CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has called for stronger Cabinet discipline, accelerated economic decision-making, and a comprehensive overhaul of Liberia’s mining sector, as he convened the third Cabinet meeting of 2026 with a sharp focus on governance, accountability, and national development.
The meeting, held at the Executive Mansion, centered on “positioning Liberia for mineral-led development and national prosperity,” reflecting the administration’s push to ensure that the country’s vast natural resources translate into tangible benefits for its citizens.
“Unity of the Cabinet Is Very Important”
In his opening remarks, President Boakai stressed the need for cohesion and responsibility among Cabinet members, warning that their actions directly shape national outcomes.
“The unity of the Cabinet is very important. And the discipline as Cabinet ministers is also very much—because everything you do is being observed,” the President said.
He urged ministers to remain focused despite public criticism, emphasizing that governance is a collective responsibility with far-reaching consequences.
“Keep focused… if you are not here, most of these things will not happen,” he added.
Mining Sector Under Scrutiny
A major highlight of the meeting was the mining sector, which the President described as central to Liberia’s economic transformation but historically mismanaged.
He acknowledged that decades of concession agreements have yielded limited benefits for ordinary Liberians and called for a shift toward transparent, accountable, and people-centered resource governance.
“The resources of this country… are what we need to build this country… we have a responsibility to protect what is here now and ensure our people benefit,” Boakai emphasized.
The President also raised concerns about illegal mining and environmental degradation, particularly water pollution, warning that weak oversight at the local level is undermining national gains.
Push for Revenue, Jobs, and Accountability
President Boakai underscored the urgency of improving domestic revenue generation and reducing dependence on external support, pointing to global examples of self-financed development.
“If we really work hard, we can generate a lot of revenue,” he said, urging ministries to improve efficiency and accountability.
He further called for faster implementation of agreements to create jobs, noting growing frustration among young people.
“A lot of young people have been waiting… It’s not enough to tell them we have a problem,” the President cautioned.
Diplomacy Over Conflict in Border Tensions
Addressing the ongoing border situation in northern Liberia, particularly in Lofa County, President Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and diplomacy.
“Liberia is a country that loves peace… we have been able to use diplomatic means to keep the place calm,” he stated.
He warned against escalation, noting Liberia’s painful history with conflict and the importance of maintaining stability in a volatile global environment.
Caution on Government Spending and Travel
The President also raised concerns about frequent foreign travel by government officials, calling for stricter evaluation of its necessity and cost.
He encouraged ministers to prioritize domestic responsibilities, particularly Cabinet meetings where critical national decisions are made.
“The decisions we take here bind all of us… they are not discretionary,” Boakai stressed.
Education, Local Governance, and National Development
Beyond mining, the President highlighted key national priorities, including education reform, youth empowerment, and decentralization.
He expressed concern over the growing reliance on foreign scholarships and urged investment in Liberia’s education system.
“There’s come a time where people believe that the best is always out there… our effort is to make the best here,” he said.
He also emphasized strengthening local governance structures to curb illegal activities and improve accountability at the community level.
A Call for Results
President Boakai concluded by urging Cabinet members to translate policies into measurable outcomes, with improved tracking and implementation mechanisms.
“The policies we frame here will lift the hope of our Liberian people,” he declared.
The Cabinet meeting is expected to produce key policy directions on Liberia’s mining sector, as the government seeks to align resource exploitation with national development goals.
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