Liberian President George Weah announced plans to cut his salary and change parts of the country's consitition on Janaury 31, 2018. Photo: AFP

Johannesburg (People’s Daily) – Newly-elected Liberian President George Weah announced on Monday his intention to revise the nation’s constitution while giving himself a 25 percent pay cut.

While addressing Liberia’s parliament, Weah said, “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%.” He plans to give the money to a Liberian development fund.

The former FIFA all-star also announced he would remove “unnecessary, racist and inappropriate” clauses from Liberia’s national constitution, a country that reserves citizenship to only “people of color.”

As Africa’s oldest republic, Liberia only permits “people of color” to become national citizens, and only Liberians can own property.

Weah also denounced the ban on foreigners owning property, which dissuades foreign investors from settling in Liberia.

Such constitutional reform could directly affect him as it was revealed during his presidential run he had at least one or two foreign passports.