Despite recent commendations from the United States of America Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, on President Joseph Boakai’s efforts to combat corruption and impunity in Liberia, there seems to be a stark contrast between rhetoric and reality.
Amid ongoing debates surrounding the Assets Declaration saga, the ruling Unity Party-led Government continues to face strong criticisms for its perceived lack of transparency and accountability. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s revelation that only seventy-five out of five hundred appointed government officials have declared their assets has further fueled public outrage.
Adding their voice to the chorus of condemnation is ‘Info Quest Liberia,’ a non-profit, non-political civil society organization dedicated to policy research, evidence-based advocacy, and social impact and governance. Executive Director Matthias Yeanay expressed grave concern over the failure of President Boakai’s appointed officials to declare their assets, emphasizing that it undermines the government’s purported commitment to transparency and accountability.
While commending President Boakai for personally declaring his assets, setting an example of accountability and transparency, Yeanay stressed the urgency for the President to fulfill his promise of promoting openness and public scrutiny in government affairs by publicly releasing the complete details of his asset declaration.
Furthermore, ‘Info Quest Liberia’ challenged President Boakai to issue a clear directive mandating all his appointees to file their asset declarations within a specified timeframe, emphasizing the importance of enforcing the provisions of the National Code of Conduct without bias or favoritism.
Yeanay called on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and other relevant agencies to be empowered and supported in their efforts to investigate and prosecute violators of the code of conduct, regardless of their position or political affiliation. He urged the LACC to publish the names of those in violation and fully implement sanctions or penalties as prescribed by law.
Referencing the National Code of Conduct, Yeanay highlighted the unequivocal provisions requiring public officials to declare their income, assets, and liabilities before taking office, with declarations accessible to the public and relevant authorities for investigative purposes.
In a statement, the institution reiterated its commitment to advocating for a transparent, accountable, and ethical government that serves the best interests of the Liberian people. Yeanay urged President Boakai to seize the opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to these principles and restore public faith in his administration’s ability to deliver on its promises of transparent and accountable governance.
The organization condemned the fragrant disregard for the national code of conduct by over four hundred appointed government officials, emphasizing the need for compliance within the administration for the betterment of the nation and its people.
