MONROVIA, Liberia – Liberian President Joseph Boakai has responded to mounting criticism over his recent use of a private jet for international travel, stating that the decision was not motivated by a desire for luxury, but by necessity.
The president’s remarks came during an interview with the BBC, which has since stirred heated public debate, especially on social media. Critics and opposition members have labeled the move as hypocritical, pointing out that Boakai previously criticized his predecessor, former President George Weah, for relying on private aircraft for foreign trips.
“I can assure you that we are not here to misuse resources for any purpose,” President Boakai said in the interview, attempting to downplay the controversy.
However, many Liberians view the president’s defense as unconvincing, especially given the country’s current economic difficulties. With high unemployment, inflation, and underfunded public services plaguing ordinary citizens, Boakai’s choice of transport has been described by some as tone-deaf and out of step with his government’s promise to uphold austerity, transparency, and accountability.
Opposition lawmakers and civil society groups have been quick to weigh in. Representative Yekeh Kolubah, a frequent critic of the Boakai administration, accused the president of “talking like a reformer, but living like an elite.” He added that the optics of chartering a private jet while the healthcare and education sectors remain underfunded sends the wrong message to struggling Liberians.
Others have called for the Office of the President to publicly disclose the cost of hiring the private aircraft and clarify whether the expense was covered by the national budget or sponsored through private channels.
“This administration must realize that it cannot demand sacrifice from the people while indulging in executive privileges,” said Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, a local good governance group. “Such decisions need to be justified with full transparency.”
While President Boakai has insisted the private jet was necessary for time-sensitive engagements abroad and to ensure security, analysts say the issue could snowball into a bigger political problem if not handled with greater openness.
Political commentator Ezekiel Doe observed that, “In a country still recovering from systemic corruption and public distrust, perception is reality. Even if justified, the use of a private jet fuels narratives of elite excess.”
Boakai’s administration, which came into office on promises of ethical governance, fiscal discipline, and restoration of public trust, is now navigating its first major PR test. The president, known for his long political career and elder statesman image, is being urged to align rhetoric with action—particularly in times of economic hardship.
In response to the backlash, presidential spokesperson Kula Fofana said the decision to use a private jet was strategic and not reflective of the administration’s overall travel policy. “This is not a recurring practice. It was a one-off decision taken in the interest of the state’s urgency,” she told local media.
Despite these explanations, critics continue to draw comparisons between Boakai and the former president. Many are now asking whether the new government’s “change agenda” includes a genuine shift in leadership lifestyle or simply a change of faces at the top.
As Boakai’s government marks its early months in office, the outcome of this debate may shape public perception of his commitment to humble leadership and accountability. With inflation biting and donor confidence still recovering, the administration is under pressure to set the tone for ethical governance in both word and deed.
