The Political Leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Alexander B. Cummings, has given his candid analysis about President Joseph Boakai and his Unity Party administration’s first year in power, criticizing the manner in which matters of real-time effect on the people are being handled.
During a media engagement on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 with several talk-show hosts, held in New Georgia and moderated/hosted by Sky FM’s T-Max Jlateh, Cummings critically analyzed the political and economic conditions of the country, identifying several key issues that he believes have negatively affected the government’s performance.
He outlined several missteps during Boakai’s first year, including the yellow machines scandal, which is yet to be properly handled, as well as the administration’s disregard for the rule of law. He cited President Boakai’s vehement posture to disregard the ruling of the Supreme Court on tenure positions by dismissing several of them, even though the court said otherwise.
Cummings also expressed concern about the impasse among members of the House of Representatives, blaming both the “majority” and “minority” blocs for not resolving the issue and following the law. He urged an immediate discussion to break the deadlock, noting that government must be based on the rule of law.
He wondered whether or not the living condition of Liberians has improved under the Boakai administration, and if there are more jobs available for the population. He said these are critical indicators of a government’s success, and that the best people to evaluate the government’s success are regular Liberians.
The ANC first partisan urged the government to swiftly take action in order to boost the economy, healthcare, education, agricultural, and tourist industries, adding that there is a dire need to project a business-friendly climate, free from political meddling, to draw the attention of investors in the country and encourage sustained growth.
He emphasized the need for a “robust focus on the economy”, suggesting that economic development should be at the core of Liberia’s priorities. He said he believes the country can achieve sustainable progress by focusing on creating jobs, improving the living condition of the people, and stimulating growth.
The former candidate of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) underscored the need to strengthen integrity institutions, as well as the Judiciary, to ensure that those who steal from the Liberian people are held accountable. According to him, monies curbed from these stealings could be diverted to purchase seeds for farmers and provide subsidies for Liberian businesses for them to grow and begin to pay taxes, which will also expand the means to raise the revenue coffers to a billion dollar.
He lamented on the challenges the nation could face as a result of the recent aid freeze by the United States, noting that it could create significant problems for the Liberian economy in the short term. He however stated that the decision could force the country to reduce its dependency on external aid, and strengthen its internal sectors.
Cummings emphasized the need for Liberia to reposition itself as a country—that it is open for business and capable of attracting investment. He suggested shifting the country’s image from one reliant on aid to one focused on economic opportunity and sustainable growth, which he said would be a game-changer for its future.
Meanwhile, Cummings has offered to provide help to the administration in formulating policies and providing suggestions where needed. He said it is still early to totally assess advancements in healthcare and education due to the enduring issues these sectors face. He vowed to continue speaking out in favor of changes that will enhance the quality of life for the people.