By Verity Staff Reporter
Liberia stands at a crucial crossroads in its ongoing battle against corruption, with experts urging a fundamental shift in strategy to achieve lasting change.
Despite years of reforms and the efforts of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), corruption remains deeply entrenched, hindered by fragmented enforcement, weak coordination, and a reactive approach that addresses symptoms rather than causes.
In a recent analysis by anti-corruption specialist Williams Shine G., it is argued that Liberia’s next phase in combating corruption must prioritize prevention, integration, and innovation to break the cycle.
“The current case-driven enforcement model is no longer enough,” said Shine, who serves as head of Fiscal Investigations at the Liberia Revenue Authority. “Sustainable integrity requires intelligence-led strategies that anticipate and manage corruption risks before they become systemic.”
Shine emphasizes that fostering a culture of integrity within public institutions is vital. This involves strengthening internal controls, modernizing compliance systems, and educating public servants on their ethical responsibilities to deter corrupt practices from the outset.
Equally important, he notes, is enhanced coordination among key oversight bodies such as the General Auditing Commission, Internal Audit Agency, Financial Intelligence Agency, and the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission. Improved data sharing and joint oversight are essential to closing loopholes that currently enable corruption.
The private sector and civil society are also called upon to play active roles. Businesses must adopt transparency and compliance norms, while civil society groups continue holding institutions accountable and advocating for reforms.
Digital innovation is another critical pillar. Shine advocates for increased investment in e-governance, open contracting, and digital disclosure platforms to reduce discretionary decision-making and boost public transparency.
Finally, the expert stresses that anti-corruption efforts should be integrated with Liberia’s broader development goals. “Corruption undermines service delivery, scares away investment, and worsens inequality,” Shine said. “To achieve sustainable growth, anti-corruption must be part of national planning and fiscal governance.”
As the LACC prepares to launch its five-year strategic plan for 2026-2030, Shine’s call for a transition “from enforcement to foresight, from isolation to collaboration, and from reaction to prevention” offers a blueprint for the country’s anti-corruption future.
About the Author:
Williams Shine G. is an anti-corruption and financial crimes expert with over 15 years’ experience in Liberia’s public and private sectors. He leads Fiscal Investigations at the Liberia Revenue Authority and coordinates anti-financial crime programs, including the OECD Tax Inspectors without Borders initiative in Liberia.
