Liberian President Joseph Boakai has introduced a 40 per cent lower to his annual wage to deliver it down from $13,400 to $8,000 per 12 months.
The choice comes amid heightened public scrutiny of presidency salaries and widespread discontent over the rising price of dwelling within the West African nation, the place roughly 20% of the inhabitants lives on lower than $2 a day.
President Boakai’s workplace acknowledged that he hoped to set a precedent for “accountable governance” and exhibit “solidarity” with Liberians.
His motion mirrors that of his predecessor, George Weah, who had beforehand decreased his wage by 25%.
Reactions to the pay lower have been combined. Whereas some reward the transfer, others query its significance provided that the president continues to obtain advantages reminiscent of a each day allowance and medical cowl.
Anderson D. Miamen of the Centre of Transparency and Accountability in Liberia, referred to as the pay lower “welcoming,” expressing hope that “the general public will clearly see the place the deductions will go and the way they are going to be used to positively impression the lives of the individuals.”
Equally, W. Lawrence Yealue II, whose organisation additionally campaigns for presidency transparency, described the choice as “very commendable” and emphasised that “management needs to be supplied from the highest.” He additionally expressed the hope that Mr. Boakai’s advantages can be reviewed within the price range for the following monetary 12 months.
President Boakai has additionally dedicated to empowering Liberia’s Civil Service Company to make sure truthful compensation for public servants.
This pledge comes within the wake of protests by lawmakers who, having not acquired their official vehicles, arrived at parliament in tricycles tuk-tuks, recognized regionally as keh-keh, a standard mode of transport for a lot of Liberians.
Since taking workplace in January, after defeating Mr. Weah in a run-off election, President Boakai has prioritised tackling corruption and monetary mismanagement.
He has declared his property and ordered an audit of the presidential workplace, with outcomes pending.
Moreover, he has strengthened the Normal Auditing Fee and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Fee.