The Liberian People’s Party (LPP) has called on President Joseph N. Boakai to publicly declare and publish his assets.
This demand was made by Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, the political leader of the LPP, who emphasized the necessity for the President and all government officials to disclose their financial holdings and salaries to the public.
Cllr. Gongloe’s statement highlighted a critical issue that has been plaguing the Boakai administration on the lack of transparency in asset declaration.
“President Boakai, along with his officials, should muster the courage to declare their assets publicly. This act is essential for rebuilding public trust and demonstrating a genuine commitment to fighting corruption,” Gongloe asserted.
The Boakai administration’s failure to publish declared assets is seen by the political figure as a significant setback to the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Notably, Vice President Jeremiah Koung has also failed to publish despite declaring his assets, futhe compounding the issue.
The reluctance to disclose asset information undermines the efforts to implement effective anti-corruption measures and hampers the idea of “Life-Style Audits,” as recommended by the LPP.
It can be recalled that on Thursday, February 8, 2024, President Boakai publicly declared his assets at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) headquarters in Congo Town. The declaration was made in the presence of the LACC commissioners, led by Executive Vice Chairperson Mr. Ernest Hughes.
Despite this gesture, critics argue that merely declaring assets without publishing them does not convey a strong message about the administration’s commitment to combating corruption.
Recently the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission has reported a troubling trend of non-compliance among government officials regarding asset declaration.
According to LACC Executive Chairperson Cllr. Alexandria Zou, only 207 out of 500 officials have complied with the mandate to declare their assets. This alarming statistic indicates that approximately 60% of officials have yet to fulfill this crucial obligation.
Cllr. Zou stressed that the LACC’s pronouncements aim to strengthen good governance and ignite the fight against corruption in Liberia. However, the low compliance rate signifies a significant barrier to achieving these goals. Despite some progress, with the number of government officials declaring their assets rising from 15% to 40% in recent months, the overall rate remains disconcertingly low.
In light of these concerns, the LPP has urged the President, Vice President, and all government officials to declare and publish their assets without further delay.
This transparency is crucial for restoring public confidence and ensuring accountability within the government. By taking this step, the Boakai administration can demonstrate a genuine commitment to fighting corruption and promoting good governance.
The call for asset publication has sparked widespread debate among political analysts and the general public. Many view this demand as a litmus test for the Boakai administration’s dedication to transparency and accountability. The public’s trust in the government hinges on its willingness to embrace these principles and take concrete steps to address corruption.
The Boakai administration’s response to this demand will undoubtedly shape the country’s political landscape and influence its path toward sustainable development and good governance.
