By: Patrick Cooper
MONROVIA: The executive chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, has revealed a shocking and discouraging revelation on the declaration of assets of current government officials, particularly those appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Appearing on a local radio (OKFM), Tuesday, May 7, 2024, via mobile, the LACC boss noted that the process of the assets declaration by government officials is very slow and discouraging.
According to Madam Zoe, as per the current data before the LACC, only seventy five (75) out of the five hundred (500) appointees of government have declared their assets, and that among the 75 persons, lawmakers are also included which means, more than four hundred and twenty five (425) plus Presidential appointees are still defiant to the assets declaration process.
She further explained that beginning May 15, 2024; the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission will be coming up with the publication of those who are cleared and in compliance with the LACC.
“We will only publish those who are in compliance, if you do not see your name, that means you have not complied,” she indicated.
The LACC boss opined that from now to the deadline of the assets declaration process, there will be more awareness to officials of government about their assets declaration.
The revelation of the LACC boss has created a tough scene for several appointees of the government especially those who are yet to adhere to the National Code of Conduct which calls for officials of government elected or appointed to declare their assets after being elected or appointed in government.
The delay or slow pace of appointee’s assets declaration especially as the deadline date is fast approaching is becoming a slap in the face of President Boakai’s promise of good governance through transparency and accountability.
President Boakai himself, on Thursday, February 8, 2024, was seen presenting his declared assets to Madam Patricia Barnaby, the LACC Asset Declaration & Verification Officer.
Other LACC officials who were also present include the Vice Chairperson, Mr. Ernest Hughes and the Commissioner for Monitoring and Investigations – Samuel Dakana all of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.
After his declaration of assets, President Boakai underscored the importance of upholding the principles of honesty and independence within both the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the government as a whole.
According to President Boakai, as leader, it is important to lead by good example and demonstrate unwavering commitment to accountability.
“Transparency is the cornerstone of good governance,” he noted.
The Liberian leader asserted that his decision is a rallying call for all government officials to follow suit and adhere to the highest ethical standards, something which is now apparently being down-played by majority of his appointees, except for his vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, who also declared his assets in the same February 2024.
Speaking minutes after his declaration Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) in Congo Town, Vice President Koung noted that his decision was in fulfillment of the law.
He told reporters that declaring his assets as Vice President is not only about respecting the law but shows his commitment in working with President Boakai in running an accountable and transparent government.
VP Koung further used the time to encourage all other public officials who are yet to declare their assets to do so, noting that it is the right thing to do especially in such a time where Liberians are closely watching them as leaders.
When President Boakai and his vice President Jeremiah Koung, declared their assets, political pundits described the two leaders` action as not only something that underscore the government’s dedication to combating corruption but also highlights the integrity of both leaders and his administration.
But with the apparent hesitation of several Presidential appointees to declare their assets, many, including international partners who believe in accountability and transparency, will be watching to see what action President Boakai would take against those officials of the executive who are yet to declare their assets in apparent defiance to the National Code of Conduct.
