The program manager of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS), Alphia Faith Kamokai delivering a forceful call to action at the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) ceremony held in Monrovia.
Serving as a keynote speaker, Kemokai urged Liberians to confront corruption head-on, warning that the nation’s development will remain fragile unless integrity becomes a collective priority.
Kemokai cautioned that infrastructure and policy advancements lose meaning when corruption is allowed to flourish.
“Roads can be built, policies written, and speeches made, but if corruption is not removed, development will always look polished on the surface but rotten underneath,” she said.
The IACD event brought together government officials, civil society representatives, youth leaders, students, and international partners to discuss strategies for promoting transparency and ethical governance across Liberia.
Addressing the audience, Kemokai stressed that the fight against corruption is not just about systems and institutions, but also about personal responsibility. “We must clean our dirt, our systems, and our conscience,” she declared, noting that she has witnessed both the destructive force of corruption and “the transformative power of integrity.”
She highlighted the importance of accountability in public office, emphasizing that leaders at every level must lead by example to foster a culture of honesty and trust.
Kemokai also spoke about the societal cost of corruption, explaining that it undermines public confidence, discourages investment, and hinders the delivery of essential services to communities.
She underscored the essential role of young people in the fight for accountability, urging Liberia to empower its rising generation.
“I strongly believe that if we unite with our youth, support their leadership, and strengthen our national commitment, Liberia can rise above corruption and build a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous nation, one that the next generation will be proud of,” Kemokai stated
The speaker urged youth to take active roles in civic engagement, using innovation, technology, and advocacy to hold leaders accountable and promote transparency in all sectors of society.
To illustrate the slow but devastating impact of unchecked corruption, she compared it to unremoved dirt in a community.
“At first, it looks harmless, just a small corner no one cleans. But dirt grows, dirt spreads, and dirt invites sickness. When a community refuses to clean its dirt, it eventually becomes unlivable,” she explained.
“In the same way, when a nation refuses to confront corruption, it begins to decay from the inside,” Kemokai warned, stressing that corruption can quietly erode the very foundations of democracy and economic growth.
She also pointed out that corruption disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including women, children, and marginalized communities, who often bear the brunt of inadequate services and unfair policies.
Kemokai encouraged collaboration between government agencies, civil society, media, and citizens to create robust systems that prevent corrupt practices and promote ethical decision-making.
The keynote speaker praised existing anti-corruption initiatives but called for more comprehensive and sustained efforts, noting that sporadic measures are insufficient to tackle the deep-rooted nature of corruption in Liberia.
She reminded attendees that integrity is not only a moral choice but a practical necessity for national development. Without it, economic growth, social progress, and international credibility remain at risk.
Kemokai concluded by appealing to all Liberians to embrace accountability in their personal and professional lives.
“If we confront corruption together, we can transform Liberia into a nation where justice, fairness, and opportunity thrive,” she said.
The event ended with calls for stronger governance systems, civic responsibility, and youth-led advocacy to curb corruption and safeguard Liberia’s future, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility.
