Monrovia – Alternative National Congress Political Leader Alexander Cummings has criticized the Unity Party-led government over what he described as poor governance, worsening economic hardship, and the failure to effectively manage Liberia’s natural resources, while promising improved living conditions for Liberians if elected president.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Speaking Tuesday on Sky FM, Cummings addressed a range of national issues, including the economy, natural resource management, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the rule of law. He argued that despite Liberia’s abundant natural wealth, ordinary citizens continue to struggle under successive governments.
According to Cummings, the country’s resources have been poorly managed, preventing citizens from benefiting from the economic opportunities they should provide.
“Nurses, teachers, farmers, healthcare workers, and motorcyclists—if you look at their lives, have they improved in the last ten years? No,” Cummings said. “The government faces many challenges, and if Liberians were to grade the Unity Party government on its performance, I believe it would receive a failing grade.”
He further contended that claims of government success are largely advanced by partisan supporters who benefit from the current system.
“People who are saying the government is doing well are Unity Party partisans because the system benefits them. But if you ask ordinary Liberians whether they are better off today than they were two years ago, most will say no,” he asserted.
Calls for New Resource Management Model
Cummings questioned the effectiveness of Liberia’s current natural resource agreements, arguing that the country receives too little value from its minerals and other resources.
He proposed a production-sharing arrangement and the creation of a national natural resource company that would allow Liberia to retain greater control over its assets.
“We can learn from countries like Saudi Arabia. They established a national company, hired experts, and used their resources to improve the lives of their citizens,” he said.
The ANC leader argued that the existing model—where private companies extract resources and pay royalties to the government—has failed to deliver meaningful benefits to Liberians.
“It is a shame that our people continue to suffer while we are unable to maximize the benefits from our God-given resources,” he added.
Despite his criticisms, Cummings said he remains willing to provide technical advice to the government if called upon.
Investing in People
On education, Cummings emphasized the need to train and adequately compensate teachers, especially volunteer educators who continue to serve despite limited support.
“We have volunteer teachers across the country. While we appreciate their service, they cannot remain volunteers forever. We must train them and pay them adequately if we want to improve educational standards,” he said.
He described investment in people as a central pillar of the ANC’s policy agenda.
“If we invest in our people, they will develop this country. We must strengthen healthcare and education and support local businesses with access to financing so they can create jobs and grow the economy,” Cummings noted.
While acknowledging that Liberia’s national budget has increased to approximately US$1.2 billion, he argued that government spending remains heavily concentrated on recurrent expenditures rather than development priorities.
“We must be intentional and committed to building our country,” he said.
Concerns Over Infrastructure and Power Supply
Cummings also expressed concern over the performance of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), stressing that reliable electricity is essential for economic growth and investment.
“Electricity is the wheel that drives the economy. If it is not functioning effectively, the economy will remain sluggish, and investors will stay away,” he stated.
He maintained that proper management of Liberia’s resources could significantly improve citizens’ quality of life.
“No Liberian should go to bed hungry considering the resources we have. We should be leaders in the management and processing of iron ore, rubber, diamonds, and other resources. The benefits should reach the Liberian people,” he said.
Kolubah Expulsion and Border Dispute
Addressing the recent expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah from the House of Representatives, Cummings said he disagreed with some of the lawmaker’s comments but questioned the decision to remove him.
He argued that the government should focus on communicating the steps it has taken to resolve the ongoing border dispute involving Guinea rather than concentrating on punitive measures against dissenting voices.
Cummings reiterated the ANC’s call for a thorough investigation into the border situation to determine the circumstances that led to the alleged encroachment on Liberian territory.
Calls for Foya Project Investigation
The ANC leader also renewed calls for the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to investigate the controversial Foya project, which has reportedly cost the government millions of dollars.
He questioned the transparency of the procurement process and expressed concern over reports that the project is being implemented under heavy security restrictions.
“The government has not demonstrated that the project went through a competitive bidding process. Liberians deserve answers regarding how public funds are being spent,” he said.
Open to Political Collaboration
On the prospect of opposition collaboration ahead of future elections, Cummings expressed a willingness to work with other political actors in the interest of national development.
“We must put the interests of the Liberian people first. I am prepared to work with anyone who shares a vision for a better Liberia,” he said.
Cummings also clarified that he intends to contest the presidency, emphasizing that the selection of a running mate remains the prerogative of the presidential candidate heading a ticket.
His remarks come as political discussions intensify around potential alliances and strategies ahead of Liberia’s next presidential election, with opposition figures increasingly positioning themselves as alternatives to the current administration.
