Liberian President, Joseph N. Boakai has issued a strong reminder to his Cabinet that the government’s ability to safeguard national stability and prosperity rests squarely on its commitment to addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Executive Mansion, President Boakai declared, “A country that cannot provide for the poor cannot protect the rich.”
The President remark came as part of a broader call for inclusive governance, accountability, and people-centered development. Boakai warned that ignoring the plight of the majority poor could fuel social and economic instability, undermining peace and security, emphasizing that the government must remain conscious of its responsibility to reduce poverty, bridge inequality, and ensure that national wealth benefits all citizens.
The Liberian leader spoke amid mounting public concerns over unemployment, inflation, and limited access to essential services, particularly in health, education, and infrastructure. Boakai also urged Cabinet ministers to design and implement policies that do not only focus on elites but also bring relief to ordinary Liberians.
“Our citizens expect more than speeches; they expect action. The survival of our democracy and the stability of our nation depend on how we treat the weakest among us,” he said. He reminded his officials that history has shown nations crumble when the majority feel neglected, warning that social unrest is never far away when poverty deepens.
According to him, the government’s credibility lies in its ability to uplift those at the margins of society. President Boakai stressed that ministries and agencies must ensure that policies are not only well-written but also effectively executed; underscoring that every Cabinet member is accountable for delivering results that resonate with the daily struggles of ordinary Liberians.
The President further urged his Cabinet to adopt a results-oriented approach, calling for measurable targets and timelines. He said ministries must report regularly on progress to ensure that promises made to the Liberian people translate into tangible outcomes, while stressing the need for transparency in governance, noting that corruption and mismanagement rob the poor of opportunities.
Boakai highlighted that protecting the rich is meaningless if national inequality widens unchecked. He argued that wealth without equity creates fragile societies where peace is constantly threatened. “The comfort of the few will always be endangered when the many live in misery,” he stated.
