Government Critic Condemns President Boakai’s Ghana Trip Amid National Flood Crisis…
By: GKenyea Johnson
Monrovia, June 29, 2024 – In the wake of a devastating national flood disaster sweeping across Liberia, former District #8 Representative Acarious Gray has publicly criticized President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for leaving the country. Gray, a vocal government critic, took to his official Facebook page to denounce the President’s decision to travel to Ghana with a large delegation and over half a million U.S. dollars, labeling the trip as unnecessary and wasteful.
“Other Presidents would cut off such a wasteful trip to help their people,” Gray stated, referencing the severe flooding that has left many Liberians in dire need of assistance.
The criticism comes on the heels of an official press release from the Executive Mansion announcing President Boakai’s departure for Accra, Ghana, to attend the commencement ceremony of the Regional Maritime University, where he is scheduled to deliver the commencement address as Guest of Honor. The trip, which includes an official delegation featuring key government ministers and advisors, will span from June 28 to June 30, 2024.
The delegation accompanying President Boakai comprises:
Honorable N. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice
Honorable Sirleaf Tyler, Minister of Transport
Honorable Morley Kamara, Economic Advisor to the President
Honorable Neto Z. Lighe, Commissioner General, Liberia Maritime Authority
Honorable Jerolinmek M. Piah, Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism
The President’s support staff, including his Chief of Protocol, communications and media assistants, security personnel, and personal aides, are also part of the travel party.
In President Boakai’s absence, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff, Honorable Sylvester M. Grigsby, will chair the Cabinet and coordinate with the President.
This trip, coming at a time of national crisis, has drawn significant backlash from critics who argue that the President should prioritize addressing the immediate needs of the flood-stricken population over international engagements. The Liberia National Red Cross has been actively involved in relief efforts, with images of the disaster highlighting the urgent need for national leadership and support.
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