LACC Intensifies Call For Specialized Anti-Corruption Court

By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) is calling for the urgent establishment of a Specialized Anti-Corruption Court to expedite the prosecution of corruption-related cases and ensure accountability for public officials who engage in graft.
The Commission’s Chairperson, Alexandra Zoe, made the announcement during a press briefing at the MICAT regular press briefing, stressing that the current judicial system, particularly Criminal Court “C,” is overwhelmed with cases, causing long delays in corruption prosecutions.
“The delay in enforcement of guilty verdicts undermines the fight against corruption. This is why we are advocating for a Specialized Anti-Corruption Court,” Cllr. Zoe stated.
She cited a recent case in Pleebo, where a guilty verdict was handed down by a lower court but enforcement has stalled due to an appeal pending before the Supreme Court.
According to the LACC, the proposed court, if approved by the Legislature, will provide a dedicated platform to handle corruption cases more swiftly, facilitate the recovery of stolen public funds, and deter potential offenders.
“A draft bill has already been submitted to the Legislature. Once enacted, this court will not delay our pursuit of prosecuting corrupt officials,” Cllr. Zoe assured.
In the meantime, the Commission is pressing ahead with several high-profile investigations. Cllr. Zoe highlighted a case in Bong County involving the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for medical services. The investigation, she revealed, is at an advanced stage, with indictments expected soon.
Similar probes are nearing completion in Bomi and Grand Bassa Counties, involving both donor and government resources. These developments come on the heels of a previous case at the C.B. Dunbar Hospital in Margibi County, where funds meant for healthcare delivery were reportedly misused.
Addressing the issue of asset declarations, Zoe expressed serious concern over widespread non-compliance by public officials, despite a presidential directive mandating declarations by February 12, 2025.
Commissioner Zoe made Reference to institutions including the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), General Services Agency (GSA), Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA), and the National Port Authority (NPA). “We have more than 100 non-compliant officials in Monrovia alone. They sit on boards, receive government salaries, but refuse to declare their assets.”
Zoe announced that the LACC will publish a list of defaulters and stressed that failure to comply is a blatant disregard for transparency and public accountability. July 4, 2025, has been set as the final deadline for all asset declarations.
As part of its public engagement strategy, the LACC has taken its anti-corruption message to counties including Maryland, River Gee, Bong, and Nimba, hosting town hall meetings to raise awareness and encourage local-level compliance with asset declaration requirements.
In 2024, the Commission concluded investigations into 24 cases. So far in 2025, five additional cases have been finalized, bringing the total to 29.
“Our goal is to prosecute at least two high-profile corruption cases before the end of this year. Even if we cannot prosecute all 29, we must ensure that justice is visible and serves as a deterrent,” she said.
She also thanked development partners including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, USAID, and the Swedish Embassy for their support in logistics and staff capacity building. Notably, she mentioned a vehicle donation from USAID that has significantly boosted the Commission’s field operations.
The LACC boss appealed to the media and citizens to support the fight against corruption by highlighting the Commission’s achievements as well as its challenges.
“The fight against corruption is not easy, but we remain committed. Even if we cannot hold everyone accountable, we will set examples that deter others. Please join us in this national effort,” she noted.