The Unity Party Youth Congress (UPYC) has expressed concern about the revelation of opulent salaries and wages structures at the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), though it has been there from the previous government, as is the case with other state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
A release issued by the UP Youth Congress says, “At a time when the government is working to rescue the economy, such practices undermine the administration’s effort to create a just, transparent and equitable system. We support the President’s call for an immediate review of all salaries and benefits of SOEs across government, via the Bureau of State-owned Enterprises, to align with national realities and economic priorities.
“We call upon President Boakai’s Administration and the relevant authorities to take swift action on the General Auditing Commission’s reports, which revealed cases of corruption among previous and current LTA commissioners, Central Bank of Liberia officials, former Minister of State, Finance and Development Planning et al. The fight against corruption is a key pillar of the Rescue platform, and addressing these past misdeeds is essential for restoring public trust in government institutions. The youth of Liberia demand accountability and justice for those who misused public resources as these are consequently relative to our futures,” the release pointed out.
“We beseech the President to expedite the prosecutory processes to ensure impunity is finally banished from our society as there’s zero tolerance for impunity. We also warn the ‘Elephant’, ‘Porcupine’, ‘Gbaygbaydio’ and their likes to remain stupor as they do not have any moral compass to partake in debates of corruption. After watching in agony for six (6) years the economic mayhem, cannibalism, gang-rape and plundering of the State’s Covers and Resources, the UPNYC further insists that the CDC and her people should hold their horses as they too do not have the moral rectitude to vainly beat their chest or make horrendous allegations on corruption, all in an effort to purchase public sentiments.
“We however advise that the CDC rather busy themselves with finding a new home and vacate the Bernards’ property as instructed by the Supreme Court. Additionally, they can initiate a GoFundMe or another Dollar Rally to extort unsuspecting citizens and donors in support of Mr. Weah and his social improprieties,” the release added.
Meanwhile, the Unity Party National Youth Congress has expressed strong disapproval of the recent request by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, through the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), for $96,000 to purchase a luxurious Chevrolet suburban vehicle. Such an expenditure, the group said, especially in the current economic climate, is a clear contradiction to the ethos of a Rescue Agenda. “We urge Minister Amin Modad to return the Liberian people’s car in the interim whilst he focuses on addressing the high cost of living of ordinary Liberians. Public officials must prioritize the welfare of the people over personal luxury.
“It is already an annoyance and bad omen that our roads are in an unpleasurable state, especially during this time of the year. To see the growing disturbances at some government ministries and agencies, amongst heads of institutions and their deputies is distasteful and disgusting. One would think that those disturbances would have been caused by the National Youth Congress, here however, it is being perpetuated by individuals way above the chronological numbers of the United Nations Charter on Youths and Young Persons. To spotlight a few, the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the National Port Authority (NPA), and the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) inter alia. We beseech you, Mr. President, to intervene and squash those brouhahas before they spill over to other ministries and agencies to ignite cascading, consequential and detrimental effects,” the release stated.
In a related development, The Unity Party National Youth Congress (UPNYC) has reemphasized its commitment to supporting the administration of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, and acknowledged the significant efforts made by the President since his ascendency to state power in January 2024 to restore economic normalcy and good governance in Liberia.
The UP youth also appreciated the President’s effort, and other well-meaning patriots, in supporting the government’s cause to secure a “non-permanent” seat at the United Nations Security Council, observing that Liberia holding a seat at such a table is not only a significant gain for the country but also for the sub-region, continent and the world.
By the same token, the UP National Youth Congress rained praises on the Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC), Amos Tweh, and the Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Mohammed Ali, for the tremendous evidential work and strides being made at their respective institutions and sectors. “So far, it is the opinion of the NYC that these two statesmen are fostering the ARREST Agenda. The UPNYC will rain fame where progress is made and name-shame where regress is recorded,” the youth congress observed in the release.
“In light of efforts of the Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as regards the reduction in the price of petroleum products, we call upon the Ministry of Transport and the Liberia National Police (LNP) to go beyond vehicle inspections and take the necessary steps to adjust transport fares and enforce it to the letter, accordingly. It is essential that the transport fares reflect the true essence of the fuel price reductions. By doing so, the public will directly benefit from these savings, and this will further ease the burden on the average Liberian,” the release further observed.
The NYC commended the Civil Service Agency (CSA) for its exceptional work in clearing out ghost names that were created by the previous administration of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) from the government’s payroll. According to the UP youth, this critical action has helped restore integrity and efficiency within our public service, and expressed gratitude to the CSA for lifting the ban on new recruits, which will pave the way for fresh talent and energy to join the government’s workforce.
The UP National Youth Congress maintained that it remains committed to supporting President Boakai’s administration in delivering on its promises of reform, growth and accountability vis-a-vis the ARREST Agenda.
“Finally, we will continue to hold the government accountable where necessary to ensure that Liberia progresses toward a future that benefits all its citizens. Fellow Liberians, as we ‘Think, Love and Build Liberia’, let us all strive for national patriotism and remain hopeful. The darkest days of our lives are behind us; ahead, a vibrant, bold and bright future beckons on the horizon,” the release concluded.