MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) has accused the Boakai-Koung administration of worsening economic hardship, defending elite privilege and applying the law selectively, while demanding an independent investigation into drug-trafficking allegations involving President Joseph Boakai’s son, Jojo Boakai.
In a strongly worded statement issued Thursday, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu Jr. criticized the government’s handling of public finances, arguing that the country’s billion-dollar national budget has yet to deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary Liberians.
The organization cited persistent poverty, deteriorating public schools, inadequate healthcare and rising financial pressures on workers as evidence of what it described as a failure to translate public spending into tangible benefits for citizens.
STAND also questioned disparities in public-sector compensation, contrasting the reported monthly earnings and allowances of senior Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) officials with the financial difficulties faced by lower-paid government employees.
According to the organization, some senior CBL officials reportedly receive monthly salaries of about US$14,000, alongside housing allowances of US$15,000. It also cited a reported compensation package of approximately US$29,000 per month disclosed by a CBL deputy governor nominee.
The group further raised concerns about a Governance Commission employee who reportedly faces a salary reduction from US$1,281.91 to US$900 per month.
STAND said the alleged disparities raise questions about fairness, accountability and the government’s commitment to shared sacrifice.
It called on the Civil Service Agency, Governance Commission, CBL and Legislature to explain the differences in compensation and subject public-sector salaries, allowances and benefits to an independent and transparent review. The organization also urged authorities to reverse any decisions found to violate applicable laws or regulations and hold responsible officials accountable.
STAND Questions SPARK Foundation Amid Drug Allegations
The organization’s criticism extended to the launch of the SPARK Foundation associated with Jojo Boakai, which it characterized as an attempt to promote a humanitarian image while serious questions remain about the widely reported US$317 million drug case.
STAND argued that charitable activities should not distract from the need for accountability, insisting that allegations involving the President’s son must be examined through an independent and credible investigation.
The group alleged that substantial evidence warrants scrutiny of Jojo Boakai and maintained that his family connection to the President should not shield him from the law. However, the allegations remain subject to investigation and due process.
STAND also accused the administration of applying inconsistent standards in drug-related cases, particularly in its handling of former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor and the allegations it has raised concerning Jojo Boakai.
The organization questioned why the government would pursue action against Taylor while, in its view, failing to demonstrate comparable urgency in investigating the President’s son.
It challenged President Boakai to explain the legal basis for Taylor’s continued detention and to demonstrate that law enforcement decisions are guided by evidence rather than political considerations.
“No one should be above the law, regardless of family name or political privilege,” STAND said in its statement, calling for equal treatment under the justice system.
The group also alleged that Jojo Boakai could be using funds of questionable origin or public resources to advance a philanthropic image. It provided no independently verified evidence in the statement establishing that claim.
Warns of Lawful Civil Disobedience
STAND warned that its concerns over alleged corruption, unequal treatment and the government’s response to drug-trafficking allegations could lead to further public action.
The organization said the administration’s continued failure to address allegations involving the President’s son and other senior officials could become grounds for targeted civil disobedience, provided such actions remain within the law.
It announced plans to make a broader declaration in the coming days, outlining what it describes as an elitist, “Rich Family-First” approach to governance.
The group also signaled plans to confront the National Legislature over alleged corruption among lawmakers, political patronage and what it considers a failure to exercise effective constitutional oversight.
STAND maintained that public institutions must be held accountable for their decisions and urged reform-minded groups to use lawful means to challenge abuses of power.
The organization concluded that restoring public confidence requires transparent management of state resources, credible investigations into allegations of wrongdoing and equal application of the law, regardless of political affiliation or family Connection.
