Newly- inaugurated Liberian President, George Manneh Opong Weah has pledged to cut his salary and entitlements by 25 percent because of the country’s broken economy.

In a nation-wide broadcast on Monday night, Weah warned the country’s citizens of tough times ahead because of the deteriorating situation of the economy which he inherited.

“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; your currency is in free fall; inflation is rising,” Weah said.

He continued: “Unemployment is at an unprecedented high and our foreign reserves are at an all time low. In view of the 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.”

The President of Liberia earns about $100,000 annually and Weah has promised to save $25,000 which he would reserve for a development fund for Liberia.

The announcement of a pay cut by President Weah looks commendable in a continent long used to officials in high offices awarding themselves fabulous pay rises and mouth-watering contracts.

Despite the grim shape of the country’s economy, Weah who had promised to crack down on endemic corruption during his inauguration about a week ago has pledged $3 billion for a coastal road project that will link the capital, Monrovia to the country’s remote south east.