-President Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Drugs and Illegal Mining, Advances Salary Reform, Deepens International Partnerships
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has intensified efforts to advance his administration’s development agenda, placing renewed emphasis on infrastructure expansion, public sector reforms, anti-drug enforcement, and stronger international partnerships, according to Presidential Press Secretary Atty. Kula B. Fofana.
Speaking during the Executive Mansion’s regular weekly press briefing on Friday, July 3rd, Presidential Press Secretary Fofana provided a comprehensive update on the President’s activities, decisions, and engagements over the past week, describing them as part of the administration’s continued implementation of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
Fofana said President Boakai remains committed to ensuring that Liberians are regularly informed about the work of the Presidency and the Executive Mansion, emphasizing that transparency, accountability, and effective communication remain central pillars of his administration.
“The purpose of this weekly engagement is to keep Liberians informed about the President’s actions and the work being done to improve the country,” she said.
President Strengthens International Partnerships
Among the week’s major diplomatic engagements, President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s longstanding friendship with the People’s Republic of China while addressing a program commemorating the 105th Anniversary of the Communist Party of China.
According to Fofana, the President reiterated Liberia’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Policy, stressing that the Government remains interested in expanding bilateral cooperation with Beijing in infrastructure, trade, education, healthcare, and economic development.
She said President Boakai also held high-level discussions with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia, focusing on strengthening cooperation in governance reforms, youth empowerment, healthcare delivery, peacebuilding, and national reconciliation.
The Presidential Press Secretary noted that UNDP continues to support several flagship government initiatives, including the Performance Management and Compliance System (PMCS), internship opportunities for young Liberians, institutional reforms, and health-sector interventions.
Focus on Education and Healthcare
President Boakai also participated in the 97th Founders’ Day celebration of Booker Washington Institute (BWI), where he praised the institution’s long-standing contribution to technical and vocational education in Liberia.
Fofana said the President commended BWI for producing graduates equipped with practical skills in carpentry, masonry, electricity, mechanics, agriculture, and other disciplines that directly contribute to national development and job creation.
In another engagement, President Boakai received members of the Liberia Chapter of the West African College of Physicians, whom he praised for their commitment to improving healthcare services across the country.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to strengthen Liberia’s health system through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and personnel.
Young People Urged to Defend Democracy
President Boakai also served as keynote speaker at the Young Democrats Union of Africa (YDUA) Conference held in Monrovia.
According to Fofana, the President challenged young Africans to become champions of democracy, responsible leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
She said he encouraged the continent’s youth to prepare themselves for leadership by embracing education, technology, and productive economic opportunities capable of transforming Africa’s future.
President Backs Crackdown on Illegal Mining
The Executive Mansion further disclosed that President Boakai met with members of the newly established Task Force on Illicit Mining, headed by Abraham Kromah.
Fofana said the President assured the task force of his full support in combating illegal mining activities, which continue to threaten Liberia’s environment, communities, and natural resources.
She noted that President Boakai instructed the task force to work closely with the Ministry of Mines and Energy and other security agencies to ensure Liberia’s mineral wealth benefits its citizens rather than illegal operators.
“The President gave them his full backing and made it clear that illegal mining will not be tolerated,” Fofana said.
Japan-Funded Freeport Road Project Begins
One of the week’s most significant development milestones was the groundbreaking ceremony for the 1.9-kilometer four-lane road connecting the Freeport of Monrovia to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge.
The project, financed by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is expected to significantly improve traffic flow around one of Liberia’s busiest commercial corridors.
Fofana described the initiative as another major step in the Boakai administration’s nationwide infrastructure expansion agenda.
She said the President remains determined to ensure Liberians witness tangible infrastructure improvements throughout his tenure.
Cabinet Targets Drugs, Illegal Mining, and Public Safety
Fofana also briefed journalists on outcomes of the 22nd Cabinet Meeting, where ministers discussed illegal mining, drug trafficking, environmental protection, healthcare, and national security.
Cabinet received presentations from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the Ministry of Health regarding measures to strengthen enforcement and improve public safety.
She praised the LDEA for dismantling numerous drug ghettos across the country while expanding rehabilitation efforts for vulnerable young people.
According to Fofana, President Boakai has directed all security institutions to ensure Liberia never becomes a transit point for international drug trafficking.
“The President has made it abundantly clear that Liberia must never serve as a transit point for drugs,” she emphasized.
US$19 Million Drug Investigation
Responding to questions regarding the ongoing investigation into the reported US$19 million drug seizure, Fofana said President Boakai has instructed investigators to pursue the matter without fear or favor.
She stressed that anyone found culpable—regardless of position, political affiliation, or social status—would face the full force of the law.
“No matter who you are or who you know, once investigations establish your responsibility, you will answer before the law,” she said.
She further disclosed that Cabinet endorsed the suspension of the Global Logistics Services contract pending the outcome of investigations and also supported new legislative measures aimed at strengthening Liberia’s anti-drug legal framework, including the establishment of a National Drug Rehabilitation Fund.
Government Moves Toward Salary Harmonization
One of the administration’s most significant policy priorities now centers on comprehensive public sector salary reform.
Fofana confirmed that President Boakai has directed the Civil Service Agency (CSA) and other relevant institutions to commence a research-based review of government compensation.
She said the President remains concerned about salary disparities across government, where employees performing similar duties often receive vastly different wages.
Unlike previous harmonization exercises, the forthcoming review will be grounded in empirical research, regional comparisons, and Liberia’s economic realities.
“The President wants a salary harmonization process that is fair, transparent and sustainable—one that enables public servants to adequately support themselves and their families,” Fofana explained.
She added that incremental salary adjustments have already commenced in selected sectors, including healthcare, with broader reforms expected following completion of the nationwide review.
Liberia Extends Solidarity to Ghana, Assists Citizens in South Africa
The Executive Mansion also disclosed that Cabinet reviewed Liberia’s disaster preparedness capacity following the devastating floods that recently struck neighboring Ghana.
According to Fofana, President Boakai personally telephoned Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to express Liberia’s solidarity and offer support during the difficult period.
Regarding the situation involving xenophobic violence in South Africa, she said the Government of Liberia has begun facilitating voluntary repatriation for Liberians wishing to return home.
She disclosed that more than twenty Liberian families have already expressed interest in returning and are being assisted through coordinated efforts involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Liberia’s Embassy in South Africa.
Fofana concluded by reaffirming President Boakai’s unwavering commitment to delivering meaningful reforms that strengthen governance, improve public institutions, expand infrastructure, and create better opportunities for all Liberians through the full implementation of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
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