In the aftermath of Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe’s disclosure that only 75 government officials, including lawmakers, have declared their assets, a heated exchange has ensued, with Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando taking aim at the LACC’s integrity.
Deputy Minister Sando, speaking at a regular press briefing, rebuked the LACC’s findings, accusing the independent anti-graft body of politicizing the issue.
He criticized Zoe for addressing the matter through a radio talk show rather than engaging directly with government channels, branding it as a move to publicly shame officials.
Asserting that corruption eradication is a paramount goal, Sando highlighted President Joseph Boakai’s directive mandating asset declaration for all government officials, with the LACC tasked to oversee compliance.
However, The Deputy Information Minister for Technical Services expressed disappointment with the LACC’s handling of the process, attributing delays to the commission’s failure to provide clear guidance on asset declaration procedures.
Moreover, Sando contested the accuracy of the LACC’s report, suggesting it lacked thoroughness and may have been influenced by political agendas.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to combating corruption but urged the LACC to improve its operational efficiency and ensure transparency in its activities.
On the other hand, the LACC Executive Chairperson announcement follows shortly after the government’s briefing on its achievements within the first 100 days, revealing a significant portion of officials failing to disclose their assets.
As indicated by the LACC head, out of 500 appointed government officials, only seventy-five individuals, constituting 15%, including lawmakers from the 55th Legislature, have completed asset declarations.
This development raises concerns regarding President Boakai’s oversight of his appointed officials’ asset declarations, following his and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung’s lead in setting an example.
Simultaneously, Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, Executive Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), disclosed plans to release the names of officials who have submitted their asset declarations.
The publication is scheduled for May 15, 2024, with an annual declaration deadline set for July 2024.
In a prior statement released by the LACC in early 2024, the commission affirmed its commitment to collaborating with various agencies, including the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Liberia Revenue Authority, the Public Procurement and Concession Commission, the Liberia Business Registry, the National Identity Registry, and other government service providers.
These collaborations aim to enforce sanctions on officials who fail to comply with asset declaration regulations.
Sanctions may include withholding compensation, such as salaries and bonuses, denying government services like business registration, tax clearance, passport renewal, and national ID card renewal, and rendering individuals ineligible for government positions. Section 10.2 of the Code of Conduct, as amended, along with sections 5.2 (o) and 4.1(g) of the New LACC Act of 2022, designate the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) as the custodian of the asset declaration and verification process for the Government of Liberia.
Despite the contentious exchange, both sides remain aligned in the overarching goal of curbing corruption, with Sando urging the LACC to equip itself adequately for its watchdog role in Liberia’s governance landscape.
