Maintain Transparency and Accountability in Liberia

The recent disagreement between the executive and legislative branches of the Liberian government over the import of the 285 yellow machines, crucial for repairing roads across the country, raises serious questions about good governance. Liberia urgently needs these machines, and the president and his team's efforts in bringing them into the country are greatly appreciated. However, it's essential that transparency and accountability are maintained at all times. 

The 'check and balance system,' a cornerstone of democratic processes, is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability. The executive branch's failure to quickly disclose the required information to the Lawmakers and Liberian people about the yellow machines in question does not represent best practices. Every significant agreement or transaction, whether in the country's best interest or not, that requires spending public funds must be fully disclosed to the public. This system, when upheld, can reassure us that our democracy is functioning as it should.  

Notably, the executive branch of the government of Liberia is setting remarkable new standards. According to reliable sources, the previous administrations used brown envelopes containing cash to entice the lawmakers to sign or support legislation and agreements, regardless of the country's best interests. The Liberian government is a complex public entity with many people with different aspirations, making it challenging to monitor. However, the Liberian Future Defender, a strong advocate for a future where such practices are a thing of the past, is a beacon of hope. We hope the president of Liberia will continue to fight for this future. 

The government of Liberia should not only wait for big businesses or corporations from abroad to strengthen the economy. Creating and supporting a conducive and friendly environment for small local businesses could quickly grow Liberia's economy.

One of the most powerful economies in the world, the United States Economy relies on small businesses.

• About half of the U.S. employees in 2023 worked for small businesses.
• Small businesses created 65% of the jobs in the USA between 1995 and 2020
• Also, 12.9 million jobs, about 66% of all jobs in recent years, were created by small businesses in the United States. (Podium, 2023)
• African Development Bank indicated that small and medium businesses represent 90% of West African businesses and about 50 % of the region's gross domestic product (GDP).

The government is responsible for empowering small businesses through funding, government contracts, guarantee loans, and education or training. Many of these strategies and practices are not new to Liberian officials. The issue is corruption. For example, several government officials, relatives, and friends may own private companies that receive government contracts to the country's detriment.

Higher salaries and benefits of senior executive officials and lawmakers impact the government's financial ability to provide critical services to the people and support small businesses in the country. Even providing necessary support to small businesses without addressing the salary problem will likely derail economic growth. The executive and lawmakers must work together to reduce their salaries and benefits to provide reasonable wages and benefits for civil servants, mainly teachers, nurses, police officers, etc., in the best interest of economic development. The civil servants need buying power to support small businesses and the economy. Remember, small businesses are the foundation and lifeblood of a successful economy.

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The world must applaud Liberians for their resilience in dealing with financial hardship and poverty created by their government. The government failed the people despite international support. The European Union (EU) gave Liberia $300m from 2014 to 2021 for the followings:

• job creation
• good governance
• transparency 
• accountability
• human rights
• fight against corruption
• sexual and gender-based violence
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations

There is no evidence in the country showing the accomplishment of any of the above expectations. In a recent meeting, the government failed to provide proof to the EU officials. It is not a surprise because the Sirleaf administration failed to address these issues. It is unlikely for the Weah administration, dominated by Sirleaf's former officials, to make satisfactory progress in solving the problems. Democracy is based on the idea that the government should fear the people and not the other way around. It is not the case in Liberia. The government must put people's interests first if it wants the people's support.  

The government's failure contributes to anti-government campaigns at home and abroad. Many Liberians support different groups (talk-show hosts, opposition parties, and others) with no proven credibility because their government is doing them an injustice. 

                     Weah administration received $40m in 2022 from World Bank to improve the investment opportunity and increase the efficiency of trade in Liberia. However, the government did not disclose any plan for creating investment opportunities in Liberia during the 2022 cabinet retreat in Ganta City, Liberia. The Weah administration received limited outside financial assistance due to credibility issues. The US government and other donors are concerned about corruption, a lack of transparency, and accountability. President Weah must pay attention if he wants to remain president of Liberia.