The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has raised concerns over what it describes as persistent governance failures in the fight against corruption despite the presence of anti-graft institutions and legal frameworks.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, CENTAL Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration for initial reforms but criticized its lack of decisive actions against high-level corruption.
Addressing the media under the theme “CENTAL Commends GOL for Initial Good Governance Efforts; Frowns on Nonchalant Approach to Punishing Officials Accused of Corruption,” Miamen emphasized that corruption remains a significant impediment to Liberia’s development. He cited impunity, limited political will, and weak presidential leadership as primary barriers to impartial anti-corruption efforts.
Miamen noted that Liberia’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score of Transparency International had dropped to 25 out of 100, a sharp decline from 32 in 2018. CENTAL’s 2023 State of Corruption Report revealed that over 90% of Liberians believe corruption is rampant in government and that efforts to combat it are insufficient.
“The country continues its long wait to end gross impunity for corruption,” Miamen lamented, adding that public trust is eroding.
President Boakai, who assumed office in January 2024, has implemented payroll and credential audits to remove ghost names from government payrolls, established the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, and commissioned key audits exposing corruption in public institutions. Suspensions of senior officials, including Liberia Immigration Service Commissioner-General Steve Zargo and top executives at the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission, signal some level of political will. However, CENTAL believes these actions fall short of addressing the systemic corruption in Liberia.
CENTAL criticized the government’s inaction regarding key findings from the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and other investigative bodies. A GAC audit revealed that Abdullai Kamara, acting Chair of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), violated procurement laws during his tenure as CEO of TAMMA Corporation, involving unaccounted payments totaling over L$262 million and US$450,000. Despite these findings, no action has been taken against Kamara, who continues to hold his position. “How can the President justify inaction on such a glaring corruption case?” Miamen questioned.
Similarly, CENTAL highlighted the case of Dorr Cooper, Inspector General of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, who was accused of attempting to graduate fraudulently from the University of Liberia. Although university authorities found him guilty, he remains in office, and no prosecution has been pursued.
Miamen also raised alarms over widespread non-compliance with asset declaration laws. According to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), over 70% of appointed officials in the Boakai administration have failed to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities as required.
“The President’s silence on this blatant disregard for transparency undermines his anti-corruption promises,” Miamen stated.
CENTAL urged President Boakai to take immediate actions, including removing Abdullai Kamara as Acting Chair of LTA, dismissing and prosecuting Dorr Cooper, enforcing compliance with asset declaration laws, and ensuring adherence to the Code of Conduct for public officials. The organization emphasized the importance of providing adequate support to anti-graft institutions to ensure their effectiveness.
“The President must send a clear message that corruption and abuse of power will not be tolerated,” Miamen emphasized.
CENTAL called on Liberians, civil society organizations, and the media to remain vigilant and vocal in holding the government accountable. “Ending corruption requires collective efforts,” Miamen concluded, adding that public pressure is crucial to implementing reforms.
While President Boakai’s administration has made strides in promoting governance, CENTAL warns that selective enforcement and delayed actions could derail the fight against corruption and erode public trust in Liberia’s institutions. House of Representatives Crisis Sees Stewart Calling for Accountability Amid Allegations Against Speaker Koffa.
 Zac T. Sherman and Socrates Saywon
