The Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism, Hon. Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, has strongly criticized former officials of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) Government for what he described as their “irritation and discomfort” over Liberia’s renewed progress toward securing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Grant.
Speaking Thursday during the Ministry of Information’s Regular Press Briefing, Minister Piah expressed disappointment that some officials of the immediate past administration have chosen to publicly downplay or oppose the country’s improved performance on the MCC scorecard—an achievement he says should unite, rather than divide, Liberians. According to Minister Piah, it is “disheartening and troubling” to witness a select group of past government actors speaking against Liberia’s advancing prospects of once again qualifying for the MCC Compact.
He emphasized that the MCC Compact represents a vital opportunity for national development, capable of supporting infrastructure, economic growth, and institutional reforms across the country. Minister Piah stressed that the CDC-led government, during its six-year tenure, failed to meet several of the essential MCC scorecard indicators, including critical benchmarks on governance, economic freedom, and investment in people. These failings, he noted, caused Liberia to miss out on the compact and severely constrained the nation’s access to potential hundreds of millions of dollars in grant financing.
He stated that rather than acknowledging these shortcomings, some former officials have resorted to politicizing Liberia’s recent progress under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration. “It is unfortunate that instead of celebrating our collective advancement as a nation, a few individuals find discomfort in the fact that Liberia is finally moving in the right direction,” Minister Piah said. The Minister highlighted that the Unity Party-led Government has prioritized strong governance, accountability, and transparency as foundational pillars to restore Liberia’s international credibility.
These efforts, he said, are directly responsible for the country’s positive trajectory on the MCC scorecard. He explained that the Boakai administration has implemented several key reforms across critical sectors, improved coordination among government institutions, and reactivated long-neglected policy frameworks. These actions, according to him, demonstrate Liberia’s renewed commitment to good governance, fighting corruption, and delivering on the expectations of development partners. Minister Piah added that the positive reception from the MCC and other international stakeholders is an affirmation of President Boakai’s leadership direction.
He noted that Liberia’s performance has generated optimism and confidence both at home and abroad an outcome he believes should inspire national pride. “At a time when Liberia is regaining respect on the global stage, it is shameful for any former official to wish otherwise simply for political convenience,” he said. “Liberia’s progress belongs to all Liberians, not to one party or administration.” Piah further reminded critics that the MCC is a merit-based program with strict eligibility criteria, making it impossible for any administration to manipulate or fabricate results.
He clarified that only genuine improvements in governance, economic management, and social investment can secure Liberia’s qualification and reaffirmation. He called on all Liberians, regardless of political affiliation, to rally behind the government’s ongoing reforms aimed at expanding economic opportunities, strengthening institutions, and improving the well-being of citizens. Minister Piah assured the public that the Boakai administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that Liberia meets all requirements necessary to secure the MCC Compact.
In concluding his remarks, Minister Piah reiterated that national development should rise above partisan politics. He encouraged citizens and former leadership alike to adopt a patriotic posture that supports the country’s progress rather than undermines it. “This is the moment for us to stand together,” he said. “Liberia’s success is our collective success, and no amount of political bitterness should overshadow the strides we are making as a nation.”
