The President of Liberia, George Weah on Monday said he has directed relevant authorities to effect a 25 per cent cut on his salary and allowances as he seeks to save the country's deteriorating economy. The former footballer who made this known in a nationwide address warned of tough times ahead of the broke country. He lamented that he inherited the worst economy in the country's history with unprecedented level of unemployment.
“The state of the economy that my administration inherited leaves a lot to do and to be decided. Our economy is broken; our government is broke. Our currency is in free fall; inflation is rising. Unemployment is at an unprecedented high and our foreign reserves are at an all-time low.
“In view of the very rapidly deteriorating situation of the economy, I am informing you today, with immediate effect, that I will reduce my salary and benefits by 25 percent,” he added.
He pledged to save more money and pluck leakages for the development of Liberia.
NAN reports that Weah had promised a crackdown on endemic corruption as he was sworn in a week ago to the cheers of thousands of exuberant supporters crammed into a stadium in the capital, Monrovia. But since winning the poll, the award-winning former AC Milan and Paris St Germain striker has been at pains to show just how daunting he understands the task ahead to be.
