Farhat Calls for Self-Reliance as Liberia Moves to Strengthen Economy
Farhat urged President Joseph N. Boakai to drive meaningful economic reforms that prioritize the well-being of Liberians.
Economy
Liberia
Aids
Africa.
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Former Liberian Finance Minister David M. Farhat has hailed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a temporary freeze on U.S. aid, viewing it as an opportunity for African nations, including Liberia, to take charge of their economic future. He urged President Joseph N. Boakai to use this period to drive meaningful economic reforms that prioritize the well-being of Liberians.
In an exclusive interview with The Liberian Investigator in Congo Town, Farhat revealed that “For over a century, the United States has supported Liberia’s hospitals, schools, and government programs, but it is time for our leaders to fully take responsibility and harness the vast natural resources God has given us”
Farhat commended President Boakai for his recent decision to cut benefits for some government officials, describing it as a positive step toward fiscal discipline. He also endorsed Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Bility’s proposal to reduce legislators’ salaries and benefits by 50%, emphasizing that such measures would demonstrate true leadership and commitment to national development.
Reflecting on his time in government, Farhat questioned the justification for high salaries in a country where many citizens struggle to survive. “Why should a single person earn more than USD 15,000 when children and their parents are begging on the streets just to survive?” he asked.
He called on the Boakai administration to reassess and renegotiate concession agreements to ensure they benefit the Liberian people. “The President must review every concession agreement in the country to standardize, realign, and restructure them for fairness and maximum benefit to our people,” he stressed.
Farhat believes Liberia’s economic stagnation stems from years of mismanagement and poor leadership. He encouraged the government to use this moment as a turning point for real economic transformation, urging leaders to prioritize national interests over personal gains.
With Liberia at a critical juncture, Farhat’s call for bold economic reforms aligns with growing demands for responsible governance and self-sufficiency, a vision that, if pursued, could chart a new course for the nation’s future.
In an exclusive interview with The Liberian Investigator in Congo Town, Farhat revealed that “For over a century, the United States has supported Liberia’s hospitals, schools, and government programs, but it is time for our leaders to fully take responsibility and harness the vast natural resources God has given us”
Farhat commended President Boakai for his recent decision to cut benefits for some government officials, describing it as a positive step toward fiscal discipline. He also endorsed Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Bility’s proposal to reduce legislators’ salaries and benefits by 50%, emphasizing that such measures would demonstrate true leadership and commitment to national development.
Reflecting on his time in government, Farhat questioned the justification for high salaries in a country where many citizens struggle to survive. “Why should a single person earn more than USD 15,000 when children and their parents are begging on the streets just to survive?” he asked.
He called on the Boakai administration to reassess and renegotiate concession agreements to ensure they benefit the Liberian people. “The President must review every concession agreement in the country to standardize, realign, and restructure them for fairness and maximum benefit to our people,” he stressed.
Farhat believes Liberia’s economic stagnation stems from years of mismanagement and poor leadership. He encouraged the government to use this moment as a turning point for real economic transformation, urging leaders to prioritize national interests over personal gains.
With Liberia at a critical juncture, Farhat’s call for bold economic reforms aligns with growing demands for responsible governance and self-sufficiency, a vision that, if pursued, could chart a new course for the nation’s future.
