By Laurina B Lormia
The Faith and Justice Network (FJN) is calling on the Government of Liberia (GOL) to promote transparency and accountability in governmental appointments.
Addressing the press Thursday November 14, the Executive Director of FJN, Thomas Tolbert Jallah, stated that the government must commit to appointing individuals based on merit, competence, and a demonstrated commitment to the national good.
According to him, all individuals considered for leadership roles, especially those representing Liberia at international bodies, must undergo laborious vetting processes dding, this must include an examination of their past records, financial dealings, and any allegations of corruption in a bid to promote transparency and accountability in government appointments.
He added that, the process of appointing public officials must be transparent, with the public given an opportunity to scrutinize and hold their leaders accountable.
“The government must end the practice of recycling failed and alleged corrupt politicians and deal with recommendations coming from the General Auditing Commission (GAC), Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Civil Servant Agency of Liberia (CSA),” Jallah mentioned.
“The government must stop reappointing individuals with a history of incompetence, corruption, or misconduct to national and international bodies. There must be a renewed focus on appointing leaders with proven integrity and a track record of success in public service,” he narrated.
“Liberia is rich in human resources, with many competent and qualified individuals who are capable of leading this nation with distinction and honor. It is time to give new, untainted voices an opportunity to contribute to our nation’s development,” he added.
He noted that, the future of Liberia depends on electing and appointing leaders who prioritize the interests of the people, who are committed to transparency and accountability, and who have the vision to move Liberia forward. “We cannot afford to continue recycling individuals whose records are stained with allegations of corruption or failure.”
He stressed that, Liberia has struggled for years with the challenges of poverty, underdevelopment, and corruption, all of which continue to hinder progress. “Yet, instead of rising above these challenges and promoting capable, ethical, and visionary leaders, we see the same discredited individuals with tainted records, questionable integrity, and a legacy of failure being reappointed and recycled into critical government roles.”
However, the recycling of failed leaders is a direct threat to Liberia’s future, and FJN cannot afford to stand by in silence.
These individuals, many of whom have been linked to corruption, have shown time and again that they are more concerned with personal enrichment than the well-being of the Liberian people. This practice must end now.
“Their continued presence in government undermines public trust. When known or alleged corrupt individuals are reappointed to key positions, it sends a message that integrity and accountability are no longer valued. This erodes public confidence in government institutions and fosters a culture of impunity,” he stated.
“When these same failed politicians are appointed to represent Liberia at international bodies, it tarnishes our national image. It diminishes the credibility of Liberia on the global stage, making it difficult for our country to attract meaningful partnerships, investments, or support from international organizations,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Liberia’s anti-corruption institutions must be empowered and fully funded to carry out their mandates without political interference. These institutions must continue to play a central role in ensuring that those appointed to leadership positions are free of corruption and misconduct.
“Liberians must demand more from their leader’s expecting honesty, dedication, and genuine service to the nation. The time for change is now. We must take a stand to end the cycle of corrupt and ineffective leadership and work together to build a Liberia we can all be proud of,” he concluded.
