A staggering 50 percent of Liberian Senators and 49.3 percent of Representatives have failed to declare their assets, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the 55th Legislature.
The Liberian public is demanding answers as lawmakers continue to ignore their legal obligations, leaving the Office of the Ombudsman under pressure to enforce the Code of Conduct.
Under Section 12.1 of the Code of Conduct, the Ombudsman’s Office is mandated to ensure compliance with asset declaration laws. However, despite these legal provisions, many legislators remain noncompliant. Asset declaration is not optional; it is a statutory requirement under Section 10.1 of the 2014 Code of Conduct, which mandates every public official and government employee to declare their assets before assuming office, every three years while in office, and upon promotion, retirement, or resignation. This measure is designed to promote transparency and prevent corruption, yet a significant number of lawmakers have failed to adhere to it, undermining public trust and accountability.
Of 30 Senators, 15 have not declared their assets, accounting for 50 percent noncompliance. In the House of Representatives, 36 out of 73 members failed to comply, representing 49.3 percent noncompliance. In total, 45.5 percent of Liberia’s elected legislators have disregarded this legal requirement more than a year after taking office, raising alarm among citizens and advocacy groups.
Among the noncompliant Senators are Alex J. Tyler of Bomi County, Simone Taylor of Grand Cape Mount County, Botoe Kanneh of Gbarpolu County, Zoe E. Pennue and Thomas Y. Nimely of Grand Gedeh County, Joseph Jallah of Lofa County, Wellington G. Smith and Bill Twehway of River Cess County, Francis S. Dopoh II of River Gee County, Crayton Duncan of Sinoe County, Numene Bartekwa of Grand Kru County, James Biney of Maryland County, Saah Joseph of Montserrado County, and Nya D. Twayen Jr. of Nimba County. Prince Y. Johnson, also of Nimba County, is deceased.
In the House of Representatives, the lawmakers who have failed to declare their assets include Prince K. Koinah, James Kolleh, Robert Womba, Eugene J.M. Kollie, and Moima Briggs Mensah of Bong County; Bishop Manah Johnson and Obediah J. Varney of Bomi County; Mike P. Jurry and Anthony F. Williams of Maryland County; Dixon W. Sebo, Benjamin Bernard, Yekeh Y. Kolubah, Samuel R. Enders, Richard N. Koon, and Edward P. Flomo of Montserrado County; Zinnah A. Norman and Mustapha Watitay of Gbarpolu County; Isaac G. Bannie and Matthew Joe of Grand Bassa County; Bindu Massaley, Mohammed Dosii, and Sonii Feika Gbessie of Grand Cape Mount County; Nathaniel N. Bahway Sr. of Grand Kru County; Thomas P. Fallah, Julie Fatorma Wiah, Momo Siafa Kpoto, and Gizzie K. Kollince of Lofa County; Roland O. Cooper, Emmanuel Yarh, and Clarence G. Gahr of Margibi County; Samuel Brown Sr., Garsaye Nyahn Flomo, and Saye S. Mianah of Nimba County; Alexander Poure of River Gee County; Alex J. Grant and Steve Tequah of River Cess County; and Marie G. Johnson of Grand Gedeh County.
Meanwhile, the failure of these lawmakers to declare their assets is a direct violation of the law and an affront to good governance. Asset declaration is a crucial mechanism in the fight against corruption, ensuring public officials remain accountable for their financial dealings.
