…As President Boakai Sets Restrictions on International Travels for Officials…
Says, No Trips Without Presidential Approval
MONROVIA: ERA NEWS has been reliably informed that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has issued a new mandate intended to tighten control over international travel for officials of the executive branch of the Liberian government.
According to an insider, the mandate, which surfaced in the executive branch chatroom, says that no official is permitted to travel out of Liberia without the President’s approval.
The information also reveals that officials planning travels out of the country for official purposes are required to present their travel plans to the Office of the President at least five working days in advance.
Additionally, the submission must include a detailed explanation of how the proposed trip will benefit the country.
The Presidential decree according to our sources is intended to ensure that international trips by government officials are not only necessary but also provide actual benefits to the country.
The mandate further stipulates that upon their return, cabinet members must complete an “Advice to Meet the President” form.
The directive underscores that approval for international travel will henceforth be granted only if the trip promises clear advantages for the government and the Liberian masses.
This move is seen as part of President Boakai’s broader effort to streamline government operations and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the executive branch.
Furthermore, sources within the executive suggest that this mandate is a response to growing concerns about the frequent and sometimes unnecessary international travel by government officials, which has often been criticized as a waste of public resources.
By centralizing the approval process, President Boakai aims to curb such practices and ensure that international engagements are purposeful and result-oriented.
This memo comes at a time when the Boakai administration is under intense scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society groups, who have spoken about the need for greater accountability and efficiency in government operations.
The administration’s decision to implement rigid controls on global travel is likely to be closely watched as a test of its commitment to these principles.