By Laurina B Lormia
The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) is calling on President Joseph Boakai to take a firm stand against corruption and the abuse of office within the government.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, November 26, at the office in Sinkor, Executive Director Anderson Miamen, stated that the country continues to endure a long wait to end the widespread impunity for corruption, particularly within the government.
According to him, President Boakai, assumed state power in January 2024 and made bold commitments to tackle corruption, as a part of broader efforts to break away from “business as usual” in constituting and running government.
He added that CENTAL has observed a subtle attempt by the government to overlook critical decisions regarding officials alleged to have violated key anti-corruption laws or engaged in corruption and other misconducts.
He stated that, part 10 of the amended 2022 Code of Conduct requires both elected and appointed officials of government to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities before assuming office.
“As of August 2024, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) reported that over 70% of officials appointed by President Boakai have refused to declare their assets, incomes and liabilities,” Miamen said.
“Unfortunately, this disregard for a crucial transparency and accountability process in government has not captured the attention of President Boakai, as he has yet to warn, suspend, or dismiss the non-compliant officials. This is deeply troubling, as it undermines the president’s commitment to combating corruption,” he narrated.
Miamen mentioned that, since then the Unity Party-led administration has made strides in promoting good governance and other efforts across the government. Notably mentioned include payroll and credential audits that have led to removal of ghost names from the government’s payroll; establishment of the Office of the War And Economic Crimes Court; and the commission of audits that have further shed light on corruption in public service.
However, the recent actions by President Boakai, including the suspension and dismissal of officials from key government positions, are seen by CENTAL as a sign of political will to combat corruption and other forms of abuse of power.
An audit by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) reveals that an individual, currently serving in an acting capacity at the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, has been involved in violations of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) Law during their tenure as Chief Executive Officer of TAMMA Corporation.
The GAC audit found that payments totaling L$262,844,500 and US$450,000 were made to TAMMA Corporation and 231 Data Incorporated without proper adherence to procurement protocols or documentation, in the face of this damming report from the GAC, CENTAL is surprised that no public action, including investigation has been taken.
“After the University of Liberia’s commencement convocation, Commerce Inspector General attended in full graduation regalia, only to find his name missing from the program. This raised public concern, as it suggested that a high-ranking official attempted to fraudulently graduate without completing the required courses,” he added.
“An investigation by UL authorities found the Inspector General of fraud and recommended prosecution. Some employees were dismissed or suspended due to their involvement. However, despite the severity of the findings, the IG has not been dismissed by the President or prosecuted, prompting questions about why this matter remains unresolved,” he noted.
The Unity Party (UP) and the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) objected to the position of the ombudsman, through a petition to the Supreme Court of Liberia to halt the enforcement of said portion of the Code of Conduct.
In a ruling, the Supreme Court has upheld the enforcement of the code of conduct against officials of government occupying political party positions. As majority of the officials concerned have not honored the affirmed Ombudsman’s decision, again, the President is yet to publicly demand the officials concerned to relinquish one of their positions.
Meanwhile, President Boakai compelled his officials to comply with the mandate of the Office of Ombudsman, show leadership by timely and decisively acting on crucial matters, including those bordering on the fight against corruption, and provide adequate moral and financial support to anti-graft institutions to operate at full capacity.
“The President must suspend and dismiss public officials who have knowingly and recklessly refused to declare their assets, incomes and liabilities, in violation of the Code of Conduct. Hence, they should be suspended or dismissed,” Miamen concluded.
