Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has issued a pointed warning to newly commissioned government officials, declaring that public office is a public trust and must never be used as a platform for personal benefit.
Speaking Tuesday, September 8, 2026, during the commissioning ceremony at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, President Boakai told officials heading to state-owned enterprises, the National Elections Commission, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, local government offices and various executive agencies that their appointments were neither rewards nor entitlements.
“Public office is a public trust,” Boakai declared, stressing that the authority being handed to government officials ultimately belongs to the Liberian people.
According to the President, officials are merely temporary custodians of public authority and must therefore exercise their responsibilities with honesty, professionalism and accountability.
His warning comes as his administration continues to emphasize accountability, integrity and the rule of law under its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Boakai cautioned officials against confusing access to government resources with ownership, making clear that state assets must remain dedicated to public purposes.
“The cars, offices, budgets, equipment, and authority entrusted to you belong to the Republic,” he said, urging officials to use them accordingly.
The President was particularly direct with officials assigned to state-owned enterprises, saying the institutions must be professionally managed, financially responsible, transparent and accountable.
He warned against turning public enterprises into institutions where resources are wasted or where employment and contracts are distributed based on personal relationships.
Instead, he said, state-owned enterprises must deliver the services for which they were created and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Boakai also placed a significant burden of responsibility on local government officials, describing superintendents and other county officials as the face of his administration for Liberians outside Monrovia.
“For many Liberians outside Monrovia, their interaction with you is their interaction with this administration,” he said.
He urged them to remain accessible, listen to citizens and work with traditional leaders, legislators, civil society organizations, women, youth, religious leaders and communities.
Political differences, he warned, must not determine who receives government services.
“Once you assume public office, your responsibility extends beyond those who supported you,” Boakai said. “You are there to serve all Liberians.”
The President also delivered a message to officials involved in the fight against corruption, particularly the incoming Vice Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.
He called for an anti-corruption campaign that is credible, impartial and uncompromising, urging the official to act without fear or favor and to be guided by the law, evidence and national interest.
The Chairman of the National Elections Commission was similarly reminded that the credibility of Liberia’s democracy depends heavily on the independence, integrity, fairness and professionalism of election administrators.
Boakai’s remarks ultimately framed government appointments as temporary assignments rather than personal achievements.
He reminded the newly commissioned officials that their titles would eventually disappear, but their records in office would remain.
“What will remain is the record of what we did while we had the opportunity to serve,” he said.
The President challenged each official to leave their respective institution, county, community or office better than they found it.
