Liberian President Joseph Boakai has introduced a 40 per cent lower to his annual wage to convey it down from $13,400 to $8,000 per yr.
The choice comes amid heightened public scrutiny of presidency salaries and widespread discontent over the rising value of residing within the West African nation, the place roughly 20% of the inhabitants lives on lower than $2 a day.
President Boakai’s workplace said that he hoped to set a precedent for “accountable governance” and display “solidarity” with Liberians.
His motion mirrors that of his predecessor, George Weah, who had beforehand lowered his wage by 25%.
Reactions to the pay lower have been blended. Whereas some reward the transfer, others query its significance provided that the president continues to obtain advantages akin to a every day allowance and medical cowl.
Anderson D. Miamen of the Centre of Transparency and Accountability in Liberia, known 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 influence the lives of the folks.”
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 offered from the highest.” He additionally expressed the hope that Mr. Boakai’s advantages can be reviewed within the funds for the following monetary yr.
President Boakai has additionally dedicated to empowering Liberia’s Civil Service Company to make sure honest compensation for public servants.
This pledge comes within the wake of protests by lawmakers who, having not obtained their official vehicles, arrived at parliament in tricycles tuk-tuks, recognized domestically as keh-keh, a typical 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 belongings 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.
