Another UP-Government Policy Flip-Flop
By Our Reporter
The Unity Party government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has again sent out missed signals regarding cohesive government pronouncement on policy actions, this time concerning Monday’s official announcement by Commerce Minister Amin Modad that a decision has been reached on the increase in the price of Liberia’s staple food, rice.
On May 20, 2024, the Commerce and Industry Ministry announced an increase in the price of the 25kg bag of Indian Parboiled Rice (5% Broken) from USD$16.75 to USD$18.50.
But less than 24 hours later, the Executive Mansion revealed that “President Boakais says tthere will be no increment in the price of rice,” whereas the Minister Modad had earlier told the nation that the decision to increase the price of rice was made on Friday, May 17, 2024, following discussions with leading rice importers in the country.
“These importers cited uncontrollable and unfavorable external factors as the reason for the price adjustment,” the Commerce Ministry’s announcement said.
News of this latest increase in the price of rice has begun to worry many who think this will further worsen the already difficult financial and economic situation of ordinary citizens.
Annually, Liberia is said to import over US$200 million worth of rice mainly from Asian countries, despite its vast area of fertile soil. After 4 Months In Power, Boakai Gov’t Announces Rice Price Hike – News Public Trust
However, a press release posted on the Executive Mansion Facebook page earlier today, Tuesday, May 21, 2024 said:
“Following a meeting held with rice importers in Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, has disapproved any increment in the price of rice and that prices remain unchanged pending further and thorough review,” thus sparking concerns as to whether the Commerce Ministry took the decision unilaterally on Monday without consulting the Presidency.
With this latest official flip-flop, the office of the Liberian leader expects hoarding of this critical commodity, rice to ensue, with President Boakai putting the joint security forces on the alert, in order to avoid “cross-border transfer or transshipment from Liberia”.
President Boakai Appoints Members of the Council of the Liberia Standards Authority
Meanwhile, President Boakai has set up the Council of the Liberia Standards Authority.
An Executive Mansion press release signed by Presidential Press Secretary, Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana said on Tuesday, that those appointed are:
- Amin Modad, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Chairperson (Statutory)
- Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, Member (Statutory)
- Dr. Louise Kpoto, Minister of Health, Member (Statutory)
- Boima Kamara, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Member (Statutory)
- Roland L. Giddings, Minister of Public Works, Member (Statutory)
- Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of Environmental Protection Agency, Member (Statutory)
- National Consumer Council, Member (Statutory)
- Liberia Business Association, Member (Statutory
- Liberia Chamber of Commerce, Member (Statutory)
- Association of Liberian Universities, Member (Statutory)
- Amb. Charles A. Snetter, Ambassador At Large, Member
- Director General of the Liberia Standards Authority, Secretary-Non-Voting member (Statutory)
The Liberian leader is calling on all those appointed to continue to demonstrate diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in service to country.