Information gathered has disclosed a presidential mandate from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai issuing a new directive aimed at tightening control over international travel for officials of the executive branch.
The mandate, which surfaced in the executive branch chatroom yesterday, explicitly states that no official is permitted to travel abroad without the President’s approval, and all travel plans must be justified with clear benefits to the country.
According to leaked document, officials planning to travel internationally for official purposes are required to submit their travel plans to the Office of the President at least five working days in advance.
This submission must include a detailed explanation of how the proposed trip will benefit the Government and the people of Liberia. The mandate is intended to ensure that international trips by government officials are not only necessary but also provide tangible benefits to the country.
The mandate further stipulates that upon their return, cabinet members must complete an “Advice to Meet the President” form. This form is designed to inform President Boakai of the main outcomes and achievements of the international travel, ensuring accountability and transparency in the execution of official duties abroad.
The directive emphasizes that approval for international travel will henceforth be granted only if the trip promises clear advantages for the government and the Liberian populace. This move is seen as part of President Boakai’s broader effort to streamline government operations and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the executive branch.
Sources within the executive branch suggest that this mandate is a response to growing concerns about the frequent and sometimes unnecessary international travel by government officials, which has often been criticized as a waste of public resources.
By centralizing the approval process, President Boakai aims to curb such practices and ensure that international engagements are purposeful and result-oriented.
This directive comes at a time when the Boakai administration is under intense scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society groups, who have been vocal about the need for greater accountability and efficiency in government operations. The administration’s decision to implement stricter controls on international travel is likely to be closely watched as a barometer of its commitment to these principles.
