.
According to Fofana, the driver, identified as Prince Blade of the Liberia National Fire Service, drove an ambulance into the presidential convoy and came dangerously close to the President’s vehicle despite reportedly not transporting a patient or responding to an emergency.
The individual has been turned over to the Liberia National Police for investigation.
The Executive Protection Service used the incident to remind motorists that intrusion into the presidential convoy constitutes a serious security violation and may result in arrest and prosecution.
As the administration approaches the midpoint of its first term, officials say President Boakai remains focused on delivering improvements in governance, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and security while strengthening Liberia’s standing in regional and international affairs.
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