Rep. Mulbah Urges Boakai to Embrace Transparency, Strategic Diplomacy and Accountable Governance

Rep. Sumo Mulbah of Montserrado

Representative Sumo Mulbah of Montserrado County District #3 has issued a pointed public appeal to President Joseph N. Boakai, calling for stronger transparency in the use of local development funds, improved accountability at the county level, and a more measured approach to Liberia’s engagement in sensitive international affairs. 

In a statement addressed directly to the President, Rep. Mulbah said that as the administration approaches its second year in office, it is time to move beyond ceremony and rhetoric and focus on practical governance reforms that deliver visible results to citizens. Rep. Mulbah first commended the President for the construction of a Presidential Resort Centre in Lofa County, rejecting suggestions that the project is self-serving. He described the facility as a national asset that will benefit future presidents and strengthen the country’s infrastructure. 

“A property for Liberia belongs to everyone,” he said, noting that if previous administrations had undertaken similar initiatives in their home counties, the country might be more developed today. However, the lawmaker’s tone shifted sharply when he addressed the management of local development resources in Montserrado County. According to Rep. Mulbah, the county received US$186,000 from the County Development Fund in 2024, along with an additional US$77,000 from Firestone for social development projects. 

He further stated that in 2025 more funds were disbursed through the Office of the Superintendent. Despite these allocations, Rep. Mulbah said residents of Montserrado District #3 have yet to receive any formal reports detailing how the money was spent or which community projects were implemented. He stressed that while reporting to the Ministry of Internal Affairs provides some level of central oversight, the people themselves deserve “precise details” and visual evidence of completed projects. “Funds intended for public welfare should be transparently reported to the people,” he said, adding that openness at the local level is not optional but essential to public trust. 

Beyond domestic governance, Rep. Mulbah also cautioned the administration over what he described as premature statements by Liberian officials in international forums, particularly in relation to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Venezuela. He urged government representatives to adopt a more strategic diplomatic posture by allowing larger and more influential countries to speak first in contentious debates. According to him, listening before speaking allows diplomats to better understand the issues at stake, identify areas of convergence, and craft responses that are informed, disciplined, and aligned with national interests. 

“Choosing to speak last,” Mulbah said, “can help a country discover common ground, build alliances, and avoid costly mistakes.” He added that effective diplomacy requires not only knowing what to say, but also when and how to say it, warning that premature commitments could undermine Liberia’s long-term interests. While acknowledging that his remarks may not be warmly received, the Montserrado lawmaker said his intervention was motivated by a commitment to teamwork, honest dialogue, and responsible governance. “I appreciate all your hard work in our country,” Rep. Mulbah concluded, expressing hope that the President would take his concerns in the spirit of constructive engagement. 

Rep. Mulbah, who was elected in 2023 on the ticket of the All Liberia Party,   reaffirmed his commitment to speaking out on matters of national importance despite joining the ruling Unity Party in 2025. Rep. Mulbah said by aligning with the governing party should not be interpreted as a retreat from independent thought or constructive criticism, stressing that he remains duty-bound to raise issues affecting the country and his constituents.

Author: Victor Quaye