The Center for Transparency and Accountability (CENTAL) has warned that recent declines in key governance indicators show that “more decisive political will and enforcement of anti-corruption measures are urgently needed.”
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, CENTAL praised the Government of Liberia for passing 12 of 22 MCC indicators, including the critical Control of Corruption measure.
The organization acknowledged the country’s progress, noting improvements in fiscal policy, inflation control, gender in the economy, access to credit, health expenditure, rule of law, and immunization rates.
However, CENTAL expressed concern that Liberia’s Control of Corruption score fell to 56% in 2025, down from 59% in 2024, describing it as a “marginal decline that signals the need for more reforms and consistent prosecution of corrupt officials.”
Ten Indicators Failed
The MCC scorecard also showed Liberia failing 10 key indicators, including:
Civil liberties
Government effectiveness
Primary education completion
Natural resource protection
Business start-up
Employment opportunities
Regulatory quality
Land rights
Education expenditure
Trade policy
CENTAL warned that these failures indicate systemic weaknesses that continue to undermine development and public trust.
According to CENTAL, despite some improvements, “the impunity for corruption remains very high,” with many politically exposed persons accused of graft yet to face investigation or prosecution. The organization cited multiple individuals previously sanctioned by the United States government who remain unaccountable.
CENTAL also referenced findings from Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perception Index, which showed Liberia dropping from a score of 29 in 2023 to 27 in 2024, describing the seven-point decline in perception of corruption as “breathtaking” and reflective of entrenched public distrust.
Call for Stronger Institutions and Reforms
The organization called for:
Stronger political will
Adequate support to anti-graft institutions
Timely establishment of a special court to prosecute corruption cases
Judicial and legislative reforms
Greater transparency in government-funded projects
CENTAL said these steps are necessary if Liberia is to reverse the negative trends and strengthen systems that protect public resources.
CENTAL welcomed the recent indictments issued on November 8, 2025, by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce. Those indicted include former senior government officials such as Madam Finda Bundo, Madam Thelma Blundell, Donkia Sawyer, and others accused of money laundering, abuse of office, forgery, conspiracy, and violations of procurement and financial management laws.
The organization described the move as “a positive step toward ending the culture of impunity,” but stressed that government must provide the Taskforce with the resources needed to expedite investigations and prosecutions.
Calls for Transparency on Presidential Estate Project
CENTAL also demanded a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the reported US$10 million Presidential Palace/Eco-Lodge project in President Boakai’s hometown in Norfolk County.
The group said conflicting statements by government officials -including the Ministry of Public Works- has fueled public speculation and reinforced concerns about secrecy.
“Transparent disclosure of the project’s funding source, ownership, and procurement processes is essential for public confidence,” the statement noted.
CENTAL urged the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to recommit to the fight against corruption by providing adequate funding, strengthening oversight systems, and promoting transparency across public institutions.
“Corruption remains Liberia’s worst enemy and a major threat to development,” the organization concluded.
