Joint Press Conference

By Civil Society Organizations on Proposed Amendment to the Local Government Act of 2018

CENTAL, CSO Partners Want Proposal to Amend Local Government Act (LGA) Withdrawn

(Tuesday, June 24, 2025) Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the Press, fellow Liberians and development partners. The Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) and the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG) are deeply concerned about the introduction of a bill to amend the Local Government Act of 2018 and undermine the viability of County Councils.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, Liberia’s governance system has been largely centralized, with local people having little or no say in decisions that affect their livelihoods. This realization led to the timely passage of the Local Government Act (LGA) into law in 2018 under the administration of  former President George M. Weah. The law represents an important attempt at decentralization by re-configuring local government structures and providing them with powers hitherto not granted. Of worthy mention is the County Council, whose makeup includes representatives of women, youth, and people living with disabilities, chiefs, elders, and civil society. Amongst others, the County Council has the power to approve county development plans, budgets, reports, as well as pass ordinances for the county. This inclusive structure is essential for gender equity, as it ensures that everyone, most specially women and persons with disabilities have voices in decision-making processes at the local level, an important step in addressing the historical marginalization of women in governance.

Despite the passage of the LGA in 2018 amidst loud applause, no meaningful efforts were applied by the then government to make the law operational. It would take five years to see movements around implementing the law in 2023, an indication of limited political will to truly give citizens greater roles in local governance.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, this is why, we (CENTAL, CDG, Naymote and WONGOSOL) have been deeply disturbed by news about a bill introduced in the House of Representatives to amend Section 2.2 (e) & (f) of the LGA. The progenitor of the bill, Grand Gedeh County District 1 Representative, Hon. Jeremiah Sokan, argues that sections of the law including 2.2 (e) which gives authority to the members of the county councils to approve the annual county budget and 2.2 (f) which authorizes the council to approve development plans and its implementation interferes with legislative oversight powers and must be repealed. The bill has since been forwarded to the House’s Committees on Good Governance, Ways Means and Finance, Internal Affairs and Judiciary for review.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, while we acknowledge some shortcomings of some members of the council councils, including lack of adequate capacity to thoroughly query different budget line items, we argue that reinstating the Legislative caucus in playing controlling roles local development affairs cannot be a viable alternative for three reasons.

• The Legislature is not excluded from local government affairs; but the Legislative Caucus is properly excluded

Proponents of the proposal to amend the law argued that that the powers of the County Council interfere with legislative oversight powers and usurp the power of the legislature to approve budgets for the counties. We strongly disagree, because all monies apportioned by the County Councils to development projects meet Legislative approval. Allocations to counties, including County Social Development Funds, are contained in the national budgets approved by the Legislature. The budget, as approved by the Legislature, also contains specific policy statements on revenue sharing formulas with the counties.

How then can one argue that the Legislature does not approve or has no oversight? Or should the Legislature, after approving the budget, be concerned with approving every granular expenditure related thereto? An affirmative answer would require the Legislature to act similarly for other budget line items. Could we reasonably expect the Legislature to approve every travel by the President and other officials of government when funding have already been allocated to those travels?

Could we expect the legislature to hold sessions to approve budgets of each activity of legislative committees when committee allotments have been approved with the passing of the national budget? We think not. The collaborating CSOs see no justification for the Legislature, including Committees and County Legislative Caucuses to be involved with approving how county level structures make allotment to development projects, when similar ‘oversight’ will not be extended to other line items in the national budget, as it is clearly impracticable.

It is important to state that the LGA leaves much greater role for the Legislature in ensuring local government oversight. For instance, the Legislature must prescribe limits within which County Councils can impose local taxes, rates, duties, fees and

fines. Also, the Legislature must designate which licenses and operating permits can be ordered issued by Councils, and must set the ceiling for honorarium payments to Council members. It also has the responsibility to transfer administration and collection of property taxes and business license fees to the counties.  The range of rates for each category of annual business or operating license fees are also to be established by the Legislature. The Legislature is also to receive reports of the National Local Government Fiscal Board.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we note, however, that the real push is that Legislative caucuses should have financial control at the county level, a situation that left counties with low quality, unfinished, and politically-motivated that only served the interests of individual lawmakers, legislative caucuses, as well as their cronies. In fact, there is no legal basis for such powers. Legislative caucuses ought to be understood in the context of an association of lawmakers of a particular identity or interest and not in the context of any legislative authority. For instance, there could exist the women legislative caucus, a political party legislative caucus, youth legislative caucus, or even a county legislative caucus. These are associations that do not carry the weight of legislative authority, although they could pursue interests in the legislature to promote certain agendas linked to the association and the society at large. The Legislature can only act in ‘Legislature assembled’ and not through solo acts of individual members or associations. This is why even in cases where committees perform certain tasks, they are required to report back to plenary to receive legislative imprimatur as provided by the Liberian Constitution. Hence, the idea that county legislative caucuses should be deeply involved with county level government, as was regrettably done in the past, is not only bizarre, but trumps democratic and republican principles and must not be condoned.

• There is no evidence that members of Legislative Caucuses are better placed to approve County plans and budgets than County Council members.

It is important to recognize that excluding the County Council from this process would represent a major setback to gender equality efforts. The County Council provides a unique platform for women’s participation, which should be strengthened, not rolled back, especially considering that women often have the most insight into community development needs, particularly in health, education, and social protection.

The idea of the involvement of legislative caucuses in the development of counties is not new. From 2006, when former President Sirleaf introduced the CSDF novelty, to 2022, when the Supreme Court overruled caucuses’ involvement as per the LGA, lawmakers were the masters of the development funds. Citizens were merely pawns used to accomplish the aims of lawmakers under the guise of citizen participation in County Sittings and other activities, which were unduly controlled. Indeed, memories are still fresh about outcomes associated with the involvement of legislative caucuses. In most cases, corruption and mismanagement characterized the use of development funds. The LGA, therefore, represents the culmination of years of advocacy against legislative abuse of local government. It is little wonder, therefore, that the LGA states in its preambular paragraphs that “low participation of the citizenry in governance has hindered Liberia's democratization processes…[and that] citizens desire greater participation in governance to empower them take greater responsibility for their lives and development of their communities…”

Proponents of caucus inclusion overlook recent history when they declaim County Councils. Allegations of inefficiencies and collusion that now arise in relation to Councils arose similarly under the old development regime having the caucus as the driving force. Hence, if anything, efforts to address any malaise beginning to rear its head in the current local government structure should involve improvement of the Councils and addressing impunity rather than finding a cure where it does not exist.

It is argued that County Council members lack relevant educational credentials to deal with matters as weighty as county plans and budgets. This argument seems plausible at first since the LGA only requires a Council member to speak in the local language or read and write English. But does any educational qualification exist for members of the Legislature? In fact, many legislators have had humble educational beginnings and their lack of solid credentials did not write them off. Why, then, should the very people who elected Legislators without credentials be barred from participating in local governance due to want of educational credentials?  It must be stated, however, that foreseeing the situation that capacity issues might exist, the framers of the law provided that every County Council should have a Support Office comprising a lawyer and an administrative officer to support the Council in such matters.

• Independence and effectiveness of County Councils cannot be remedied by the introduction of the Caucus, but through capacity building and accountability mechanisms

It has also been suggested that members elected to the County Council are susceptible to influence of the county administration and therefore lack the independence envisaged under the new law. The vulnerability, it is argued, stems from limited educational and financial capacity, and that perquisites provided by county authorities could get Council members to approve budgets and reports without scrutiny.  To address this problem, it is said that Legislators should assume the approval role since legislators clearly carry higher stature than county authorities.

To be clear, in many cases under the former CSDF regime, the active presence of legislators in the local development process overshadowed and intimidated local participation. Citizens often could not speak out and insist on their viewpoints in county sittings presided over by the Legislative caucus. In the end, most projects conformed to the wishes of legislators rather than delegates at the sittings. There were reports that delegates were manipulated since they were selected by the lawmakers or district commissioners in the first place. The LGA’s introduction of stakeholder group representation on the Councils, thus, is a break with the past.

Under the current arrangement, stakeholder groups such as civil society, persons with disabilities, women, youths, chiefs, and elders, select their representatives to the Council, although certain positions in these stakeholder groups qualify the holder for automatic representation on the Council.  This provision supports Liberia’s commitments under the Revised National Gender Policy and the Liberia National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. We emphasize the need for full enforcement of these provisions to safeguard the gains made in women’s representation in local governance structures.

We welcome the observation that early signs of manipulation are showing despite the new setup.  Nonetheless, we hold the view that at the thrust of this challenge lies not just limited capacity and experience, but the seeming absence of stakeholder groups from the matrix. Citizens, acting independently or through stakeholder groups, must hold their representatives on the Council accountable and, if need be, remove them through processes laid down by the LGA. Sensitization would be crucial to raise citizens’ awareness in this regard. Also, Council members engaging in corruption and other misconduct should be investigated and prosecuted. The Legislature also needs to act quickly to perform its responsibilities under the LGA as they are critical, if the local government must work. It is almost two years since Councils were setup but honorarium ceilings have not been determined by the Legislature in appreciation of their services. Support staff required to be recruited as civil servants are yet to be assigned in many instances. The Civil Service Agency (CSA) and other relevant ministries and agencies must act accordingly.

The way forward

The foregoing provides ample reasons why the LGA must be left undisturbed. Attention must be placed on the full implementation of the law, including through capacity building initiatives and broad-based citizen engagement. Anything to the contrary would render the LGA meaningless, frustrate years of efforts spent in promoting decentralization, and reverse progress made so far.

Giving lawmakers oversight of budget and development approval as recommended could lead to centralized control, political interference, or misalignment with community needs. It could weaken transparency and grassroots participation in local governance processes, sideline local voices and priorities thus making average Liberian, especially those in rural communities, to have less influence over how development funds are allocated in their own county. It is, therefore, prudent that we all rally our support for full implementation of the LGA in its current form. Indeed, it would be unfair to draw conclusions about the suitability of the current arrangement when deliberate efforts to get the law operational are hard to come by. Government, civil society, donor partners, and citizens themselves must stand up if decentralization must become a reality in Liberia.  From a gender lens, any attempt to alter the existing framework risks dismantling hard-won spaces for women’s leadership and community participation. We urge all stakeholders to recognize that decentralization is not only about efficient governance, but also about ensuring that women’s voices are not silenced at the grassroots level.

We, therefore, call for the withdrawal of the bill and for energies and resources to be redirected to supporting an effective and efficient local government structures across the country.

Thank you

Signed:

_______________________________________

Anderson D. Miamen, Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia

_______________________________________

Eddie Jarwolo, Naymote Partners for Democratic Development

_______________________________________

Esther Yango, Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia

_______________________________________________

George Sagbeh, Center for Democratic Governance

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CENTAL Hails Liberia FiTI Membership

-But Calls on LACC to Swiftly Investigate Corruption Allegations

Monrovia, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for attending to our call. Your prompt responses to our invitations say a lot about our shared commitment and quest to promote good governance and the culture of transparency and accountability in Liberia. We deeply value your support and contributions to the work we do.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we have read with great excitement that Liberia joined the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) on May 21, 2025, a global multi-stakeholder partnership aimed at enhancing transparency and participation in the sustainable management of marine fisheries through the implementation of the FiTI Standard. The FiTI Standard is a globally recognized framework that outlines specific transparency requirements for countries in the governance and management of marine fisheries. We applaud this effort by the Government of Liberia (GoL) through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) to promote the culture of transparency especially within the fisheries sector. Liberia’s membership to the initiative is a step in the right direction in promoting an equitable, inclusive and transparent fisheries sector. Gone should be those days when policies, frameworks, agreements, processes, and reports with implications on the people and the state are shrouded in secrecy. Now is the time to nurture and value a culture of transparency across different government institutions and their services.  We commend NaFAA for maintaining an active website and a portal for online application for licenses. Nonetheless, we look forward to publication of more information regarding fisheries agreements, revenue and expenditure reports, and other key information on the sector.

Allegations of Payroll Paddling

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, whilst we commend the Government of Liberia for the recent transparency effort, we are mindful of the report recently released by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) on the compliance audit of the supplementary payroll system at the Ministry of State (MOS) for the period covering July 1, 2018 to March 31, 2024. The report underscores systemic issues in public financial management at the MOS, to name a few:

• Unauthorized supplementary payroll spending in the tone of over US$3.5 million;
• Payment of over US$7.9 million and L$964,766.21 without supporting documentation; and
• Unauthorized severance payments to 647 laid-off employees.

We note that the audit covers, to a large extent, the administration of former President George M. Weah and the previous Ministers such as Nathaniel F. McGill, now Senator of Margibi County, and Wesseh Blamoh. Nonetheless, in addition to the many systemic issues raised by the audit linked to the current administration regarding payroll administration, the report also indicates that the Ministry under the current administration hired supplementary staff within two months of taking office without proper recruitment processes and paid the hires over US$36,000 monthly from a consultancy budget line, without verification or documentation.  The report also noted the failure of the current administration to provide records or facilitate verification of these hires, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. CENTAL sees this finding as disturbing, especially considering that the Ministry of State dismissed three senior officials in 2024 amid reports of payroll paddling. We wonder whether the Ministry dismissed these officials for acts done prior to the Boakai administration or for those done during the Boakai administration, or both. We believe that the answer to this dilemma will shed light on whether the Ministry of State is truly committed to fighting corruption and not a face-saving gesture or simply a move to target those who served the previous administration. We cannot emphasize much that the fight against corruption must be impartial.

Albeit, Ladies and gentlemen, we urge the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to take swift actions to investigate these allegations of corruption. We have reviewed the recent quarterly report of the LACC which indicates that investigations in payroll paddling are ongoing since they began on October 14, 2024. As it is nearly eight months since the investigations began, we can only hope that it is completed in the soonest possible time. We note also that the LACC has reported completion of investigation into the case involving officials of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA). CENTAL awaits the next course of action by the LACC.

LACC Probe of Bribery Allegations at the House of Representatives

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we have also been informed that the Liberia Anti-corruption Commission (LACC) has sent a letter requesting full cooperation from members of the House of Representatives as part of investigations into bribery allegations during proceedings that led to the resignation of Hon. J. Fonati Koffa, as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The action on the part of the LACC comes on the back of two formal complaints filed by a civil society group and Representative Luther Collins of District Number 2, Gbarpolu County, on October 17 and 21, 2024 respectively. Whilst we applaud the LACC for the initial decisive steps in the matter, we encourage the commission to speed up its efforts in ascertaining the facts and bringing the matter to a close. We implore the commission to be as transparent as possible with findings from the investigation so as to allay public speculations and uncertainties especially due to the criticality of the allegations.  

In conclusion, we call on President Joseph N. Boakai to do the needful by acting swiftly on recommendations contained in the audit report if systemic issues must be addressed. We also reiterate our call for the LACC to speedily investigate those associated with findings contained in the audit report, as well as those connected to the House bribery allegations.

Thanks.

Signed:

The Management.

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CENTAL Calls for Full Adherence to Supreme Court’s Ruling in Legislative Impasse

 Monrovia, Monday, April 28, 2025 - Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for the continuous support to CENTAL and our quest to promote good governance, the culture of transparency and accountability, and rule of law in Liberia. We deeply value your support and contributions to the work of civil society, especially CENTAL.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, for more than six months, Liberians have witnessed their lawmakers invest valuable time, energy and resources to remove a Speaker rather than crafting critical legislations to help ameliorate the hardship faced by their constituents. In all this, ordinary Liberians have been the most victimized; lawmakers have accused each other of bribery, budget corruption, and other forms of corruption.  Also, we have seen a segment of the Capitol Building gutted by fire, and the 2025 national budget passed by the House of Representatives within an unprecedented ten-days period and concurred with by the Senate on the same day it was received.  In all this, Liberians and Liberia have borne the brunt.    

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of Liberia, whose decisions are final and binding on all other courts and government agencies, delivered a ruling declaring as unconstitutional all legislative actions taken by members of the House of Representatives under the umbrella (majority bloc) in which the elected Speaker, J. Fonati Koffa is not presiding, despite  not being absent or incapacitated. The ruling, amongst others, rendered null and void, decisions and actions taken by members of the majority bloc led by Representative Richard Koon including his election as speaker and suspension of several colleagues.

Furthermore, the Court’s ruling sought to address legal issues related to the prolonged political and leadership rancor at the House of Representatives and address a Bill of Information filed by Speaker Koffa seeking clarity on the court’s December 6, 2024 ruling on that matter, in which it ambiguously declared the majority block’s actions as illegal.

However, reactions to the court’s ruling have been diverse. Whilst many would think the ruling has brought a closure to the prolonged dispute, public comments from key members of the regime and opposition have proven otherwise. On one hand, government officials took to social media in outright rejection of the court’s ruling, although the Minister of Information, Hon. Jerolinmek Piah had indicated acceptance and respect for the Court’s ruling. Also, in his reaction, Representative Richard Koon, leader of the majority bloc of lawmakers vowed that his group of lawmakers would not recognize or adhere to the ruling. Meanwhile, Speaker Koffa welcomed the ruling and promised to make reconciliation and collaboration a key priority. Other key opposition figures, including former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor hinted at chaos if the government refuses to abide by the court’s ruling.

In his address to the nation, President Joseph N. Boakai promised to continuously work with the body constituting a quorum to ensure full functioning of government and appeared reluctant to recognize the legitimacy of Speaker Koffa’s leadership, or to restore his rights and privileges as affirmed by the Supreme Court. This is despite the fact that the Supreme Court’s declaration as null and void all sittings of the House without speaker Koffa, especially when he is present and capacitated.  

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, CENTAL believes that a pronouncement by the President of Liberia to sever ties with the Koon bloc after the unambiguous court’s unconstitutional declaration would have demonstrated full compliance with the court’s mandate. Instead, continuous engagement with the said faction only amounts to disregard of the Court’s opinion and represents a grave setback to the country’s improving democratic and constitutional credentials. CENTAL recognizes the contention that it seems unlikely that members of the Koon bloc would return to sessions presided over by Speaker Koffa. Proponents of this contention argue that there is a need for the government to function and that the President has no alternative but to work with the Koon bloc since they meet legislative quorum. We find this argument troubling since the Supreme Court has said that a quorum that is not presided over by the legitimately elected Speaker is in effect no quorum at all. CENTAL also considers the challenge that no rule has been promulgated by the House to enable Speaker Koffa to compel members of the Koon bloc to attend session.

In response, CENTAL notes that over 39 years ago, our Constitution mandated the Legislature to prescribe said rule to compel attendance of absent members, but have failed to do so. The Legislature bears the burden of this failure to act and it is our hope that this is addressed as soon as stability returns to the house. In the absence of the law compelling attendance, however, CENTAL believes that it is incumbent on members of the Koon bloc to respect the ruling of the Supreme Court and attend the session presided over by Speaker Koffa. Once in such proper forum, they can initiate any proceeding to remove Speaker Koffa, if they so wish, consistent with law. In the absence of such action, Speaker Koffa cannot be constructively removed by absenting themselves from their legislative duty.

We note also that a Petition for re-argument has been filed by the Koon bloc. In our opinion, the filing of said Petition is a recognition of the weight of the Court’s decision in the matter. In the absence of any communication from the court nullifying its prior decision, we believe that the opinion of the Court remains valid until such time that it is overturned or invalidated by them. Hence, we call on the Executive to proceed in respecting the Supreme Court’s decision until the Court says otherwise. Meanwhile, like election-related disputes, which are speedily handled by the Supreme Court, we strongly urge the Court to attach similar urgency to matters like these that have serious implications for proper governance of the country. We believe that the court’s undue delay in ruling on the Bill of Information filed by Speaker Koffa contributed to prolongation of the conflict, which continues to hurt the country.

In conclusion, we call on the legislature to lead by example as the direct representatives of the people. This example should first be set by adherence to the rule of law, including through respect for laid down procedures on removal of a sitting Speaker. There can be no short-cut about this, as any will surely harm the country, just as we have seen over the last few months, whereby there has been a near dysfunctional Legislature and slow pace of key decision-making on key national issues and documents. Therefore, we call on President Joseph N. Boakai to ensure the full enforcement of the April 23, 2025 ruling of the Supreme Court by restoring the rights and privileges of Speaker Koffa, and sever any ties with the Koon bloc of lawmakers until the Supreme Court can rule otherwise.  

Thank you.

Signed:

The Management.

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CENTAL Proposes Administrative Actions on MCSS Officials Accused of Corruption Pending Probe; Welcomes LACC and FIA Involvement in the Work of the Asset Recovery Task Force.

 Monrovia, Monday, April 21, 2025 - Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for always attending to our calls. Your support to our work and the fight against corruption has been nothing short of remarkable. Continue the great job!

Over the last days, Liberian social and traditional media platforms have been awash with allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement involving officials of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), including Superintendent James A.S Momoh. Based on intelligence gathered by the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), the allegations revealed, amongst many others, a likely insurance fraud scheme and misappropriation of funds intended for scholarship program for teachers. It is reported that on April 8, 2025, FIA Officer-in-Charge Mohammed A. Nasser, recommended to the LACC a full-scale investigation of the MCSS insurance scheme after the FIA found that Sonita Dangan Dangan, an employee of MCSS, received 8.1 million Liberian dollars in checks from Kabineh Keita, a suspected employee of the Sky Insurance company which offers insurance services to the institution.  It is further reported that FIA found no business relationship between Dangan and Keita to justify the transactions. Separate allegations also suggest that MCSS administrators charged US$920 per teacher benefitting from a study abroad program in India, which has already been taken care of by government.

While we cannot conclude that these allegations are true in the absence of a formal investigation into the matter, we view them as being very troubling for an education sector desperately in need of financial and non-financial resources to address infrastructure, staffing, supervision, capacity building, and other gaps that continue to undermine the adequacy, quality, accessibility, and gender responsiveness of educational services to all students, especially persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups. Recent manifestations of discontent in the form of protest actions by students and ‘go slow’ by teachers are among reasons why, we beseech President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. to take timely administrative action by suspending the officials at the center of the alleged scandal and corruption,

pending the outcome of LACC’s independent investigation into the matter. If not adequately investigated and convincingly addressed, these grave allegations will tend to undermine stakeholders’ trust in the system, undermine government’s efforts in tackling corruption, and give an indication of perpetuation of the culture of impunity for corruption and other offenses, which have affected the country for so long.

Extended Mandate of the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, on March 6, 2024, President Joseph N. Boakai issued executive order number 126 establishing the Assets Recovery Taskforce to ensure processes leading to the location, recovery, and retrieval of wrongly acquired public resources and properties, within and outside Liberia. Subsequently, on March 8, 2024, the Executive Mansion named more than 15 individuals and institutions to the taskforce, including representatives of the Liberia National Police, General Services Agency, and Ministry of Justice. The Liberia Anti-corruption Commission (LACC) was excluded from the list, despite having a broad mandate to tackle corruption, which includes identifying and recovering stolen government resources and assets. The exclusion of LACC and inclusion of politically active individuals to the taskforce led to CENTAL’s open call for the dissolution and reconstitution of the taskforce, if it must enjoy the confidence and support of the public and partners, including but not limited to the development community, civil society, and other public integrity institutions. From all indications, the Task Force did not live up to expectations during its first year of operation, in part due to internal wrangling involving the leadership and some members, multiple legal battles; poor start of operation, and limited stakeholders’ engagement and cooperation.

In March 2025, following the expiration of executive order #126, President Boakai moved to extend the mandate of Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce. This time, the President corrected some grave mistakes that characterized his 2024 decision, which helped to undermine the work of the institution. Laudably, the President named a 5-member Taskforce, compared to the previous 15-member team that burdened the country financially and posed serious coordination and other issues for the team.

Press Statement for Immediate Release

Liberia Makes Marginal Progress by Moving 2 Points Up the CPI Ladder, But the Government Must Implement Drastic Reforms to End Impunity for Corruption as the Country lingers among the worst decliners on the Index.

Monrovia, Tuesday, February 11, 2025

The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) is pleased to release the findings of Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2024, focusing on how corruption is undermining global, regional, and national climate actions. Since 1995, the Corruption Perception Index has been scoring and ranking countries based on how corrupt their public sectors are perceived, according to experts and business executives. The score ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), where 0 equals the highest level of perceived public sector corruption and 100 equals the lowest level of perceived public sector corruption, based on the views of experts. In 2024, 180 Countries were targeted, just as in 2023.

The CPI draws upon 13 data sources, which capture the assessment of experts and business executives on several corrupt behaviors in the public sector. These corrupt practices and behaviors include bribery, diversion of public funds and supplies, use of public office for private gain, procurement irregularities, state capture, and nepotism in the civil service. Also, some sources assess mechanisms available to prevent and address corruption in a country. Examples include the government’s ability to enforce integrity mechanisms; financial, logistical, and moral support to anti-graft institutions; independence and viability of anti-graft institutions; the effective prosecution of corrupt officials and others accused of corruption; conflict of interest prevention; access to information; freedom of speech and the media; and legal protection for human rights defenders and anti-corruption campaigners, whistleblowers, witnesses, journalists, and investigators.

Liberia’s Score and Performance:

Liberia is ranked 141/180 among countries covered by CPI 2024, compared to 145/180 in 2023. For the first time in 7 years, Liberia moved 2 points up the CPI ladder, from a score of 25 in 2023 to 27 in 2024. Despite the fact that this latest ranking shows marginal progress in the new administration’s anti-corruption efforts, much work still needs to be done, as the country has remained one of the biggest global decliners since 2014, dropping by 10 points. The country’s performance on the CPI has been hugely disappointing, cementing her position among the worst performers on the content and the sub-region. This is corroborated by CENTAL’s 2023 State of Corruption Reports, which reveal that 90% of Liberians think the Corruption level is high in the country, with low citizens’ confidence in the executive branch of government to tackle the problem.  

CENTAL is deeply concerned over Liberia’s consistently poor performance, especially her place among the world’s Worst Decliners. Even though we acknowledge the 2-point increase under the first year of the Boakai-Koung-led government, we caution against complacency, as immunity for corruption remains high. While President Boakai has acted to suspend and dismiss some officials accused of corruption, he has failed to do likewise for others, giving an indication of partiality in his anti-graft efforts. We hold the view that the President’s move to declare and publish his assets, incomes, and liabilities is laudable, but his gross failure to punish his non-compliant officials raises questions about his ability to fully match his anti-corruption commitments with deeds.

Regional Highlights and Trends:

On the regional front, the report found that Saharan Africa’s systemic corruption is severely undermining climate action and other accountability efforts. The region has once again registered the lowest average score globally: 33 out of 100, well below the global average of 43. African countries desperately need vast amounts of climate finance to implement their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) – the climate action plans submitted to the United Nations (UN). Climate action faces a significant threat from corruption in the region, including through misappropriation, theft, misallocation, and poor oversight. This highlights the need for robust mechanisms to ensure that funds allocated to climate projects and other interventions benefit communities that are desperately dependent on them. In the region, countries suffering the worst effects of the climate crisis, including Equatorial Guinea (13), Eritrea (13), Somalia (9) and South Sudan (8), also rank among the most corrupt.

The Sub-Saharan Africa average is 33, the lowest in the world. The highest-scoring countries in the region are Seychelles (72), Cabo Verde (62), Botswana (57) and Rwanda (57). Notable improvements include Cote d’Ivoire (45), up 10 points since 2019, Seychelles (72), up 20 points since 2012, making it the biggest global improver, and Tanzania (41), up 10 points since 2014. The sharpest declines were seen in Lesotho (37), down 12 points since 2014, and Eswatini (27), down 16 points since 2014. Gabon and Liberia (both 27) have fallen 10 points since 2014.

Global Highlights:

Published today by Transparency International, The CPI 2024 draws attention to ending impunity for corruption, especially in climate action and governance. CPI 2024 alarms over entrenched corruption related to climate action, which undermines efforts to address the negative impacts of climate change globally, especially on poor and marginalized communities and populations. 

Globally, of the 180 countries targeted, 32 countries improved, 47 countries declined and 101 countries stayed the same. Also, in terms of the types of government, 24 countries with full democracies obtained an average score of 73; 50 countries with flawed democracies obtained a score of 47; while 95 non-democratic countries obtained an average score of 33 for 95. The global average remains unchanged at a score of 43 out of 100 for the 13^th year in sequence. For the seventh year in a row, Denmark heads the ranking, with a score of 90. Finland and Singapore take the second and third spots, with scores of 88 and 84, respectively. Scoring 83, New Zealand is out of the top three positions for the first time since 2012, but it remains in the top 10, together with Luxembourg (81), Norway (81), Switzerland (81), Sweden (80), the Netherlands (78), Australia (77), Iceland (77) and Ireland (77).

Meanwhile, countries experiencing conflict or with highly restricted freedoms and weak democratic institutions occupy the bottom of the index. South Sudan (8), Somalia (9) and Venezuela (10) take the last three spots. Syria (12), Equatorial Guinea (13), Eritrea (13), Libya (13), Yemen (13), Nicaragua (14), Sudan (15), and North Korea (15) complete the list of lowest scorers in 2024.

The highest scoring region is Western Europe and the European Union with an average score of 64, although it declined by 1 point from 65 in 2023. The lowest scoring region is Sub-Saharan Africa with an average of 33. The 33-average score of Sub-Saharan Africa shows an unending worrisome picture of inaction against corruption in the region, as governments are doing very little to safeguard climate resources and match their fine promises with tangible actions to end the culture of impunity for corruption and bad governance.

Although no country is free of corruption, countries topping the CPI have full democracies and share characteristics of open government, press freedom, strong parliament/legislature, civil liberties, and independent judiciary. Meanwhile, countries at the bottom are characterized by widespread impunity for corruption; poor governance; weak parliament and oversight bodies, and poorly supported and underperforming anti-graft institutions, among others.

Recommendations:

Based on the findings of the 2024 CPI report, we think that significant improvement in the fight against corruption is possible but only when “business as usual” in the fight becomes an issue of the past, as promised by President Boakai and his administration. Like other countries that are registering remarkable progress, Liberia can climb the CPI ladder and outperform other countries. However, this can be achieved if the national government’s fight against corruption is sincere, holistic, impartial, and well-funded.

Hence, as emphasized by Maíra Martini, Chief Executive Officer of Transparency International, “Urgent action is needed worldwide, particularly in Liberia, to root out corruption that undermines climate action through theft, misuse of funds, and undue influence. Governments and development partners must embed anti-corruption measures in climate efforts to protect funding and rebuild trust. Only by tackling corruption head-on can we unlock the full power of climate action and accelerate the fight for our planet, our future.”

Regarding other corruption issues, we urge President Boakai to timely and impartially implement reports and recommendations of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, General Auditing Commission, governance and anti-corruption-focused civil society organizations, advocates, and campaigners. In other words, officials of government and others accused of corruption should be investigated and where necessary suspended, dismissed, and prosecuted to end the culture of impunity and send a stronger message about commitment against corruption.  

Finally, we applaud individual citizens, journalists, activists, and other groups and individuals who have been vocal against corruption and bad governance in Liberia, especially over the past months and years. We encourage more demands for transparency and accountability from the Government, especially from President Boakai with the greatest responsibility to shape the country's anti-corruption efforts in the right direction.

Signed:

Anderson Miamen,

0886818855/0776391481

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CENTAL Dismayed Over   “Business as Usual” under the Boakai-Koung Administration

Monrovia, Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - Distinguish ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for always coming to our call. Your partnership in the fight against corruption is well-appreciated and worthwhile.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, CENTAL expresses dismay over the increasing insensitivity of the Boakai administration to the concerns and aspirations of the Liberian people. We recall these words of President Boakai when he took his oath of office on January 22, 2024:

I applaud the people of Liberia who voted in their numbers for change… The message they sent by their act of courage and determination is loud and clear: no more business as usual. It is a clarion call for a new Liberia, a different Liberia, a Liberia that genuinely practices the rule of law and adheres to the tenets of democratic governance in the interest of all our people.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, the President would then go on to say:

We see hard times, dysfunction, a culture of impunity, and corruption in high and low places. It is these and similar conditions that we have come to RESCUE.

With just over a year in office, the writings on the wall are becoming clearer regarding the President’s delivery of these promises. The rule of law hangs in the balance as tenured officials have been removed contrary to law and replaced by partisans and associates of the Boakai administration. A President who promised to uphold the rule of law would not go to any length to break the law to protect his interest. Recent revelations that the Boakai administration paid a whopping US$374,239.24 to Mr. Aloysius Tarlue, the erstwhile Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), as a settlement regarding a lawsuit bordering on his removal, raises questions about the President’s sincerity about engineering a different Liberia where there is non-more business as usual. With the reason for Tarlue’s suspension ostensibly linked to the outcome of an audit conducted by the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), we now wonder whether the alleged conduct of Tarlue was not the basis of his suspension, but simply a ploy to circumvent the law in favor of President Boakai and his cronies. Moreover, we are shocked that the Boakai administration elected to spend nearly half of a million US Dollars of the Liberian people’s money to facilitate the removal of Tarlue. We are not remiss of the administration potentially executed many of such agreements to the tune of millions of dollars. And since it is now clear that these agreements are signed under strict terms of confidentiality, the Liberian people will truly never get to know how much the administration is dishing out to people illegally removed in favor of the President’s appointees.

Ladies and gentlemen, amid high levels of poverty and a plethora of development needs, tax dollars of Liberians have largely ended up in the pockets of a few high-ranking officials of government who live lavishly on the sweat of ordinary Liberians. Allegations have abounded in the media that top officials of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) are earning monthly salaries and benefits exceeding US$15,000. The situation led to President Boakai commissioning the Bureau of State-Owned Enterprises to investigate the claims and provide recommendations. For more than half a year now, there is no public record (s) available about the outcome of the mandated investigation into the matter.  

President’s Asset Declaration Directive Largely Ignored with Impunity

Since January 2024, several officials of the Boakai-Koung administration have refused to adhere to the legal requirement of declaring their assets, income, and liabilities, before taking office, in line with the Code of Conduct for Public Officials.  In its report released in August 2024, the Liberia Anti-corruption Commission (LACC) reported a meager 26.5% compliance level. As a result, President Boakai issued a directive to all officials to comply within TEN (10) DAYS—effective November 27, 2024—face immediate suspension from their respective positions, as mandated by law until they meet the legal requirements.

Ever since the expiration of the deadline over two months ago, there is no public record available of the President’s action against non-compliant officials who failed to adhere to his directive, including some officials of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs. We call on the president to do the needful and take appropriate action.  

In reality, the President’s inability to effectively address corruption has become embarrassing and glaringly evident. His snail-paced action and benevolence raise questions about the proper usage of taxpayers’ money. Citizens deserve to know why their money is being used to silence the former governor of the Central Bank of Liberia whom the government claimed had violated the law. This action not only undermines the principles of justice, but also reflects poorly on the president’s ability to uphold his promises of integrity, transparency, and good governance. CENTAL believes that the Boakai-Koung Administration’s handling of these situations exposes a troubling narrative of limited political and presidential will as well as gross failure to deliver on the rule of law, transparency, and other key democratic values and principles.

CENTAL therefore recommends the following:

• The Government must provide a full public disclosure of the findings from the General Auditing Commission’s audit and a detailed explanation of the rationale behind the settlement with Mr. Tarlue. The administration must take decisive actions to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and that those found guilty are held accountable without exception.

• The Government must prioritize the fight against corruption and demonstrate its commitment to integrity through its actions and not misuse taxpayers’ money for questionable settlements. Such will not only betray the public's trust but also divert funds away from critical public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

We conclude by urging the President to be vigilant and do not give a blind eye to the fight against corruption. More importantly, taxpayers’ money must be utilized appropriately and not for ambiguous and exorbitant settlements. We also encourage the press to continue their invaluable work in uncovering the truth and to join us in advocating for a government that truly upholds the principles of transparency and accountability.

Signed:

The Management.

Press Statement for Immediate Release

International Anti-corruption Day 2024: CENTAL Craves the Government of Liberia to End Impunity for Corruption

• Describes it as the missing link in Country’s anti-corruption efforts

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press, fellow Liberians. Today, December 9, 2024, marks another International Anti-corruption Day, recognized globally as the day to reflect on the fight against corruption by identifying progress made, challenges encountered, lessons learned, and plans for the future. We applaud all Liberians, the government of Liberia, development partners, and other stakeholders for playing key roles in driving the country’s anti-corruption and accountability agenda.

We celebrate this year’s International Anti-corruption Day knowing that we have public integrity institutions, civil society, development partners, and other groups to look up to in the fight against corruption. Recently passed laws such as the Whistleblower Law and the Witness Protection also give us reason to celebrate. Somehow, the Liberia Anti-corruption Commission, General Auditing Commission, Internal Audit Agency, Liberia Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative, and other institutions continue to play their roles in leading and shaping the country’s anti-corruption efforts. In particular, there have been welcoming efforts to track, investigate, and prosecute a few corruption cases and even suspend and dismiss public officials and others at the center of corruption allegations and other abuses.  Even citizens, civil society, and the media have shown great interest in the process and played crucial roles in this regard, as well as development partners that are supporting government, civil society, and other groups to tackle the menace of corruption.

However, the Liberian Government’s efforts have not been good enough to send a very strong message to the corrupt and deter others from feasting on public resources and assets. The biggest threat and missing link of the country’s anti-corruption drive is the government’s gross failure to end the culture of impunity for corruption, heavily fueled by inadequate funding of public integrity institutions and limited presidential and legislative willpowers. This continues to be the biggest challenge, which has haunted the country for too long. Successive governments have made flowery anti-corruption promises/commitments. Sadly, they have not matched them with the required individual and collective robust and holistic actions/deeds. If the fight against corruption must succeed, the President must lead by example and set a very high standard for others to follow. While leadership from lawmakers and other actors in government is important, President Boakai has the greatest power and responsibility to shape the country’s fight against corruption in the right direction.

As we celebrate this year’s international anti-corruption, we wish to remind President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. that Liberia’s score on the Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International is 25/100. This means that the Liberian public sector is at its lowest level in terms of being corrupt. While a challenge, it presents an opportunity for the President and his government to boldly lead the country in ways that help to reverse this negative trend.

To reverse this situation, end the culture of impunity, and move Liberia upward with the Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International and other key governance indices, we strongly recommend the following:

• President Boakai should lead by example and set a very high standard for others in government and Liberia to follow. At the moment, the President has not raised the anti-corruption, transparency, and accountability standards very high, as he is still pampering his officials, including those in gross violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, especially the component on asset declaration. In part, strong political will means timely acting on matters involving those perceived to be closer to the presidency and ruling party. To this end, the President must suspend and dismiss those at the center of corruption and violators of the code of conduct and other related laws.
• The Liberia Government should provide adequate financial and logistical support to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and other public integrity institutions and respect their independence and financial autonomy. Adequate financial and logistical support will enable these institutions to fully execute their mandates by identifying, investigating, and prosecuting corruption cases involving current and past public officials. This will go a long way in ending the culture of impunity for corruption and other abuses in Liberia.

• LACC, GAC, and other public integrity institutions must be robust, more engaging, innovative, and result-driven in their work. LACC now has enormous assets declaration information and corruption cases. They must move to make the most of these cases of asset declaration and other vital information in their possession. They must investigate and prosecute current and former government officials sanctioned by the US Government on time for public sector corruption. While the public fully supports anti-graft institutions, they must do enough to continue enjoying the support and confidence of the public.

• Civil society and the media should continue to raise consciousness regarding the dangers of corruption and rally citizens to take decisive actions against those engaging in corruption and those whose inactions lead corruption to flourish. In doing so, members of civil society and the media should lead by example in their respective organizations and their engagements with partners and members of the public.

Signed:

The Management

Press Statement for Immediate Release

CENTAL Commends GOL for Initial Good Governance Efforts; Frowns on Nonchalant Approach to Punishing Officials Accused of Corruption  

Monrovia, Tuesday, November 25, 2024 - Distinguish ladies and gentlemen of the press, we are happy to have you join us for today’s press conference. 

Liberia has established the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, General Auditing Commission, Finance Intelligence Agency, and other integrity institutions as well as passed the Whittle Blower Protection, Witness Protection, Code of Conduct for public officials, and other key laws to tackle corruption. However, Corruption remains a major governance and development challenge in Liberia. Impunity for corruption, fueled largely by limited political will and or the lack of strong presidential willpower, has been a major stumbling block to credible, impartial, and robust anti-corruption efforts in the country. As a result, public sector corruption remains high, as Liberia scored 25 out of 100 on the 2023 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Transparency International, a huge decline from 32 in 2018. This is not surprising, as CENTAL’s 2023 State of Corruption Report shows that over 90% of Liberians believe that corruption level in government is very high and that their government is not doing enough to tackle it. The country continues her long wait to end gross impunity for corruption, especially in government.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr, assumed state power in January 2024 and made bold commitments to tackle corruption, as a part of broader efforts to break away from “business as usual” in constituting and running government. Since then, his Unity Party-led administration has made strides in promoting good governance and other efforts across the government. Notable mentions include payroll and credential audits that have led to removal of ghost names from the government’s payroll; the establishment of the Office of the war and economic crimes court; and the commission of audits that have further shed light on corruption in public service. Recent actions by President Boakai include the suspension of officials, including Steve Zargo, Commissioner-General of the Liberia Immigration Service and several officials of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC). These include Mr. Patrick Worzie, executive director, Mr. Richard Hoff, deputy executive director for operation; and Mr. AJ Armah Karneh, deputy executive director for administration respectively. Others include the dismissals of Colonel Abraham Kromah from the position of Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and Mr. Hassan Fadiga and Mr. Gbawou Kowou, who held the positions of Deputy Director General for Operations and Deputy Director General for Administration, respectively. CENTAL believes that these somehow signify a level of political will against corruption and other forms of abuse of power.

However, several challenges still abound, which significantly undermine the fight against corruption and rule-based dealings in government. On equally important matters and those of perhaps greater proportion and implications for overall accountability and transparency in government, President Boakai is very slow to act or turns a blind eye, fueling allegations of relative partiality in his accountability efforts. CENTAL has observed a tacit attempt by the government to turn a blind eye to critical decisions against some officials alleged to have violated key anti-corruption laws or indulged in corruption and other misdeeds. For instance, part 10 of the amended 2022 Code of Conduct requires both elected and appointed officials of government to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities before assuming office. As of August 2024, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) reported that over 70% of officials appointed by President Boakai have refused to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities. Unfortunately, such wanton disregard for a very crucial transparency and accountability process in government has not claimed the attention of President Boakai, as he is yet to warn, suspend, and even dismiss the non-compliant officials. This is highly troubling, as it undermines the president’s anti-corruption commitment.  

Also, an audit by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) reveals that Mr. Abdullai Kamara, the current Acting Chair of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), has been embroiled in violation of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) Law when he served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TAMMA Corporation. The GAC audit found that payments totaling L$262,844,500 and US$450,000 were made to TAMMA Corporation and 231 Data Incorporated without adherence to procurement protocols or documentation.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, in the face of this damming report from the GAC, CENTAL is surprised that no public action, including investigation or otherwise, has since been taken against Mr. Kamara. As far as we know, Mr. Kamara still enjoys the confidence of the presidency, as long as he continues to serve at the LTA, the same institution whose resources he is accused of joining ranks with key members of the previous administration to pillage. Ironically, early this year, the President swiftly acted on allegations of corruption at LTA to suspend the former board of commissioners and made new appointments. How come the President has not acted on GAC’s report on the same LTA implicating Mr. Kamara is a mystery. It is also further concerning that Mr. Kamara and the other Commissioners of the LTA continue to serve in an acting capacity and enjoy all benefits appertaining to the office, since April 2024. We believe this action is counter-productive, especially in the face of GAC audit findings regarding suspended LTA officials and Mr. Kamara. There is a need for definite position of the President regarding the LTA.

Similarly, ladies and gentlemen of the Press, in the weeks following the commencement convocation of the University of Liberia (UL), Commerce Inspector General, Mr. Dorr Cooper was said to have dressed up in the official graduation regalia, proceeded for the commencement convocation, but could not find his name in the program as a graduate. This situation drew public attention, especially so that a highly-placed public official would attempt to defraud the University by graduating, even though he did not complete the courses required for graduation. Following an investigation into the matter by authorities of the university, Mr. Cooper was found guilty of fraud and recommended for prosecution. Despite the gravity of the incident and the findings from the investigation, based upon which UL authorities dismissed and suspended some employees, Mr. Cooper has not been dismissed by the President, neither has he been prosecuted. We wonder why.

On the other hand, officials of the ruling Unity Party (UP) appointed by the President, including the Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC), and Secretary General of the UP, Mr. Amos Tweh, and National Port Authority (NPA) Board Chair and National Chairman of the UP, Rev. Luther Tarpeh, amongst others, are being pressured by the Office of Ombudsman to relinquish one position to avoid violation of the Code of Conduct for public officials.  The Unity Party (UP) and the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) objected to the position of the ombudsman, through a petition to the Supreme Court of Liberia to halt the enforcement of said portion of the Code of Conduct. In a ruling, the Supreme Court has upheld the enforcement of the code of conduct against officials of government occupying political party positions. As majority of the officials concerned have not honored the affirmed Ombudsman’s decision, again, the President is yet to publicly demand the officials concerned to relinquish one of their positions.  

These and other developments significantly undermine the fight against corruption and President’s anti-corruption agenda, despite some positive efforts at other ends. If anything, the President must build upon his positive efforts to send stronger messages to government officials, citizens and development partners about his commitment to pursue a robust, transparent, public-interest-driven, and impartial fight against corruption, waste and other misdeeds in government. The President’s apparent shielding of some officials, relative selective actions against persons accused of wrongdoing in his administration, and slow pace of actions/decision-making on critical matters run contrary to his anti-corruption promises.

In conclusion, we call on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. to do the needful to send a stern warning against corruption and abuse of office by taking timely and decisive administrative actions against officials found wanting. The President must remove Mr. Abdullai Kamara as acting chairperson of LTA, dismiss Mr. Dorr Cooper, Inspector General of the Ministry of Commence and Industry and act against others accused of grave acts of corruption and other abuses. Also, the President must suspend and dismiss public officials who have knowingly and recklessly refused to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities, in violation of the Code of Conduct. Hence, they should be suspended or dismissed. Meanwhile, the President compels his officials to comply with the mandate of the Office of Ombudsman; shows leadership by timely and decisively acting on crucial matters, including those bordering on the fight against corruption; and provides adequate moral and financial support to anti-graft institutions to operate at full capacity. Lastly, we encourage civil society, the media, and citizens to remain vocal, robust and constructive in engaging with national and local government processes by demanding accountability from policymakers and denouncing corruption themselves.

Thank you.

Signed: Management

CENTAL Wants Speedy Investigation into Bribery Allegations at the House of Representatives

- Calls for Probe into Speaker Koffa’s Budget Manipulation Revelation

Monrovia, Thursday, October 24, 2024- Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press, we are happy to have you join us for today’s press conference.  

Over the years, CENTAL has been a staunch advocate of integrity, transparency, and accountability in Liberia. We have supported efforts to strengthen public integrity institutions and enhance the fight against corruption. One of our latest efforts is the development of a Corruption Case Tracker, an online platform for documenting and tracking the status of corruption cases in Liberia. The Tracker can be accessed at  www.cct.cental.org.lr. We remain committed to supporting the government in attaining positive anti-corruption outcomes.

Allegations of corruption in the legislature have been widespread. In successive elections, voters have expressed disdain for most corrupt and underperforming lawmakers through the ballot box.  During the October 2023 presidential and legislative elections, only 28 (43%) of 65 representatives who sought reelection were retained by their constituents.  Of the 8 sitting representatives who sought election to the Senate, only 2 (25%) were successful. Combined, this means that only 30 (41%) of representatives who sought reelection were successful. Amongst many other factors responsible for the mass dismissal of lawmakers were sustained allegations and incidences of bribery and other corruption involving senators and representatives, most of which were never fully investigated. By their rejection, Liberians sent a very strong message that they are becoming increasingly enlightened and will no longer tolerate underperformance, bribery, and other forms of corruption from their leaders. It was expected that this new batch of officials/lawmakers would be circumspect, lawful, and public-interest-driven in their decision-making, at all times.

However, this does not seem to be the case, unfortunately, if recent developments at the House of Representatives and others prior are the basis for drawing conclusions. Over the last few days, the House of Representatives has been embroiled in a conflict resulting from attempts to remove the current Speaker, Hon. J. Fonati Koffa. CENTAL recognizes the right and power of Representatives to remove the Speaker and other elected leaders, according to Article 49 of the 1986 Constitution, which provides that two-thirds of the membership can do so, in line with due process of law. We are deeply troubled by new and sustained allegations of bribery characterizing the process.

Early this week, in a petition read to the media, “majority lawmakers” seeking the removal of Speaker Koffa accused him of bad leadership, corruption, and other misdeeds, including conflict of interest. The Speaker stands accused of providing legal consultancy to several public and private institutions, claims he has since rebuffed, stating that he has since divested his shares in his law firm (International Law Group).  In the face of all these, we Call for a full-scale independent investigation into these allegations to establish their veracity.     

Meanwhile, in a video widely circulated on social media, Representative Luther Collins of District #2 in Gbarpolu County was seen displaying cash amounting to 15,000 USD allegedly received from his colleague, Representative James N. Kolleh of District #2 in Bong County, on behalf of the group of representatives seeking the Speaker’s removal. According to him, the total bribe involved is 25,000 USD, with an upfront payment of 15,000 USD, to be followed by 10,000 USD after the successful removal of the Speaker. Representative Collins’ startling revelations, which have been refuted by the accused, come amidst widespread allegations of corruption and bribery at the legislature, similar to many others previously reported, characterizing legislative decision-making. This is highly troubling and typical of national leaders on whose shoulders the hopes and aspirations of citizens lie.

Further to Re presentative Collins’ bribery allegations, in a late-night live interview on the Spoon Communications Network on October 22, 2024, Speaker Fonati Koffa reaffirmed longstanding reports and allegations of budget manipulation and corruption by some representatives and relevant committees of the lower house. Also, the Speaker accused some of his colleagues of demanding monies from the executive branch of government to pass on key legislations and bills.

For us at CENTAL, this revelation is highly troubling, especially so that they are emanating from the Speaker who is a highly-placed source at the legislature, a former deputy speaker, and the current leader of the body. Among other things, these claims and counterclaims further validate CENTAL’S 2021, 2022, and 2023 State of Corruption Research Reports and other publications that have highlighted budget manipulation and corruption by some members of the Legislature, which only benefits them and their collaborators.

For too long, Liberians have been robbed of their taxes and other resources and assets by unscrupulous individuals and officials, including some members of the legislature. We are disappointed in the Legislature’s continuous link to corruption and bad decision-making. Coupled with previous occurrences, these bribery allegations have demonstrated that the Legislature has not properly and independently performed its oversight, lawmaking, and other functions. It is widely believed that, often, laws passed and financial instruments concluded are not properly scrutinized, due to reported receipt of bribes and other undue payments by businesses and others alike. The body directly representing Liberians and overseeing the work of the two other branches of government cannot be the weakest link, evident by their often-poor decision-making and alleged corrupt dealings.

Liberians deserve better representation and decision-making from their elected officials.  It is concerning that the majority of members of this very 55^th legislature have refused to comply with the Code of Conduct for public officials to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities. Although President Boakai has disappointingly not prevailed on the majority of his appointed officials to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities, representatives and senators need to act differently and set high standards for others to emulate, both in and out of government.  The legislature must rise above negativities and adopt a more positive attitude and reputation if it must be taken seriously and regarded by citizens and partners as a key and reliable pillar of the country’s democracy and governance process. Individual lawmakers have the responsibility to set high standards and provide leadership and direction for the country. The current wave of allegations of bribery to unseat the current speaker does not help to place lawmakers in a morally upright position to play such very important roles.

Recommendations:

• We welcome the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s swift move to publicly announce the initiation of any independent investigation into the bribery scandal characterizing the ongoing process to remove Speaker Koffa. We urge the Commission to be timely and holistic in investigating the matter and all other emerging issues and allegations, including accusations of wrongdoing by the Speaker. This latest bribery scandal and other emerging issues present an opportunity for LACC to thoroughly investigate these matters and provide clear information to the public on the outcomes. Where necessary, we call for the involvement of other partners and stakeholders in taking on this process, ensuring that it is transparent, holistic, and involves all actors and players concerned. Additionally, encourage the Commission to go beyond the allegation of bribery to remove the speaker and investigate other issues that are emerging, including revelations from the Speaker about budget corruption and manipulation involving some representatives.
• The decisions of the Legislature, the Lower House in this instant case, must be lawful, transparent, and void of alleged and confirmed incidences of bribery and other forms of corruption. Again, we call for a thorough investigation into the current bribery allegations and other issues emerging regarding budget corruption and tempering, which may be undisputable due to how some representatives and senators have acquired stolen wealth, which their salaries and incomes cannot justify.
• We strongly urge the Legislature to open itself up for all forms of audit and other review processes, as may be prescribed by the General Auditing Commission and other statutorily-mandated institutions. Where necessary, we urge the GAC to collaborate with other internationally-acclaimed audit institutions to conduct the process and provide credible and timely reports on financial and other dealings of the Legislature. This is a call Liberians have been making for ever so long, along with development partners and some members of the legislature itself. Liberians are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of such comprehensive financial and other forms of audit that provide detailed, inclusive, and credible information on how budgeted resources of the Legislature have been expended, over the years.

• We call on the Ministry of Justice to collaborate with LACC to investigate and prosecute past and current lawmakers embroiled in alleged corrupt financial and other dealings. It is about time that we erase the notion and insinuations that lawmakers are above the law and or immune from accountability or prosecution for their alleged wrongdoings.
• We call on our development partners to closely follow these and other developments to take the necessary actions to help ensure transparency and accountability in public service in Liberia. We encourage deeper and frank engagement with all actors in government to ensure true accountability and transparency in government.

In conclusion, we call for greater leadership in the Legislature. We urge members and the leadership to ensure that transparency, integrity, rule of law, and other good governance principles characterize their actions and decision-making.  We call for a full investigation of the publicized bribery allegations and other issues by the state. Liberians deserve better leadership, selflessness, transparency, and other attributes of leaders.

Thank you.

Signed: Management

CENTAL Wants President Boakai to Recall New Appointments at PPCC Over Procedural Breach

- Says all appointees, except one, were handpicked and did not participate in the competitive recruitment process.

Monrovia, Tuesday, September 3, 2024- Distinguish ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for gracing this press conference with your presence; we are forever grateful.

Over the years, CENTAL has been a staunch advocate of integrity, transparency, and accountability in Liberia. We have supported efforts geared towards strengthening public integrity institutions and enhancing the fight against corruption, which include: robust and timely actions on audit findings and recommendations of the General Auditing Commission, increasing budgetary support to integrity institutions, enactment of relevant anti-corruption laws, and competitive recruitment to public integrity institutions. We remain committed to supporting the government in attaining positive anti-corruption outcomes.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, our attention has been drawn to the recent appointments made by His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai affecting the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC). On August 29, 2024, President Boakai appointed five individuals to the Complaints, Appeal, and Review Panel (CARP) of the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC). The appointment is provided for in the Amended and Restated Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act of 2010. Those appointed include Cllr. Sundaway E. Nelson Amagashie, Cllr. Vincent Smith, Cllr. Morris Davis, Mr. Ezekiel F. Nyumah, and Mr. Michael C.G George.

Following a thorough review of those appointed and considering the findings of an independent panel established, in line with the PPCC Act of 2010, CENTAL has observed a significant procedural and legal breach by the president over the appointment of the officials in question. This is because, Part II, Section 10, Sub-section 3 of the Amended and Restated PPCC Act of 2010 provides that appointments to said positions shall be derived from a competitive process held under the auspices of the PPCC, with a list of ten (10) candidates submitted to the President for the five positions—three (3) for lawyers and two (2) for non-lawyers.

The Act further states that, in the event where the President finds only few candidates worthy of appointment, the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission is then required to submit an additional list of vetted candidates for consideration by the President. Thus, the law gives the President significant latitude in appointment. However, it provides for a process that ensures persons appointed to the integrity body are properly vetted and have the required competence and character.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, CENTAL notes that consistent with its duties under the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA), in March 2024, the PPCC informed the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, that vacancy existed at Complaint, Appeal and Review Panel (CARP) due to expiration of the tenure of CARP members and that the recruitment process would commence. The request for Expression of Interest was published for a period of one month on the PPCC website, the Executive Mansion website, and two widely read newspapers: Frontpage Africa and Daily Observer. It is worth noting that Eighty-four (84) applications were received for the five (5) positions.

For further transparency in the recruitment process, PPCC invited four institutions to participate in the evaluation process. Three (3) agreed to participate: the Civil Service Agency (CSA), the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), and the Center for Transparency and Accountability of Liberia (CENTAL). Representatives of these institutions were then joined by representatives of PPCC to constitute the evaluation committee.

As a member of the vetting committee, we report that thirty-seven (37) applicants were qualified to take the aptitude test, from which twenty-two (22) persons, including three (3) lawyers and nineteen (19) non-lawyers qualified for interview. The panel then recommended the top ten (10) candidates from which the President could make the appointments, consistent with law. The scores of all candidates qualified for the interview stage were also submitted to the President for transparency purposes.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, CENTAL is shocked over the President’s decision to disregard the competitive recruitment procedure, as outlined by law. This is because, unlike Mr. Ezekiel Nyumah, one of 10 candidates recommended for appointment by the vetting panel, Cllr. Vincent Smith, Cllr. Morris Davis, and Mr. Michael C. G. George did not participate in the recruitment process at all. Also, although Cllr. Sundayway E. Nelson Amegashie participated in the testing phase of the evaluation, she did not participate in the interview stage as she was unavailable. As such, she was not recommended by the committee for appointment.

The decision of the president to appoint individuals outside of the established competitive and transparent procedure, as contained in the Public Procurement and Concession Act flagrantly violates the Act. Additionally, it undermines transparency and accountability and an utter disregard of the work performed by the committee members, including LNBA, CSA, CENTAL and PPCC. More so, this amounts to ‘business as usual’ and serves to frustrate and discourage not only successful candidates but the Eighty-four (84) applicants who exerted valuable time to participate in the recruitment process. What is even more concerning is the fact that the vacancy announcement was published on the official Executive Mansion website, signaling a clear intent to comply with transparency and due diligence requirements.

Recommendations:

In view of this worrisome development, which borders on commitment to the rule of law and established transparency and accountability mechanism and frameworks, CENTAL calls on President Boakai to Recall the appointment of individuals never independently vetted and recommended for appointment by the Panel, in line with relevant provisions of the amended PPCC Act of 2010. We believe this action will somehow demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law and the fight against corruption, in deeds and not words. The President must respect the independence and sanctity of public integrity institutions and refrain from actions that have the proclivity to undermine public confidence in their leadership and work, the Complaints, Appeal, and Review Panel of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission in this instant case.

Finally, it is important that the decisions of the President and other public officials support and strengthen integrity-building, transparency, and accountability efforts in Liberia and not otherwise. Commitment to the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts must be matched by the required actions, if Liberians and development partners must be confident that the president Boakai is truly committed to and respecting anti-corruption and other laws governing key sectors, institutions, activities, and processes.

Thank you.

Signed: Management