Liberian President Joseph Boakai has announced that he will reduce his salary by 40%.
His office stated that he hoped to establish a precedent for “responsible governance” and show “solidarity” with Liberians.
Government salaries have recently come under intense scrutiny as Liberians complain about the rising cost of living. In the West African state, approximately one-fifth of the population lives on less than $2 (£1.70) daily.
Mr Boakai revealed in February that his annual salary is $13,400. The cut will reduce it to $8,000.
Mr Boakai’s move is similar to that of his predecessor, George Weah, who cut his salary by 25%.
Some in the West African country have applauded Mr Boakai’s decision, while others question whether it is truly a sacrifice given that he also receives benefits such as a daily allowance and medical insurance.
The presidential office’s budget for this year is nearly $3 million.
Anderson D Miamen of Liberia’s non-profit Centre of Transparency and Accountability said the president’s pay cut is “welcoming”.
“We just hope that the public will clearly see where the deductions will go and how they will be used to positively impact the lives of the people,” he told the British broadcaster.
W Lawrence Yealue II, whose organisation also campaigns for government transparency, praised the president’s decision and stated that “leadership must come from the top.”Some in the West African country have applauded Mr Boakai’s decision, while others question whether it is truly a sacrifice given that he also receives benefits such as a daily allowance and medical insurance.
The presidential office’s budget for this year is nearly $3 million.
Anderson D Miamen of Liberia’s non-profit Centre of Transparency and Accountability said the president’s pay cut is “welcoming”.
“We just hope that the public will clearly see where the deductions will go and how they will be used to positively impact the lives of the people,” he told the British broadcaster.
W Lawrence Yealue II, whose organisation also campaigns for government transparency, praised the president’s decision and stated that “leadership must come from the top.”
He added that hoped Mr Boakai’s benefits would be reviewed in the budget for the next financial year.
In addition to lowering his salary, Mr. Boakai has promised to “empower” Liberia’s Civil Service Agency to ensure that public servants “receive fair compensation for their contributions to the country”.
Last week, a group of lawmakers complained that they had not received their official vehicles, which they required to carry out their duties.
As a form of protest, they arrived at parliament in tuk-tuks, known locally as keh keh, a popular mode of transportation among ordinary Liberians.
Mr. Boakai assumed office in January after defeating Mr. Weah in a run-off election.
He promised to address corruption and financial mismanagement.
In addition to declaring his assets since taking office, Mr Boakai has ordered an audit of the presidential office. The results have not yet been released.
Mr Boakai has also beefed up the General Auditing Commission and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.
Mr Weah’s government was plagued by allegations of corruption, and lavish spending, which triggered mass protests as the cost of living spiralled for ordinary people.
