1. Introduction The Liberian Government's FY 2026 National Budget, amounting to US $1.2 billion, represents a major pledge to the ARREST...
1. Introduction
The Liberian Government's FY 2026 National Budget, amounting to US $1.2 billion, represents a major pledge to the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. This initiative focuses on key areas—Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism—and intends to use the budget as a tool for transformative governance that aims to improve the well-being of every Liberian.
Nevertheless, a more detailed look uncovers a troubling situation. Although there is an attractive story about inclusion and change, the real allocation choices and spending habits clearly show an unfair difference between the benefits received by a select few and the significant requirements of the broader community. This analysis thoroughly examines this gap by carefully comparing Liberia's investments in essential areas—education, healthcare, food security (agriculture), and infrastructure—with those of financially prudent and development-focused African countries like Botswana, Mauritius, Cape Verde, Rwanda, and Burkina Faso. This kind of comparison highlights the critical need to reassess priorities to make the dream of inclusive growth a real opportunity for every Liberian.
2. The Arrest Agenda and Liberia's Financial Focus
2.1. Budget Matching and Shortcomings
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning states that around US $280 million from the 2026 budget is allocated for Public Sector Investment Projects (PSIPs) as part of the ARREST Agenda, making up roughly 23% of the overall budget. This financial support focuses on key areas including agriculture, infrastructure, legal systems, education, hygiene, and tourism.
Although this distribution represents a positive step towards matching financial policy with development goals, it is still insufficient when considering the major infrastructure and human resource gaps in Liberia. There is still an immediate need to focus on core areas—especially health, education, and food security—that have a direct impact on the daily lives of regular Liberians.
Furthermore, the lack of adequate financial support for setting up the War and Economic Crimes Court is highly troubling. Combating impunity is not only essential but also a constitutional and ethical duty. Lasting peace cannot be attained without upholding justice. Genuine development and wealth are essentially based on holding those accountable for past and present violations of power.
The idea that "justice delayed is justice denied" highlights a crucial lesson. The credibility of the government's fight against corruption and the revival of public confidence rely on its strong dedication to strengthening organizations that promote accountability, instead of those that allow impunity. It's time to make a firm commitment to justice in order to support a secure and thriving future for Liberia.
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3.1 Analysis
Liberia's projected 23% investment in key sectors is notably less than that of similar countries, which have made considerable advancements in areas such as governance, literacy levels, and general life expectancy. For example, nations like Cape Verde and Mauritius, although having smaller economies, dedicate a larger share of their resources towards improving human capital.
They have implemented governance frameworks that encourage openness, effectiveness, and responsibility, creating an environment in which public service is seen as a duty to the community instead of a benefit of status. This highlights an important takeaway: long-term development depends on structured investment approaches that focus on critical services and support the population, rather than giving in to the temptation of luxury and inefficiency.
3. The Immediate Requirement for Financial Discipline and Ethical Leadership
Liberia's very limited financial resources render expensive international travel, large delegations, and opulent vehicle processions not only ethically unacceptable, but also detrimental to the country's development. Every dollar spent on premium air tickets and luxury SUVs could have been directed towards enhancing the lives of our people. It might have provided a Liberian child with necessary educational supplies such as textbooks, giving them the means for a better future. It could have helped a mother receive safe childbirth care, which is vital for both her and her baby's well-being.
Furthermore, this funding could have provided a farmer with essential irrigation equipment, enabling them to boost agricultural output and ensure food stability. We need to redirect our attention from extravagant spending towards meeting the core requirements of our population and promoting long-term development.
4.1 Recommendations for Frugal Governance
4.1 Considerably cut down the number of people in delegations traveling abroad and enforce strict responsibility protocols for all costs related to travel.
4.2 Imposing strict limits on the length of travel and requiring strong justifications that showcase clear advantages for the country.
4.3 Require all public officials to travel in economy class, with exceptions permitted only for the President and Vice President, Chief Justice, Speaker, and President Pro Tempore during official state assignments.
4.4 Limit the quantity of government-issued vehicles provided to every official and remove unnecessary convoy setups to encourage efficient utilization of resources.
4.5 Agree to release detailed quarterly reports regarding travel and purchasing activities to improve openness and foster public confidence.
Let Liberia's genuine honor be measured by the respect and happiness of its people, not by the showy wealth of a select few. The constant search for luxury by a small group is nothing short of official theft, taking from both the public funds and the people's confidence.
5. Justice and Responsibility as Drivers of Progress
A concerning aspect of the FY 2026 budget is its minimal focus on creating and implementing the War and Economic Crimes Court. This omission is not just a strategic mistake but a deep moral deficiency. Without justice, there can be no enduring peace, no assurance for investments, and no true public trust.
The people of Liberia have endured an extended period of corruption and lack of accountability. The inability to provide essential resources for transitional justice systems conveys a discouraging signal to victims: that their suffering is ignored and that those who commit offenses will not be held responsible.
Dedicating 1-2% of the national budget to set up and run the Court would be a significant investment—rather than a hardship. It would demonstrate a strong dedication to justice and recovery for our nation.
The purpose of government is to advance the well-being of all, rather than just serving the interests of a select group. Fairness is not an optional extra; it is the fundamental basis for real national security. It's high time Liberia focuses on justice and shows its people that their rights and respect are important.
6. Strong Suggestions for Equitable and Transparent Financial Planning
6.1 Commit to raising funding for education, healthcare, and farming to at least 30% of overall spending, making sure our focus matches that of effective similar nations.
6.2 Increase funding for infrastructure development from 23% to a minimum of 35% of overall expenditure within the next two financial years, creating vital prospects for growth and progress.
6.3 Ensure strong financial support for judicial bodies, such as the War and Economic Crimes Court, to strengthen the rule of law and effectively address impunity.
6.4 Create and implement rules and legislation that limit extravagant spending, non-essential travel, and overzealous purchasing, making sure that our monetary assets are managed efficiently and with accountability.
6.5 Develop and distribute simplified budget summaries that effectively show how public funds directly support the daily lives of citizens, instead of favoring political leaders.
6.6 Introduce a budgeting approach that strictly connects funding to quantifiable results, promoting responsibility and clear achievements for every involved party.
7. Conclusion
Liberia is at a crucial point, both ethically and financially, as it deals with the challenges of its progress. The FY 2026 budget offers a major chance to turn the ambitious goals of the ARREST Agenda into real, meaningful results. To make the most of this opportunity, we need to focus on serving the public rather than personal gain, ensure that justice is done instead of allowing impunity, and maintain financial responsibility to reduce wastefulness.
The real meaning of national pride is not shown by spending a lot, like buying first-class tickets or organizing grand processions through the streets of Monrovia. Rather, our dignity should be judged by how well and kindly the government supports its people — the diligent farmers who grow our food, the devoted teachers who guide our children, the caring nurses who look after our health, and the strong market women who fuel our economy.
The government exists to serve, not to plunder.
We call for reduced extravagance and increased fairness within our institutions; less advantage for a small group and a more robust dedication to the well-being of every citizen; and less hollow speech combined with a determined emphasis on achieving concrete, observable outcomes that benefit everyone.
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