Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has issued a strong message to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, warning that Liberia’s reported economic growth is not translating into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
Drawing on findings he attributes to recent reports from the World Bank and the United States Department of State calling on the Unity Party-led administration to address structural economic challenges, corruption, unemployment and the rising cost of doing business.
In his statement, Senator Konneh declared, “Growth is up, but the people are down.” He argued that while Liberia is recording encouraging economic indicators, many citizens continue to struggle with poverty, limited employment opportunities and economic hardship.
The senator cited several positive economic indicators for 2025 including 5.1% economic growth, compared with 4.0% in 2024, 17% growth in mining, alongside stronger exports, budget deficit of 2.1% of GDP, public debt at 55.1% of GDP and lower inflation.
Konneh acknowledged the administration’s efforts, stating, “President Boakai and his team deserve credit for macroeconomic stability.”
According to figures Konneh attributed to the World Bank’s seventh Liberia Economic Update, “Extreme poverty increased from 34.6% to 36.1%, 78% of workers are engaged in informal self-employment, 86% of firms are microenterprises, agriculture reportedly grew by only 2.6% and, capital spending declined from 8.5% to 5.7% of GDP.
The senator argued that economic expansion must generate jobs, improve household incomes and strengthen productive sectors.
Referring to the U.S. State Department’s 2026 Investment Climate Statement, Konneh highlighted reported obstacles facing investors, including corruption concerns, unofficial payment demands, weaknesses in contract enforcement and inadequate infrastructure. He maintained that addressing these barriers is necessary to attract sustainable investment. “Confidence does not come from press releases. It comes from structural reforms.”
Konneh insisted that criticism of government performance should not automatically be interpreted as political opposition. He urged President Boakai to surround himself with officials willing to confront difficult realities and demand accountability.
In one of his strongest remarks, the senator declared, “Mr. President, your people are crying, they don’t feel rescued at midterm; you need an enforcer on your team, someone who tells your folks the hard truth.”
