Monrovia, Liberia: Local media have revealed concerning financial practices within the Joe Boakai administration, reporting an alarming off-budget expenditure of over $15.6 million in less than eight months. According to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, these funds were allocated to various expenditures not approved in the original budget, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and transparency.
This trend of off-budget spending is not new; previous administrations, including the recent Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) government, faced significant media scrutiny and public criticism for similar practices. Experts warn that such expenditures can render public resources vulnerable to corruption and mismanagement.
A detailed breakdown of some of the notable expenditures includes:
– $2.3 million categorized as “unexplained miscellaneous
– $2 million allocated for covert operations by the National Security Agency (NSA)
– $1.5 million for a special sitting of the House of Representatives
– $812,612 for a special sitting of the Senate
– $65,000 spent by the Ministry of State for the funeral of Thomas Doe Nah
– $191,679 contributed by the President to the Muslim community
– $250,000 used by the Ministry of State for the completion of the VIP Lounge
– $30,880 as a contribution from the Ministry of State for Associate Justice Joseph Nagbe’s funeral
– $28,000 allocated to the Vice President’s office for operational costs
– $1,123,000 designated for the purchase of armored and unarmored vehicles for the President and Vice President by the Executive Protection Service (EPS)
– $250,000 provided to the Disaster Management Agency for recovery operations of miners trapped in River Cess
– $41,667 for the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) statutory mandate
– $61,062 allocated for the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) operations
– $25,000 contributed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for James Quiqui’s funeral
This revelation has sparked widespread concern among citizens and political analysts, who are calling for increased oversight and accountability in the management of public funds. As the Boakai administration navigates these financial challenges, it remains to be seen how they will address the growing scrutiny and restore public trust in their fiscal practices.
