President Joseph Boakai has taken an unprecedented step in Liberian history by submitting his own office to an internal audit conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) a first for a sitting head of state in the country. The decision marks a radical break from past practices, where presidents often evaded financial scrutiny while demanding integrity from their subordinates.
Auditor General Gusuah Jackson described the initiative as « historic, » emphasising that President Boakai chose to hold himself to the same standards of integrity he requires of his collaborators. Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah remarked: « I have never heard of a president submitting to an audit. »
Beyond his own office, the president ordered comprehensive audits of key state institutions: the Central Bank of Liberia, the National Security Agency, the Executive Protection Service, as well as the judiciary and the legislature.
These investigations uncovered major financial irregularities, including revenue shortfalls amounting to $91.8 million and 12.7 billion Liberian dollars in state revenue accounts.
The audit of public revenues, covering the period from July 2018 to December 2024, revealed systemic failures: commercial banks took up to 24 days to transfer collected funds to the government, violating the required 24-hour deadline.
Unauthorised withdrawals and fraudulent reversion operations were also identified.
This pursuit of transparency is part of President Boakai’s broader commitment to fostering a culture of accountable governance.
Beyond the audits, his administration has implemented additional anti-corruption mechanisms, including the Office of the Ombudsman, the Asset Recovery Task Force, and the ongoing process of establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court.
Asset declaration requirements have been imposed on all public officials, with suspensions and fines for non-compliance.
The General Auditing Commission has commended President Boakai for creating an audit environment free from political interference, noting that the government paid 50% of the commission’s approved budget a first since the law was enacted.
By opening his office to audit and demanding the same rigour across all institutions, President Boakai sends a clear message: Liberia is turning the page on impunity and resolutely committing to the path of transparent and accountable governance.
