By Reagan S. Lebbie
MONROVIA, Aug. 13 (LINA) – President Joseph N. Boakai Sr., has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible results, including improved roads, better public services, job creation, expanded access to education, and other key development initiatives.
He said in Monrovia on Tuesday when he chaired a meeting of the National Steering Committee on the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development that the government’s development agenda is focused on producing measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Liberians, stressing that citizens expect results rather than excuses from public officials.
The President urged ministers, government agencies, and other public officials to remain committed to their responsibilities and ensure that national resources are used effectively to achieve the intended development outcomes.
He emphasized that accountability must remain at the center of government operations, calling on officials to be honest about challenges, acknowledge shortcomings, and take corrective measures when necessary.
President Boakai also stressed that appointments and promotions within government should be based on performance and merit, warning officials against complacency and poor performance.
“We must be honest to admit and take corrections,” he said.
The President cautioned that Liberians would not accept repeated excuses for failures in public service delivery.
“Liberians are not going to forgive you for the excuses, and the media are not going to listen to you,” he warned.
He further called for stronger coordination among ministries, agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, the private sector, and the media, noting that Liberia’s development requires collective action.
President Boakai said the National Steering Committee has an important role to play in monitoring the implementation of the government’s development agenda and ensuring that institutions remain focused on delivering results.
He also called for greater transparency and responsibility in the management of public resources, emphasizing that every dollar allocated for national development must be properly accounted for.
“All of the resources are for the development of this country. We have the responsibility of managing them. Every dollar must be managed with the highest responsibility,” President Boakai said.
He directed ministries and agencies to submit their reports on time, stressing that delays, ineffective reporting, and inconsistencies would no longer be tolerated.
“Moving forward, all ministries and agencies are expected to make reports on time. Repeated delays, ineffectiveness, and inconsistency are unacceptable,” he stated.
President Boakai also highlighted the importance of the private sector, civil society, and the media in advancing Liberia’s development, describing them as partners rather than mere observers.
“Society must play a role in impacting change. I see you as partners. You are more than just observers,” he said.
The President concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure that government programs are effectively implemented and that Liberia’s development agenda produces meaningful and lasting improvements for its citizens.