By Festus Poquie
Liberian President Joseph Boakai recorded a milestone in governance and public sector transparency when he became the first democratically elected Head of State to make public his declaration of personal interests, income, assets and liabilities forms filed with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.
Boakai published his assets on the presidency’s website Saturday, putting his net worth at $970,419 United States dollars. At the time of the filing on Feb. 8, this year, the President declared he had $5,750 cash on hand and $57,037.35 and L$795,917.32 deposited with the International Bank Liberia Limited. The document shows the President does not hold foreign assets and bank account. Boakai has $201,500 liabilities.
The President’s decision to disclose his assets is a clear demonstration of his belief in leading by example and his determination to create a government that operates with the highest standards of integrity, the Executive Mansion said in a statement.
“Transparency not only strengthens public trust but also underscores unyielding dedication to rooting out corruption and fostering a climate of openness and accountability.
“The President reiterated the hope that in continuing to champion transparency and ethical conduct, his actions will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all Liberians, signaling an era of responsible and conscientious leadership that is committed in the nation.
Boakai’s June 22 online publication of his assets beats former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s  2017 record when she provided summery of her assets filling with the LACC.
After nearly 12 years in office President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on June 13, 2017 released to the public her assets putting net worth (assets minus liability) at $1.7 million United States dollars. Sirleaf’s income and assets declaration includes her gross annual salary of LRD1, 684, 500.00 and an annual allowance of USD72, 000.
At the time of filing she claimed holding only USD3, 255.00 cash on hand on February 2, 2017. The highest among in the President’s account, according to her declaration was USD153, 006.00 kept with the Bank of America account situated in Charlotte, U.S.A.
This leaves Boakai as the only Liberian leader in modern history to share with the public comprehensive details of his earnings as declared after just six months in office.
Section 10.2 of the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and Employees demands  public officials to declare assets upon taking office and while exiting. The law did not making it compelling for designated officials and employees to make public their declaration.
