By Bill W. Cooper
The National Chairperson of the Unity Party (UP), Rev. Luther Tarpeh, has made a resounding pledge to conduct a comprehensive audit of the government led by President George M. Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
The UP Chairperson also emphasized that such an audit does not equate to witch-hunting, but rather, seeks to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance within the country.
Speaking, when he appeared as a guest on ELBC Radio Thursday, December 21, 2023, Rev. Tarpeh further expressed concerns regarding the ruling of the country by the CDC-led government for the past six years.
Citing the need for clarity on public expenditure and a thorough assessment of the government’s financial management, Tarpeh articulated the incoming government’s intention to launch an independent, non-partisan audit.
This, he stressed, that the primary objective of the proposed audit is to identify areas of strength and weakness within the CDC government’s administration, as well as assess whether public funds have been appropriately allocated and managed in line with the principles of fiscal responsibility.
According to him, the decision by the Boakai-Koung administration to conduct a transparent and comprehensive audit seeks to ensure that the government is held accountable for its actions, and that public trust is restored.
Tarpeh, at the same time, was fast to clarify that the audit should not be misconstrued as an act of political revenge, emphasizing that the exercise aims to address governance issues and evaluate performance objectively.
He maintained, “Sometimes, it behooves me to see outgoing public officials crying wolf because of the imminent plan by the incoming President Joseph Boakai to audit them. Let me make it clear that the goal is not to target individuals or parties, but rather, to foster a culture of accountability and transparency.”
“So, I don’t see the need for any of these officials to be afraid of auditing, especially so when you are sure that you did the right thing. But this tactic will not deter this administration from auditing them because it is a promise that we made to the Liberian people,” he added.
Chairperson Tarpeh further narrated that the UP government will collaborate with reputable auditing firms, both locally and internationally, to carry out this audit, as well as involve independent experts to ensure an unbiased assessment of the government’s financial practices.
He also urged all political stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the general public, to support said initiative and contribute to its success, intended to engender a sense of national unity and a commitment to good governance.
Chairperson Tarpeh also assured the public of the Boakai-Koung administration’s commitment to ensuring a corruption-free country, ensuring transparency and accountability in public offices.
