Africa-Press – Liberia. The former President of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), Bishop Kortu Brown, has urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to conduct a comprehensive review of the performance of his public officials to help address the worsening “economic pains” being experienced by ordinary Liberians.
Bishop Brown, Founder and Senior Pastor of the New Water in the Desert Apostolic Pentecostal Church (APC), said while the government has made some efforts to address “bread and butter” issues, President Boakai must now take bold steps to overhaul his cabinet if he is to make meaningful impact.
He made the statement during an interview with reporters at his church in Brewerville, outside Monrovia.
Bishop Brown acknowledged ongoing government initiatives such as road construction and rehabilitation, efforts to maintain peace, a reduction in transportation fares, and slight decreases in the prices of basic commodities. However, he said more decisive action is needed.
Walking in Weah’s Shoes
Bishop Brown cautioned that President Boakai risks repeating the mistakes of his predecessor, former President George Manneh Weah, if he fails to evaluate the performance of his officials and dismiss those underperforming or contributing to the “economic pains” of the citizenry.
He warned against retaining a group of public officials for an extended period despite widespread public dissatisfaction with their performance.
“The bread and butter issue is about reducing the economic pains of ordinary Liberians. The government, especially the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, should fully seize this. We can’t say that the government is not concerned, but we can say that it is not taking formidable steps. There’s still more to be done — there is a need for a full and comprehensive intervention,” he stressed.
Engagements and Collective Action
Bishop Brown recommended that the government hold broader engagements with stakeholders at all levels to address the growing economic challenges confronting citizens.
He emphasized that solving Liberia’s economic problems must be a collective effort, not one that is “barricaded or privatized.”
‘Be Focused’
The Bishop called on government officials to remain focused on combating poverty and hunger rather than spending time responding to critics.
He said public officials should see criticisms as an opportunity for correction and improvement, not as attacks.
“The government spends too much time responding to too many things. I think it is unnecessary. Some of these things are distractions, corrections, motivation, or encouragement. Be focused and strategic because there is an economic pain in ordinary Liberians that needs to be lessened. If you have pain, you need a painkiller — we need economic painkillers. Maybe it’s time for the President to overhaul his cabinet,” he added.
Review Performance
Bishop Brown noted that a comprehensive performance review and a possible cabinet overhaul could help reduce the economic hardship Liberians are facing.
He clarified, however, that such an overhaul should not merely bring in new faces but should also retain those performing effectively.
“The government should first conduct a performance review. What are the goals and objectives set for all the sectors — finance, health, education, agriculture, foreign affairs, and youth and sports? What have we achieved in two years?” he asked.
‘Speak Out’
Bishop Brown further called on members of the Economic Management Team (EMT) to regularly brief the public on progress made toward alleviating the country’s economic woes.
He said the EMT should refrain from responding to critics on social media and radio talk shows and instead focus on executing their duties efficiently.
According to him, many Liberians remain unaware of the team’s achievements because they are overshadowed by public disputes and personal attacks.
He specifically mentioned the World Bank’s US$40 million program aimed at empowering Liberian women, saying the initiative has not been adequately explained to the public.
“Somebody has to have a sense of accountability to the public. We owe the public some explanation on how we are performing or how we intend to get them out of the economic pains they face. Sometimes the government tries to explain its programs, but these efforts are overshadowed by personal attacks,” Bishop Brown noted.
He cautioned the government against allowing its achievements to be eclipsed by constant responses to criticism, warning that such a focus “serves no useful purpose.”
Call for Justice and Integrity
Bishop Brown also urged Liberians to desist from double standards and to stand up for justice in their communities, workplaces, and the nation at large.
“We cannot claim to be a law-abiding society while promoting or turning a blind eye to wrongdoing,” he said. “Every Liberian has a constitutional right to due process, and we must allow the law to take its course. Violence and lawlessness only breed more chaos.”
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
