Published: August 14, 2026
MONROVIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Thursday praised key members of his administration for progress in salary payments, infrastructure, port reforms, social programs and the fight against illicit drugs, while urging his Cabinet to maintain teamwork and resist pressure that could distract the government from delivering results.
Boakai singled out Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and his team for ensuring timely salary payments and other government disbursements. He also commended ongoing reforms at the National Port Authority, the joint security’s anti-drug efforts, road works and initiatives being implemented by the ministries of Education and Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The president spoke Aug. 13 during a Cabinet meeting at the Tea House on the grounds of the Executive Mansion. The meeting, held under the theme, “From Progress to Impact: Advancing Evidence-Based Governance, Social Protection, and Service Delivery,” brought together senior government officials, several of whom presented progress reports and participated in discussions on key national issues.
“Some of you have gone out and delivered on these issues. I listen to the radio stations, and they talk about some of the achievements in the medical sector and efforts to make sure that people receive their salaries on time. These are the things we have been praying and working for,” Boakai said.
The president thanked Ngafuan and his team, saying the public may see government services being delivered without necessarily understanding the work behind them.
“That is the job we have to do. You do not have to make everybody understand, but the work you do will speak for itself,” Boakai said.
He urged officials not to become complacent, emphasizing that the administration’s success depends on collective responsibility.
“We don’t want to slack in what we’re doing. I think we should continue, knowing very well that nobody here can do it alone. Teamwork is very important,” he said.
Boakai acknowledged that public criticism can sometimes frustrate officials, but urged them to remain focused on serving Liberians.
“This country has suffered a lot of setbacks for a long time, and we have to acknowledge that. But I think things are moving, and you have to take credit for that,” he said.
He also encouraged ministers and other senior officials to attend public functions whenever possible, saying their presence demonstrates institutional support for government programs and achievements.
Turning to governance and public criticism, Boakai said Liberia’s democratic environment allows citizens to freely express opinions about national issues and government decisions.
He urged officials not to let criticism stop them from doing their jobs or pressure them into making inappropriate decisions.
“If you did not have the knowledge and expertise to serve, you would not be where you are. So do what you have to do. Do it with a clear mind. Do it honestly, and do not allow people to force you into making decisions,” Boakai said.
The president said some critics frequently demand the dismissal of government officials, but cautioned that leadership decisions must be guided by facts, discipline and sound judgment rather than public pressure
Boakai delivered one of his strongest remarks when addressing criticism and what he described as attempts to intimidate his administration.
“Those people who think that threats and noise will intimidate us or cause us to stop are joking. We are not stopping. Let them do what they will do, but we will do what we are supposed to do in the interest of our country,” he said.
He expressed confidence in members of his administration while acknowledging that officials are human and may make mistakes. Those who cross the line, he said, will face appropriate action.
“We want to thank the security for their efforts, at some risk, for what they’re doing so far,” Boakai said.
The president acknowledged the difficulty of Liberia’s fight against illicit drugs and said the consequences extend beyond the damage narcotics cause to young people.
“The drug situation is not easy. I have heard about some actions that have taken place, even in our neighboring countries. We are trying to make sure that we address this situation,” Boakai said.
“A lot of people talk about drugs damaging our young people, but that is not all there is to it. When you become stigmatized as a country, you know the consequences.”
He vowed that Liberia would continue fighting illicit drug trafficking and seek to maintain its international standing.
“Our country will continue to fight for it to remain a drug-free country. It will remain a country that respects international laws, a country that protects its citizens at whatever cost,” he said
Boakai said the security challenge extends beyond narcotics trafficking to protecting Liberia’s borders, calling for stronger coordination among agencies operating in border areas.
“We have to make sure that we work with the various teams operating along our borders and with the joint security to ensure that Liberia remains a country that respects the rule of law and discipline,” he said.
Boakai also commended the Ministry of Public Works for ongoing road works and the Ministry of Finance for providing resources to support infrastructure projects.
He, however, expressed concern about the condition of the road leading to Roberts International Airport and demanded action.
“We will have to meet on that. I do not care what you have to do; we have to address it,” Boakai said.
The president acknowledged that government cannot operate without shortcomings but said officials should strive to deliver their best.
“I always tell people that when someone goes to buy a table, they examine it. They are not necessarily looking at how beautiful the table is; they are looking for the fault so they can use it to discourage themselves from buying it,” he said. “We cannot be faultless, but we can do our best to make sure that we do the right thing.”
Boakai also referenced work under the administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, stressing that allocating resources alone will not produce results without implementation and monitoring.
The president also highlighted donations being distributed through the ministries of Gender, Children and Social Protection and Education, including shoes, clothing and slippers reportedly provided by partners in the United Kingdom.
“As you know, for some time, I have been working with the Ministry of Gender and the Ministry of Education regarding items our friends in the United Kingdom have been sending to us — shoes, clothing, slippers and other essential items for needy people and girls in school. These items have been distributed around the country,” Boakai said
He contrasted the limited public attention surrounding those donations with questions raised over a bicycle he received.
“The moment they bought me a bicycle, then everybody questioned it. Nobody has asked how these other things came into the country,” he said.
Boakai disclosed that more than 10 containers carrying various items have entered Liberia through such arrangements. He said donations included jackets initially intended for workers associated with the government’s yellow machines initiative, some of which were subsequently distributed to other institutions.
“I understand the police received about 5,000,” he said.
The president said such donations save the government resources that otherwise would have been required to purchase the materials.
Boakai also highlighted ongoing reforms at Liberia’s seaports, saying his administration has reached an understanding on restructuring their operations.
“The National Port Authority has also been discussing the ports,” he said. “By the way, I think we have finally reached an understanding and approved the restructuring of how these ports should operate.”
He said similar attention would be given to the country’s airports, arguing that clearly defined systems and responsibilities are essential for accountability and effective service delivery
“When the proper systems are put in place, then we will know who is doing what and whether we are doing what we are supposed to do,” Boakai said.
The president closed by thanking Cabinet officials for their work and timely reporting, while reiterating his call for teamwork, discipline and sustained delivery as the administration seeks to translate government programs into measurable results for Liberians.
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