MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Liberian citizen Grace R. Guar has sharply criticized President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s latest government appointments, questioning whether merit or political and personal connections are driving the reshuffle.
Guar accused the administration of repeatedly appointing political loyalists, friends and associates to key positions, arguing that Liberia has many qualified citizens capable of serving the government.
She particularly questioned the appointment of Stephen M. Yekeson Jr. to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, citing past allegations investigated by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) concerning unexplained wealth.
Guar referenced a 2013 Voice of America report which said the LACC had raised questions about more than US$300,000 deposited in multiple accounts linked to Yekeson while he was a Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Public Works. The allegations were not established as wrongdoing, and Yekeson denied the accusations at the time.
She also questioned the reassignment of Magdalene Dagoseh and the return of Oswald Tweh to the Ministry of National Defense.
Guar challenged Tweh’s suitability for the Defense Ministry, pointing to his previous role at the Ministry of Justice and raising questions about his experience in national security.
“How can someone who failed at Justice and was taken off the national security team during a major drug investigation now be expected to do better at Defense?” she asked.
Guar urged President Boakai to prioritize competence, integrity and national interest over political loyalty and personal relationships.
“Liberia is not just for UP partisans, your family, your tribesmen, or your friends; the country belongs to all Liberians,” she said.
Her comments reflect growing public scrutiny of the administration’s latest reshuffle and the qualifications and backgrounds of some of the newly appointed officials.
