In raising concerns about transparency and accountability in public service, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s conspicuous silence regarding the violation of the Asset Declaration Law by many high-ranking officials in his government is generating serious public concerns about his commitment to fighting corruption.
This silence persists despite glaring evidence and a public outcry for transparency and accountability within the government.According to Section 10.1 of the 2014 Code of Conduct Law, all government officials in high positions are mandated to declare their assets on or before taking office.
“Every Public Official and Employee of Government involved in making decisions affecting contracting, tendering or procurement, and the issuance of licenses of various types shall sign performance financial bonds and shall, in addition, declare his or her income, assets, and liabilities prior to taking office and thereafter; at the end of every three years, upon transfer to another public office, upon retirement, or resignation.”
Following this mandate, all officials were directed by President Boakai to declare their assets after he and Vice President Jeremiah Koung declared theirs a few weeks following his inauguration.
This was a commendable display of leading by example, something many of his colleagues have failed to replicate.Verity News is aware that the Liberian President has a full report on his desk regarding the number of government officials and employees who have declared their assets and those who have refused to comply with the law.
Since the report was made public by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and sent to the President’s office, this outlet is unaware of whether the Chief Executive has made any comments or taken any actions against those in blatant violation.
Although the deadline for compliance was extended to July 31, 2024, to accommodate the needs of government officials and provide them ample time to adjust and recount their assets, a significant number of officials within the Boakai-led Administration has failed to declare and publish their assets.
In a detailed report submitted by LACC Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra Zoe on August 1, 2024, it was revealed that only 26.5% of public officials complied with the Assets Declaration Law.
This low compliance rate starkly contrasts the government’s anti-corruption campaign promises, raising serious concerns about its commitment to transparency and accountability.
According to the LACC report, only 26 out of 73 elected representatives and 12 out of 30 senators declared their assets within the stipulated period.
The Executive branch fared no better; out of 1,281 officials required to declare their assets, only 322 complied, leaving 959 non-compliant.
In the judiciary, the situation was even more dismal, with only 28 out of 333 officials, including judges, declaring their assets.
These figures paint a bleak picture of the government’s dedication to fighting corruption. Despite extensive media campaigns and public engagement efforts over several months, 73.5% of appointed officials and employees under the “Rescue Mission” government have failed to comply with the law.
The President’s decision not to address these widespread violations publicly raises the potential for significant criticism from the general public and calls into question his promise to fight corruption.
Transparency and accountability advocates argue that President Boakai’s silence undermines the principles of accountability and good governance that his administration pledged to uphold.
As the deadline for compliance has elapsed and reports have been presented, the government must take a firm position on the matter to regain public trust.
The silence from the highest office in Liberia remains a cause for concern, leading many to wonder if this issue will be swept under the rug or if the President will finally break his silence and enforce the law as he promised during his campaign.
By: Blessed D. Kenkennie
