The Program Manager and Chief Prosecutor of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Cllr. Bobby F. Livingston, has identified structural and legal gaps as major obstacles delaying the prosecution of corruption cases in Liberia.
Speaking on Thursday, February 26, 2026, during an appearance on the popular radio program Legal Hour, on OK FM, Cllr. Livingston highlighted that the absence of a pre-conviction confiscation regime significantly limits the Commission’s effectiveness.
“Under the current framework, we cannot confiscate allegedly ill-gotten assets until a corruption case is concluded in court,” Livingston said. “This gap often allows suspects to dispose of or hide assets before justice can be served.”
He explained that pre-conviction asset confiscation is a critical tool used by anti-corruption agencies worldwide to prevent perpetrators from benefiting from their illicit activities while cases are pending.
“Without such mechanisms, we are essentially hamstrung,” Livingston added. “We need legal instruments that enable us to act decisively at the early stages of an investigation.”
Another challenge, he noted, is Liberia’s constitutional framework, which he said does not provide sufficient contemporary backing for robust anti-corruption enforcement.
“Our constitutional provisions were drafted decades ago,” Livingston explained. “They do not fully accommodate modern anti-corruption tools and strategies that are now standard in many jurisdictions.”
He emphasized that stronger constitutional support is necessary to empower the LACC to execute its mandate effectively and to ensure that the Commission’s actions withstand legal scrutiny.
“Empowering the LACC through clearer constitutional and legal provisions would send a strong message that Liberia is serious about tackling corruption,” Livingston said.
Despite these structural and legal constraints, Livingston disclosed that the Commission is actively investigating and prosecuting a number of corruption cases across the country.
“We currently have several ongoing investigations and prosecutions,” he said. “Although challenges exist, our team is committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
Livingston also shared that the LACC has adopted a new approach to handling corruption cases, which he described as yielding measurable progress.
“Our new approach involves prioritizing high-impact cases and ensuring that investigations are thorough and legally sound,” he explained. “We are seeing results in terms of completed cases and accountability measures taken against offenders.”
He highlighted that public confidence in the Commission is crucial for successful enforcement.
“Transparency and public awareness are vital,” Livingston said. “When citizens understand our processes and see tangible results, trust in anti-corruption efforts increases.”
The Commission Chief Prosecutor also called on legislators to strengthen the legal framework governing corruption prosecution.
“We need laws that provide clarity on asset recovery, pre-trial actions, and investigative authority,” he stressed. “This would significantly reduce delays and enhance the efficiency of prosecutions.”
Livingston concluded by reiterating the LACC’s commitment to fighting corruption, despite the challenges.
“Corruption undermines governance, development, and public trust,” he said. “The LACC remains steadfast in pursuing accountability, and we will continue refining our methods to achieve justice for all Liberians.”
As Liberia continues to address institutional and legal hurdles, experts say that aligning constitutional provisions with modern anti-corruption strategies will be key to sustaining momentum in the fight against graft.
