Liberia: President Joseph Boakai orders an unprecedented audit of the Presidency, a historic first for transparency
President Joseph Boakai has taken an unprecedented step in Liberia’s history by subjecting his own office to an internal audit conducted by the General Audit Commission (GAC) a first for a sitting head of state in the country. This decision marks a radical break from past practices, in which presidents often evaded financial oversight while demanding integrity from their staff.
“I have never heard of a president who subjects himself to an audit,” said Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah during a press conference in February 2026. Auditor General Gusuah Jackson called this initiative “historic,” emphasizing that President Boakai has chosen to hold himself to the same standards of integrity that he imposes on his staff.
Beyond his own office, the president ordered thorough audits of key state institutions: the Central Bank of Liberia, the National Security Agency, and the Executive Protection Service, as well as audits of the judicial and legislative branches. These investigations revealed major financial irregularities, including revenue discrepancies totaling $91.8 million and 12.7 billion Liberian dollars in the government’s revenue accounts.
The audit of public revenues, covering the period from July 2018 to December 2024, revealed systemic failures: commercial banks took up to 24 days to transfer collected funds to the government, in violation of the required 24-hour deadline. Unauthorized withdrawals and fraudulent reversal transactions were also identified.
This drive for transparency is part of President Boakai’s broader commitment to establishing a culture of responsible governance. In addition to the audits, his administration has implemented additional anti-corruption mechanisms, including the Office of the Ombudsman, the Asset Recovery Task Force, and the ongoing process of establishing a Court for War Crimes and Economic Crimes. Asset disclosure requirements have been imposed on all public officials, with suspensions and fines for violators.
By opening his office to an audit and demanding the same rigor from all institutions, President Boakai is sending a clear message: Liberia is turning the page on impunity and is firmly committed to transparent and accountable governance.
TheHatLady
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