CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA – Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe has formally challenged the credibility of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s claim that 70,000 jobs were created in 2025, calling on the Senate to summon Minister of Labour Dr. Josiah Joekai for a full explanation. Snowe, an Executive member of the opposition National Patriotic Party (NPP), stressed that while the initiative is laudable in theory, transparency and accountability are essential.
In a letter dated January 27, 2026, addressed to Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Snowe commended President Boakai for prioritizing employment but insisted that numbers alone are insufficient without proper verification. “A national undertaking of this magnitude demands a comprehensive breakdown of its impact,” Snowe wrote.
The letter followed the President’s 3rd State of the Nation Address delivered on Monday, January 26, 2026, in which Boakai highlighted the creation of over 70,000 short- and medium-term jobs across the country. While acknowledging the significance of the claim, Snowe emphasized that clarity on the jobs’ nature, duration, and sectoral distribution is critical.
Snowe specifically requested that the Senate invite Minister Joekai to provide a detailed classification of the positions, including which sectors were targeted, whether the roles are permanent or temporary, and how these jobs contribute to sustainable economic growth.
As Chairman of the Senate’s Energy, Hydrocarbon & Environment Committee and head of Liberia’s ECOWAS Parliamentary Delegation, Snowe leveraged his legislative authority to ensure that the government’s employment figures are subject to rigorous scrutiny.
The Senator framed his request not as a political attack but as a necessary step in protecting public interest. “While the employment initiative is commendable, the Liberian people deserve transparency. Oversight is essential to confirm whether these jobs deliver real livelihoods or are simply symbolic numbers,” Snowe stated.
Snowe’s intervention comes amid growing concerns about the reliability of government statistics on job creation. Liberia has a history of reporting high employment figures that are later questioned due to lack of independent verification or follow-up data.
By calling for Minister Joekai’s appearance, Snowe emphasized that quantitative claims must meet qualitative standards. It is not enough to report figures; the government must show that these jobs provide meaningful opportunities for citizens.
The Senator highlighted that understanding the structure and scope of the jobs is necessary for the Senate to exercise its constitutional oversight. Lawmakers must determine whether the positions genuinely enhance economic inclusion or serve as political optics.
Snowe’s letter underscores the role of the Legislature in holding the executive accountable, particularly on issues that directly affect the livelihoods of ordinary Liberians. It reflects a proactive approach to governance where claims are verified, not assumed.
He warned that without detailed information, the reported 70,000 jobs risk being symbolic rather than substantive, providing temporary relief at best without long-term impact on Liberia’s employment challenges.
Snowe further stressed that a detailed breakdown will allow the Senate to support initiatives that are sustainable, inclusive, and effective. “Such engagement will enhance the Legislature’s understanding of the scope, structure, and support for sustainable employment initiatives,” he wrote.
The call for transparency is especially critical as Liberia struggles with youth unemployment. With over 60% of the population under age 35 and a large portion unable to secure stable work, verifying the true impact of job creation programs is a national priority.
Snowe’s action demonstrates a commitment to public accountability and ensures that government claims translate into tangible benefits for Liberians, rather than mere political statements.
The Senate now faces the task of requiring Minister Joekai to present a comprehensive classification of the 70,000 jobs, including sectoral and temporal details. How the Minister responds will set a precedent for transparency in reporting employment figures under President Boakai’s administration.
Senator Snowe’s challenge sends a clear warning that numbers without verification are meaningless in governance. For policies to be credible and impactful, they must be transparent, verifiable, and directly tied to the real economic needs of Liberians. Anything less undermines both public trust and national development.
