-Following Pres. Boakai’s SONA
By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development has called on the Government of Liberia to prioritize evidence-based implementation of national programs following President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s 2026 State of the Nation Address- SONA.
In a statement issued following the SONA, Naymote described the President’s address as a comprehensive outline of the government’s reform priorities, anchored in the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development-AAID and national renewal.
The civil society organization noted that the address presented a coherent policy direction, with emphasis on macroeconomic stabilization, domestic revenue mobilization, infrastructure development, governance and anti-corruption reforms, and Liberia’s renewed international engagement, including its role on the United Nations Security Council.
Naymote acknowledged that some progress cited by the President is verifiable, particularly in areas such as domestic revenue growth, improved audit compliance now estimated at 37 percent, payroll integrity, and expanded public service coverage. However, the organization stressed that major implementation gaps remain.
According to Naymote, more than 60 percent of audit recommendations are still unimplemented, while critical information on spending efficiency, service quality, equity, and long-term sustainability remains limited. The group further noted that reports on infrastructure development covering roads, electricity, ports, airports, and digital connectivity lack detailed, publicly accessible data.
“Naymote believes these projects require a transparent delivery dashboard that clearly outlines timelines, budgets, and accountability mechanisms to enable public monitoring,” the statement said.
The organization emphasized that the true measure of progress under the Boakai administration will depend on effective implementation, transparency, and tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens. Key sectors such as governance, anti-corruption, youth employment, justice sector reform, and service delivery, Naymote said, must be supported by clear timelines, publicly verifiable data, and strong accountability frameworks.
While welcoming the administration’s reported reforms in governance and anti-corruption, Naymote cautioned that persistent gaps in enforcement, digital transformation, and service delivery must be addressed with urgency.
As Liberia advances under the ARREST Agenda, Naymote outlined several key recommendations, including greater disclosure of implementation data and outcomes for government programs, a clear distinction between completed, ongoing, and planned projects, stronger linkage between economic growth and job creation, and sustained engagement with citizens and independent oversight institutions.
The organization also urged President Boakai to prioritize constitutional and electoral reforms as the country enters the third year of his administration. Naymote argued that strengthening democratic institutions is critical, noting that the current constitution is outdated and no longer fully responds to the needs of Liberia’s evolving democracy.
“Naymote remains committed to constructive engagement with the Government and development partners to ensure that policy commitments translate into measurable, inclusive, and lasting impact for all Liberians,” the statement concluded.
