By Grace Q. Bryant
The Deputy Information Minister, Daniel Sando, has rebuked the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s findings, accusing the dependent anti-graft body of politicizing issues.
It can be recalled that the LACC chairperson, Alexandra Zoe, disclosed that out of 500 officials, only 75 government officials, including lawmakers, have declared their assets.
Deputy Minister Sando spoke at a regular press briefing when he criticized Zoe for addressing the matter through a radio talk show, rather than engaging directly with government channels, branding it as a move to publicly shame officials.
Asserting that corruption eradication is a paramount goal, Sando highlighted President Joseph Boakai’s directive mandating asset declaration for all government officials, with the LACC tasked to oversee compliance.
However, the Deputy Information Minister for Technical Services expressed disappointment with how the LACC is handling the process, attributing delays to the Commission’s failure to provide clear guidance on asset declaration procedures.
Moreover, Sando contested the accuracy of the LACC’s report, suggesting it lacked thoroughness and may have been influenced by political agendas, placing emphasis on the government’s commitment to combating corruption, but urged the LACC to improve its operational efficiency and ensure transparency in its activities.
The LACC Executive Chairperson’s announcement followed shortly after the government’s briefing on its achievements within the first 100 days, revealing a significant portion of officials failing to disclose their assets.
The publication is scheduled for May 15, 2024, with an annual declaration deadline set for July 2024.
In a prior statement released by the LACC in early 2024, the Commission affirmed its commitment to collaborating with various agencies, including the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Liberia Revenue Authority, the Public Procurement and Concession Commission, the Liberia Business Registry, the National Identity Registry, and other government service providers.
These collaborations aim to enforce sanctions on officials who fail to comply with asset declaration regulations.
