– By Doing What He Criticized Yesteryear
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia: Supporters and critics alike are dismayed over what they see as a glaring contradiction—one that undermines public trust in President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration, especially with his 23-member delegation to Japan, which blatantly violates Liberia’s Revised Travel Ordinance Law of 2025, that took effect on January 2, 2025.
Early Saturday, August 16, 2025, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai led a 23-member delegation (Excluding logistics, and media teams) to Japan for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9) and Expo 2025 from August 16–23, 2025.
Under Rule #3, government-funded overseas delegations are capped at five (5) persons for any event, regardless of participating entities.
Meanwhile, Rule #4 allows a slightly higher limit of seven (7) delegates only for high-level meetings like UN General Assembly summits—a category that does not include TICAD or Expo 2025. Martin K. Kollie, a staunch supporter of the government calls it a reckless misuse of scarce resources. He estimates that the delegation will cost taxpayers over $110,768—excluding airfare—at a time when Liberia grapples with dire economic challenges. “This is not ‘Rescue,’” Kollie said.
He highlights collapsing infrastructure at state-run universities, underpaid civil servants earning as little as $150 per month, and a worsening drug epidemic amid rising insecurity. “Health facilities and public schools are starved of funding, while security forces lack basic logistics,” he noted. “Yet the government splurges on overseas trips?”
In response, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah dismissed the backlash, arguing that the delegation size is justified given the “essential” nature of the engagements. He downplayed comparisons to past administrations, insisting that Boakai’s trip is strictly business—not leisure. “President Boakai has not left this country and stayed out for 58 days. He has not left this country with a delegation of 50 persons,” Piah countered, as if a smaller excess somehow absolves the violation of travel laws.
Critics, however, see a deeper hypocrisy. The Boakai administration had previously condemned similar excesses under former President Weah, pledging austerity and accountability. Now, with this trip flouting legal limits on delegation sizes (five for ordinary trips, seven for summits), many are of the opinion that the government’s credibility is eroding.
The delegation:
The President is being accompanied by Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, along with several other cabinet members: Commerce Minister Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot J.M. Paye, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, and Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah.
Key health and education officials joining the trip include Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah and Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, alongside Gender Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie. Legislative representation comes from Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Abraham Darius Dillon and his House counterpart Nehker E. Gaye. The delegation also features several presidential advisors and envoys, including Special Envoy on Investment Mohammed Maladho Bah and Tourism Envoy Christopher Hayes Onanuga.
His economic team members include National Investment Commission Chairman Jeff B. Blibo, Senior Economic Advisor Morley Paul Kamara, and National Port Authority Managing Director Sekou A.M. Dukuly. Liberia’s Ambassador to Japan Edward Wade Appleton, Jr. will join the delegation, along with several Foreign Ministry officials: Deputy Minister Ibrahim A. Nyei, Assistant Ministers Charlyne A. Taylor and Saran Kaba Jones, and Presidential Affairs Assistant Minister George Thomas Marshall, Jr.
The business community is represented by Liberia Business Association President James Morzart Strother. Other participants include Minister of State Without Portfolio Samuel A. Stevquoah, completing the extensive official party. In addition, the President is also traveling with his Communications, Protocol, Security, and Attendant teams to provide full logistical, media, and operational support during the mission.
While away, Cllr. Natu Oswald Tweh, Sr., Minister of Justice, will chair Cabinet in consultation with Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and the President via telephone. TICAD is a forum co-organized by the Government of Japan, the United Nations, the World Bank, and the African Union Commission to foster high-level policy dialogue on African development, trade, investment, and global partnership.
During his stay in Japan, President Boakai will also engage in strategic meetings at Expo 2025 to showcase Liberia’s development vision and explore bilateral and multilateral cooperation opportunities. The government believes that the Delegation’s participation in TICAD-9 and Expo 2025 is expected to strengthen Liberia’s international partnerships, attract investment, and advance the country’s development agenda.
