As the Boakai administration approaches its second anniversary, Montserrado County District Three Representative Sumo Mulbah has released an open message to President Joseph N. Boakai, commending select national initiatives while sharply raising concerns about accountability in local governance and Liberia’s conduct in international diplomacy.
Rep. Mulbah said his decision to go public was driven by a commitment to transparency and shared responsibility, arguing that effective leadership is strengthened through open engagement rather than private consultations or ceremonial praise. He emphasized that his views reflect the interests and expectations of his constituents in District Three.
Responding to public criticism over the construction of a Presidential Resort Centre in Lofa County, the lawmaker dismissed assertions that the project is a personal venture. He described the facility as a national investment designed to serve current and future presidents, as well as visiting foreign dignitaries. Mulbah added that similar projects undertaken by past leaders in their home counties could have contributed meaningfully to national development and enhanced Liberia’s international image.
“A property constructed for Liberia belongs to all Liberians, not to one individual,” he said, urging citizens to assess such initiatives from a national rather than partisan perspective.
The representative’s strongest critique centered on accountability in the management of local development funds. He disclosed that in 2024, Montserrado County reportedly received about US$186,000 from the County Development Fund (CDF) and US$77,000 from Firestone Liberia under the Social Development Fund (SDF). Additional allocations, he noted, were reportedly received in 2025 through the Office of the County Superintendent.
Despite these reported disbursements, Rep. Mulbah said residents have not been presented with formal reports detailing how the funds were spent or which community projects were completed. He called for full financial disclosure, supported by photographic or visual evidence of projects, stressing that public funds must be transparently accounted for to the citizens they are meant to benefit.
While acknowledging the supervisory role of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Mulbah argued that reporting solely to central authorities is insufficient. “The people themselves must know exactly how their money is being spent,” he said.
Beyond domestic issues, the lawmaker also expressed concern about Liberia’s posture in international diplomacy, citing recent developments involving the United States and Venezuela. He warned that some Liberian officials appear too eager to speak in international forums, a tendency he said could undermine the country’s strategic interests.
Drawing on established diplomatic practice, Mulbah noted that smaller or less influential nations often gain leverage by listening first and speaking later. Allowing major powers to articulate their positions, he argued, provides space to assess alignment, build alliances, and formulate informed responses.
“Speaking last creates room to find common ground and avoids premature commitments that may compromise national interests,” he said.
Rep. Mulbah then underscored that effective diplomacy demands discipline, timing, and sound judgment. Experienced diplomats, he noted, understand not only what to say, but when to say it—communicating firmly without appearing rigid or dismissive.
The District Three lawmaker expressed appreciation for President Boakai’s leadership efforts and reaffirmed his belief that good governance is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and openness to constructive criticism.