Questions Report That Gov’t Has Created 70,000 Jobs

PHOTO: Rep. Zinnah Norman of Gbarpolu County

‎‎By Sampson W Weah, sampsonweah@gmail.com

“No data was provided to show where these jobs were created or who is benefiting. Transparency and accountability are not optional they are a duty to every Liberian.”

‎BOPOLU, Liberia— Bopolu District Representative Zinnah A. Norman has issued a sharp rebuttal to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s January 26, 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), challenging claims of improvement in Liberia’s economic growth and citizens’ social wellbeing‎

‎Rep. Norman questioned the reported economic growth, low inflation, and record national budget.

“These figures may sound impressive in the headlines,” he said, “but they do not reflect the reality on the ground. Ordinary Liberians are struggling with high food prices, unemployment, and daily hardships. My question is simple: who really benefits from this so-called growth?”‎

‎The Liberian lawmaker also raised concerns about the President’s report on progress in infrastructure in Gbarpolu County.

“Our county continues to be left behind,” he said.

Rep. Norman added: “The long-promised Tubmanburg–Bopolu road was not even mentioned in the President’s address. Without it, our communities remain isolated and underserved. ‎This neglect cannot continue.”

‎On health and education, the Gbarpolu Representative highlighted persistent deficiencies despite government assurances. “Our clinics are under-equipped, medicines are scarce, classrooms are overcrowded, and teachers are underpaid, especially in rural areas,” he noted.

According to him, “Progress cannot be measured in promises alone it must be seen in the lives of the people.”‎

‎Rep. Norman also challenged the claim of creating over 70,000 jobs, stating that, “no data was provided to show where these jobs were created or who is benefiting. Transparency and accountability are not optional they are a duty to every Liberian.”

‎Representative Norman concluded by calling for inclusive development that reflects the live realities of Liberians.‎

‎“Our people deserve honesty in reporting and real investment in their communities. I remain committed to advocating for Gbarpolu County and ensuring that development reaches all corners of our nation,” Rep. Norman stated.