By Stephen N. Sonpon
MONROVIA, May 23 (LINA) – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reform as Liberia hosts the 22nd Governing Board Meeting and 2026 Strategic Review Program of the African Organization of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E).
Speaking Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, President Boakai welcomed delegates from 26 African member states and described Liberia’s hosting of the high-level gathering as a milestone in the country’s democratic and governance reform journey.
The Liberian leader said the presence of auditors general, accountability experts, and development partners in Monrovia demonstrates a shared continental commitment to strengthening public financial management and protecting democratic institutions across Africa.
President Boakai praised the General Auditing Commission (GAC), headed by Auditor General P. Garswa Jackson, Sr., for successfully bringing the prestigious regional conference to Liberia for the first time since the establishment of AFROSAI-E.
“This is a proud moment for our country and a strong vote of confidence in Liberia’s growing commitment to public-sector accountability and institutional reform,” the President declared.
He also commended AFROSAI-E for its longstanding role in strengthening Supreme Audit Institutions throughout English-speaking Africa through peer learning, professional development, and regional cooperation.
The President noted that this year’s conference comes at a critical time as member states review progress under the organization’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan and explore new ways to strengthen institutional cooperation, transparency, and oversight of public resources.
According to him, strong and independent audit institutions remain essential to sustainable development, investor confidence, and social stability across the continent.
Reflecting on Liberia’s governance history, President Boakai acknowledged that years of weak institutions, corruption, abuse of public trust, and poor stewardship of national resources contributed significantly to the country’s instability and civil conflict.
He recalled that the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement established several accountability institutions aimed at addressing corruption and governance failures, noting that the later establishment of the General Auditing Commission aligned with the broader national vision of strengthening oversight and democratic accountability.
President Boakai stressed that fighting corruption and improving public-sector performance remain central priorities of his Administration.
“Liberians repeatedly urged us to address corruption, and since assuming office, they have continued to demand greater accountability and performance from public officials,” he said.
The President emphasized that government officials are appointed to serve the people and must therefore demonstrate integrity, stewardship, and responsibility in managing public resources.
As part of efforts to improve government performance, he disclosed that the administration has introduced performance management systems across public institutions to ensure measurable delivery and efficiency.
President Boakai highlighted several anti-corruption and transparency measures undertaken by his government, including landmark audits conducted by the General Auditing Commission involving the Office of the President, the Judiciary, the Legislature, and the Central Bank of Liberia.
He described the audits as a major step toward ensuring that no public institution remains beyond scrutiny.
The President further disclosed that his Administration has strengthened anti-corruption mechanisms through the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman, the Asset Recovery Taskforce, and ongoing efforts toward the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court.
The Liberian Chief Executive also pointed to the enforcement of mandatory asset declaration requirements for presidential appointees, noting that officials who failed to comply faced suspensions and financial penalties.
According to him, proceeds generated from those fines were used to purchase school chairs for students.
President Boakai further revealed that the General Auditing Commission received full budgetary allocations in Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, a move he described as unprecedented in Liberia’s recent history.
Additionally, he said the government operationalized the financial independence of the Commission by immediately disbursing 50 percent of its approved annual budget following passage of the national budget, consistent with provisions of the GAC Act of 2014.
The Liberian leader also reiterated his Administration’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, stating that government officials implicated in financial misconduct and misappropriation have been suspended or dismissed.
Turning to Africa’s broader development prospects, President Boakai stressed that the continent possesses immense natural and human resources capable of driving transformative growth if managed properly.
He observed that nearly 60 percent of Africa’s population is under the age of 28, describing the continent’s youthful population as a major opportunity for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic transformation.
“To harness these opportunities, we must manage our resources effectively, strengthen our institutions, and ensure that public resources are used transparently and efficiently for the benefit of our people,” he emphasized.
President Boakai urged delegates attending the conference to use the gathering not only to exchange technical expertise and professional experiences but also to deepen solidarity among African oversight institutions.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to collaborating with regional and international partners to strengthen transparent institutions and promote responsible governance across Africa.
The President officially declared open the 22nd Governing Board Meeting and the 2026 Strategic Review Program of AFROSAI-E, while wishing delegates productive deliberations and a pleasant stay in Liberia.