MONROVIA, Liberia — Former Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) supporter George Dankwa Jr. has criticized the administration of former President George Weah over its handling of drugs and youth unemployment while praising President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s efforts to address the country’s drug crisis.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend in Monrovia, Dankwa, who now supports the Boakai administration, rated the CDC government 3 out of 10 and the current Unity Party-led government 8 out of 10.
Dankwa accused the former administration of allowing drug use and ghettos to spread across communities, arguing that the situation has improved under Boakai.
“Where I was living before, under the CDC, drugs had far ghettos all over. Under President Boakai today, you go there, you don’t see nothing,” he said.
He also referenced what he described as the prevalence of drugs during the former administration, arguing that the current government had made progress in tackling the problem.
Despite his praise for Boakai, Dankwa acknowledged shortcomings in the current administration, particularly poor communication, delays in creating jobs for young people, and the handling of the Ministry of Civil Service (MCSS) teachers’ controversy.
He warned government officials against insulting critics and urged the administration to focus on addressing the concerns of unemployed Liberians.
“Many people are not working because you haven’t provided jobs. So you go and insult people. It could be the president, it could be the minister. We want President Boakai to do the right thing,” Dankwa said.
He defended Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando but maintained that government officials must exercise greater control over their public statements and conduct.
Dankwa also turned his criticism toward opposition figures, describing Alternative National Congress leader Alexander Cummings as “very deceptive” and arguing that Cummings lacks the qualities needed to become president.
He predicted that Cummings would not win the presidency in 2029, while also criticizing political commentator Simon Freeman, whom he dismissed as a “political dwarf.”
The former CDC supporter’s remarks come amid continuing political debate over the Boakai administration’s performance, particularly its response to drug abuse, unemployment and public accountability.
Responding to allegations that he had switched political allegiance for financial benefits, Dankwa acknowledged his previous financial contributions to the CDC but said he was no longer paying dues because of his support for the current administration.
“I paid my dues before — L$2,000. I am not paying dues currently as we speak because I am supporting the current regime. Next week I will bring my due book,” he said.