The Liberian presidency has issued a clarification following widespread criticism of recent comments made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai regarding corruption.
During a public address on December 22, President Boakai stated, “We want to encourage those who want to remain corrupt and steal money, I beg, the money should be used to bless our people.” The remarks sparked outrage among anti-corruption advocates and civil society organizations, who argue that such statements undermine efforts to combat systemic corruption in Liberia.
In response, the Executive Mansion clarified that the President’s comments were not an endorsement of corruption but a denouncement of the practice and a plea for public officials to serve with integrity. The statement emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to transparency and good governance.
This controversy echoes a similar incident in August 2022 when a former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel McGill, made remarks perceived as condoning corrupt practices.
