In a bold move against corruption, Liberian President Joseph Boakai has suspended more than 450 government-appointed officials for failing to declare their assets as mandated by law. The announcement was made on Wednesday via the president’s office and later confirmed by Vanguard Newspaper on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) identified 457 officials, including key figures such as the Minister overseeing the national budget and several ambassadors, who failed to meet the November deadline for asset declaration.
According to the president’s office, the officials are suspended without pay for one month or until they submit the required asset declarations. Liberia’s code of conduct mandates all public functionaries to declare their assets upon assuming and vacating office to promote transparency and accountability.
President Boakai, who took office in November 2023, has vowed to uproot endemic corruption and restore public trust in governance. His administration reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, integrity, and the rule of law, stating that:
> “Failure to comply with asset declaration requirements undermines national efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability.”
Political analyst Abdullah Kiatamba praised the president’s action, calling it a step in the right direction. He stated:
> “I think it’s good news. I hope he maintains the trend, but it is in the best interest of the country.”
Liberia, a West African nation of five million people, continues to battle deep-seated corruption while striving for stability after enduring years of civil wars and the devastating 2014 Ebola outbreak. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Liberia ranks 135th out of 180 countries, highlighting the country’s persistent governance challenges.
President Boakai’s latest action follows his recent suspension of Rostalyn Suakoko Dennis, the President of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), over suspected corruption. Authorities have since launched an official investigation into the allegations.
With these aggressive anti-corruption efforts, Boakai is sending a clear message—his administration will not tolerate impunity, and public officials must be held accountable.
PIONEER NEWS 