A report by the BBC showed that Liberia’s president, Joseph Boakai has insisted on reducing his salary significantly, owing to the rising cost of living in the country.
He did this to show solidarity with his people, as he aims to connect to their current socio-economic reality. His office stated that he wished to establish a precedent for “responsible governance” and show “solidarity” with Liberians.
With the rising cost of living in the country, Liberians turned their sights to the exorbitant fees, government officials are being paid. The report by BBC disclosed that around one-fifth of the Liberian population lives on less than $2 (£1.70) daily.
The president revealed in February that he earns around $13,400 each year, and he is willing to bring it down to $8,000. However, taking into account other incentives such as daily allowances and medical covers, the presidential office’s budget amounts to $3m this year.
In addition to taking a pay cut, the Liberian president promised to “empower” the Civil Service Agency in Liberia to ensure that public employees “receive fair compensation for their contributions to the country”.
Other laudable moves the president has made include ordering an audit of the presidential office and beefing up the General Auditing Commission and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.
