Boakai Administration Launches Sweeping Reforms in Education, Health and Agriculture

Published: April 24, 2026

MONROVIA — The Boakai administration is moving on multiple fronts to overhaul service delivery in education, health and agriculture, rolling out a series of initiatives that officials say are designed to address systemic gaps that have long undermined development outcomes across the country.

Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs Daniel O. Sando outlined the programs Thursday at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism’s regular press briefing.

Education

The Ministry of Education last week concluded the “Liberia Week of the Young Child” in Gbarnga, Bong County, closing out a nationwide initiative focused on early childhood development. The event drew hundreds of children, educators and community stakeholders, with nearly 20 early childhood institutions participating.

Education Minister Jaso Matijala used the closing ceremony to reaffirm the government’s commitment to foundational learning, highlighting the Excellence in Learning in Liberia project, early-grade digital learning programs and school feeding interventions as central planks of the ministry’s strategy.

“The week closed with a clear priority on strengthening early learning as a foundation for long-term educational outcomes in Liberia,” Sando said.

Health

On April 22, the Ministry of Health launched an Inter-Agency Food Safety and Sanitation Task Force, acting on a directive President Joseph Nyuma Boakai issued during the March 26 Cabinet meeting instructing Health Minister Louise M. Kpoto to coordinate national efforts on food safety, sanitation and hygiene.

The task force draws together the WASH Commission, Liberia National Police, Liberia Standards Authority, Ministry of Public Works, National Public Health Institute of Liberia and the National Food Authority. It will conduct nationwide inspections aimed at reducing duplication among regulatory bodies and strengthening enforcement.

“The joint effort will focus on promoting food safety, water quality, sanitation, and hygiene services while ensuring public protection and sustaining service quality to improve health outcomes,” Sando said.

Separately, the Ministry of Health, with World Bank support, has launched a technical review of the National Human Resources for Health Policy in Ganta, Nimba County. The review is intended to address persistent shortfalls in trained personnel, uneven staff distribution and capacity gaps in rural areas. Officials said the framework will guide recruitment, deployment and retention of health professionals while institutionalizing continuous professional development.

Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture has published three major national reports intended to sharpen the government’s response to food insecurity: the Global Hunger Index 2025, the Comprehensive Food Security and Nutrition Survey 2025, and the Nutrition Security Crisis Preparedness Plan.

Sando said the reports will guide policymaking, improve early warning systems and support timely interventions for vulnerable populations. He said the government intends to move from reactive crisis management to a proactive, evidence-based approach to food and nutrition security.

Sando said the initiatives reflect a deliberate multi-sectoral strategy. “These initiatives are about building systems that work for the Liberian people — ensuring that services are accessible, effective, and responsive to national needs,” he said.