The Government of Liberia has shamed George Weah’s former Vice President for “lying that she did not receive her benefits from the government.”
At yesterday’s press conference, government officially confirmed that the former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, “is receiving her full retirement benefits, including insurance coverage and monthly payments, as mandated by law.”
This means, Mrs. Taylor was deceiving the public by denying receiving her retirement benefits from the government.
Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah made the disclosure on Thursday, April 8, during the Ministry’s regular press conference.
Piah unequivocally said that the government remains committed to honoring its obligations to former national leaders.
“As a former Vice President, she is entitled to certain benefits and according to our records, she has been receiving all of them,” Minister Piah said.
“If there is any claim that she is not receiving what is due her, we urge the public to inform us.”
Piah emphasized that Madam Taylor continues to receive her monthly benefits without interruption, reinforcing the government’s stance on upholding statutory obligations to past officials.
He also cited precedents, including former Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who reportedly received a monthly allowance of US$800 during his retirement.
Piah’s remarks come amid increasing public interest and scrutiny over how former officials are treated after leaving office, especially in terms of pensions, allowances and other entitlements.
Adding to the discussion, leaked documents obtained by journalists corroborated Minister Piah’s statement that Madam Taylor was ‘lying’ to the public.
The documents indicate that Madam Howard-Taylor has indeed been receiving her retirement benefits since leaving office in January, 2024.
According to the leaked financial records for the month of March, 2025 alone, Madam Howard-Taylor received a total gross benefit of US$1,432.35, after tax deductions, her net payment amounted to US$1,117.88.
The breakdown includes a 70 percent net Liberian dollar-based payment of US$782.52, along with L$66,311.52 representing the 30 PERCENT local currency portion.
Despite public claims suggesting otherwise, the documentation shows no lapse in the payment of benefits to the former Vice President.
The government’s confirmation and the leaked evidence now clarify the controversy, reaffirming that Madam Taylor continues to receive all benefits due her under Liberian law. By Godgift Amos