NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA –Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs Daniel Sando has launched a strong criticism of Liberia’s political opposition, describing it as weak, ineffective, and lacking credible policy alternatives to the government.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Speaking on the current political debate in the country, Sando accused opposition figures of focusing more on gaining political power than presenting concrete solutions to Liberia’s development challenges.
“We have a very weak opposition in the country,” Sando said, arguing that opposition politics in Liberia is currently at its lowest point.
According to him, opposition leaders should not simply criticize the government, but should demonstrate how they would govern differently by presenting clear policy alternatives.
Sando pointed to the government’s ARD development plan, saying its implementation is progressing steadily and that significant achievements have already been recorded.
He cited a reduction in inflation from 12.8 percent to 4 percent, as reported by the Ministry of Finance, as one indication of progress under the current administration.
The Deputy Information Minister also rejected claims from some opposition voices that “nothing has changed” in Liberia, saying such arguments fail to reflect the experiences of ordinary Liberians.
He highlighted improvements in road connectivity, particularly between Monrovia and southeastern Liberia, where he said the movement of people and goods has become significantly easier.
Sando recalled that transporting goods from Monrovia to the southeast previously cost between 25,000 and 30,000 dollars and could take weeks because of poor road conditions.
He said the situation has improved, with travelers now able to reach destinations in the region within approximately six to seven hours.
The government official also pointed to increased access to electricity as another measure of progress.
He said electricity access has increased from about 32 percent to 39 percent since the current administration took office, arguing that such figures should form part of the national conversation about development.
Sando further challenged opposition leaders to move beyond criticism and provide alternative policies that could convince Liberians they are prepared to govern.
“If we’re talking about improving or increasing access to electricity, [the opposition should provide] a policy alternative,” he said, emphasizing that credible opposition requires more than political rhetoric.
He also defended the government’s handling of fuel availability and prices amid the ongoing global crisis.
Sando said Liberia has avoided petroleum shortages and maintained relative price stability despite the international crisis, attributing the situation to what he described as good governance, effective management at the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, and strategic decisions by the government.
He argued that Liberia’s ability to maintain fuel availability during the crisis demonstrates that progress is being made despite criticisms from the opposition.
Sando concluded by challenging opposition politicians to present concrete alternatives rather than repeatedly claiming that the government has achieved nothing.
He maintained that Liberia has experienced significant changes under the current administration and insisted that those changes should be measured through tangible developments affecting the lives of citizens.
