Liberia: STAND Slams Boakai-Koung Over Poverty, CBL Pay Disparities; Demands Probe Into President’s Son

MONROVIA -The Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) has accused the Boakai-Koung administration of failing ordinary Liberians while allowing wide salary disparities within government, and reiterated call for an independent investigation into drug trafficking allegations involving Joseph Boakai Jr. By Jaheim T. Tumu – jaheim. tumu@frontpageafricaonline. com STAND said the government’s billion-dollar budget has not translated into meaningful relief for citizens struggling with poverty, poor public services and economic hardship. It also questioned why senior Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) officials reportedly receive substantial salaries and allowances while some lower-paid public workers face salary reductions. In a statement issued, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu Jr.

said the government’s approach to public spending and accountability reflects what the group described as a growing gap between the privileges enjoyed by senior officials and the difficulties facing ordinary citizens. “Despite boasting of a billion-dollar budget, the government has failed to translate increased public spending into meaningful relief for ordinary Liberians,” STAND said. STAND argued that nearly three years into the Boakai-Koung administration, many Liberians continue to struggle to meet their basic needs, while public schools and healthcare services remain inadequate. STAND Questions CBL Pay Packages STAND cited reported compensation packages at the Central Bank of Liberia as an example of what it considers unequal treatment within the public sector. According to the group, some senior CBL officials reportedly receive monthly salaries of US$14,000, along with US$15,000 in housing allowances. The statement also cited a reported compensation package of approximately US$29,000 per month…