IPNEWS: President Joseph N. Boakai won power by promising to end corruption. Upon taking office, president Joseph Boakai pledged to fight corruption.
At the 79-year-old narrowly beat former Ballon d’Or winner Weah in November’s run-off poll, with 50.64 percent of the vote to 49.36 percent.
“We see hard times, we see dysfunctioning… we see corruption in high and low places. And (it’s) in these and similar conditions that we have come to the rescue,” Boakai declared at his swearing-in ceremony.
Boakai, whose age and health were the source of much discussion in the country, had to pause and sit down to finish his address in testing heat.
He stressed the need to rebuild poor infrastructure, improve basic services for everyone and ensure all Liberians are given the same chance of succeeding.
The investiture in parliament was attended by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Boakai, 40 years of political experience in the public space.
He was vice-president from 2006 to 2018 under Africa’s first elected female head of state Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, before being soundly beaten by Weah in the 2017 election.
The November poll was peaceful in a region that has seen a succession of military coups in recent years in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger.
But Liberia with little over five million has been plagued with corruption, high levels of poverty and a weak justice system, after years of back-to-back civil wars and an Ebola outbreak.
Impunity related to crimes committed during those civil wars is another unresolved issue.
Boakai aligned himself with local barons during his election campaign, including former warlord and Senator of Nimba county Prince Johnson.
Johnson, now late, enjoyed strong support in northeastern Nimba County, backed Weah in 2017.
Johnson was also seen drinking a beer in a video while his men tortured to death former president Samuel Doe.
He has nominated one of his associates, Jeremiah Koung, as Boakai’s vice-president. The late Senator Johnson himself was a under U.S. sanctions.
Liberians expect Boakai to create jobs, improve the economy, strengthen institutions and fight corruption — which was one of his key campaign pledges.
The outgoing government did not live up to its commitment to ensure the rule of law was upheld, to establish a war and economic crimes court, and to end impunity in the country.
The mysterious deaths of four government auditors also raised suspicions.
After his win, Boakai called for unity to rebuild Liberia and promised to “extend development to the whole country”, in particular by building roads in the southeast.
He also said that fighting corruption would be a priority and promised a “smooth and peaceful” transition.
Weah won plaudits for swiftly conceding defeat.
Boakai now faces the tricky challenge of accommodating all those who supported his election campaign when he starts distributing jobs, analysts say.
He is also believed to have several people in his inner circle with presidential ambitions of their own.
None Compliance to Corruption Fight
At a press conference on August 2, 2024, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) specifically urged the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to investigate and prosecute former government officials sanctioned by the U.S. government.
CENTAL Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen emphasized the need for thorough investigations into these officials.
Miamen highlighted that while CENTAL commends LACC for its ongoing efforts, it is essential to extend these efforts to include officials such as Senator Nathaniel McGill of Margibi County, Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County, Senator Emmanuel Nuquaye of Margibi County, former Grand Cape Mount County Senator Cllr. Varney Sherman, Senator Albert Chie of Grand Kru County, former Mayor of Monrovia Jefferson T. Koijee, former Director of Passports at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andrew Wonplue, and former Solicitor General Cllr. Cyrenus Cephus.
“These individuals should be given the space to exonerate themselves in a court of competent jurisdiction,” Miamen stated. He called for the LACC to engage with the U.S. government to seek evidence against the accused and conduct audits of their stewardship where applicable. This would provide an important starting point for understanding their alleged corrupt dealings.
Miamen also noted CENTAL’s keen interest in the indictment of several former officials on multiple allegations of corruption by the LACC. Notable among these are former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. and former Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency Stanley Ford, who have been investigated and indicted for allegedly siphoning L$1,055,152,540.00 and US$500,000.00.
“We highly welcome the move to have former officials of government account for their stewardship,” Miamen declared. He criticized former President George M. Weah for attempting to sidestep allegations against his former officials during a press conference on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Miamen urged Weah to encourage these officials to present themselves before the law, emphasizing that indictments are not convictions and that facing the law is essential for exoneration if innocent.
CENTAL also called on President Joseph N. Boakai’s administration to ensure that its anti-corruption efforts are impartial. Public reactions on social and traditional media indicate that Liberians are tired of corruption and desire a genuine, robust, and impartial fight against it. The organization stressed that Liberians appreciate an anti-corruption fight that does not protect regime elements and their collaborators or weaponize audits and investigations.
“So far, CENTAL does not see any witch-hunt in the case under review,” Miamen concluded. “However, LACC and other integrity institutions must lead an impartial charge against corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse in Liberia. We support genuine calls for an impartial, independent, and holistic fight against corruption, irrespective of who is involved.”
This strong stance from CENTAL reflects the growing demand for accountability and transparency in Liberia’s fight against corruption, emphasizing the need for thorough and impartial investigations to restore public trust in the government.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) also revealed alarming statistics on asset declaration compliance, with only 26.5% of officials across the three branches of government fully complying with the requirements. LACC Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra Zoe highlighted those stringent measures, including suspension and withholding of salaries, are being considered for non-compliant officials.
In a press statement, Cllr. Zoe stated that Asset Declaration process, which began on May 2, 2024, with a deadline set for July 31st, 2024 required all appointed, elected, and selected public officials to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities as per the National Code of Conduct and LACC regulations. The primary purpose of this exercise is to prevent and detect illicit enrichment, conflicts of interest, and other forms of corruption.
“We identified 1,900 employees and public officials of the government who were required to declare their assets. However, only 26.5% of these officials participated in the exercise,” Cllr. Zoe stated. She added that the LACC, in line with the “Rule of Law” pillar of the Government of Liberia’s ARREST agenda, also provided a “National Integrity Pledge” for officials to execute alongside their asset declarations.
In the Legislature, the compliance rates are notably low. Out of 73 lawmakers in the House of Representatives, only 26 have declared their assets, leaving 47 non-compliant. Similarly, in the Senate, only 12 out of 30 senators have complied, with 18 failing to declare their assets. “In the Legislative branch, we see a significant gap, with many representatives and senators not adhering to the asset declaration requirements,” she remarked.
The Executive Branch, which has the highest number of officials required to declare assets, shows a significant gap as well. Of the 1,281 public officials appointed by President Boakai, only 332 have complied, leaving 959 non-compliant. Additionally, 84 non-presidential appointees, including comptrollers and procurement directors, have declared their assets. Cllr. Zoe emphasized, “The compliance rate in the Executive Branch is concerning. We expected a higher level of adherence to the asset declaration requirements.”
At the Judiciary, of 333 officials required to declare assets, only 28 have complied, including seven judges and 21 administrative staff, while 305 remain non-compliant. “Transparency in the Judiciary is crucial for maintaining public trust, and the low compliance rate is disappointing,” Cllr Zoe stated.
Cllr. Zoe reiterated the LACC’s commitment to enforcing compliance. “We are recommending stringent measures ranging from suspension to withholding of salaries for officials who fail to declare their assets,” she asserted.
To address the widespread non-compliance, the LACC plans to compile a full listing of the asset declarations and publish them for public consumption. Additionally, they will recommend to the relevant authorities to enforce sanctions against non-compliant officials. Continuous monitoring will be implemented to ensure ongoing compliance for new appointments and changes in positions. Public awareness campaigns will also be launched to educate citizens on the importance of asset declarations and how they can contribute to the fight against corruption.
Over 70% of Boakai’s Government officials refused to declare their assets, LACC reveals.
A report on Asset Declaration by Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), highlights low declaration rating for Boakai’s officials.
The LACC says as low as 26.5% had declared their assets from the three Branches of Liberian Government as off November 2024.
Legislature/ House of Representatives
A Total lawmakers: 73 Lawmakers declared assets: 26 Lawmakers did not declare assets: 47
Liberian Senate
Out of a total senators: 30, 12 Senators declared assets ,while 18 are yet to do same.
Executive Branch
Out of a total of 1281 public officials appointed by President Boakai, 322 Public officials declared assets, while 959 Public officials did not declare their assets. Also 84 officials who weren’t appointed by the President ranging from comptroller, procurement declared their assets at the Executive.
Judiciary
Total judiciary officials required to declare assets: 333, 28 Judiciary officials declared assets, 21 (including judges and 21 administrative staff), while 305, Judiciary officials did not declare assets.
However, on Thursday, November 28, 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., signed a directive mandating all appointed government officials to comply with the Declaration of Assets requirements as outlined in the 2014 Code of Conduct.
Despite repeated calls for compliance, several officials have failed to declare their assets within the required timeframe, contravening Article 2, Section 10.2(h) of the Act to Amend Section 5.2 and Section 10.2 of the 2014 Code of Conduct.
The law stipulates:
“An official appointed by the President shall declare his/her assets no later than 30 days after appointment. Failure to comply shall result in immediate suspension from office until full compliance is obtained.”
Failure to adhere to this directive undermines the core principles of good governance and public accountability.
Furthermore, President Boakai, gave all non-compliant officials a final deadline of TEN (10) DAYS—effective November 27, 2024—to complete and submit their assets declarations, vowing that Officials who fail to comply within this period would face immediate suspension from their respective positions, as mandated by law, until they meet the legal requirements.
The President emphasized his Administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability in public service.
He urged all government officials to demonstrate integrity and accountability by adhering to this directive promptly.
This action, the President according to the Executive Mansion, reflects the Administration’s dedication to fostering a culture of transparency and trust in public service.
Additionally, President Boakai called on the Liberian public to continue supporting efforts to uphold good governance and hold officials accountable for their responsibilities.
In all this, officials of the Boakai administration have failed to adhere to those directives by President Joseph N. Boakai.
Amidst the refusal by the public officials, a staunch supporter of the ruling Unity Party (UP), Richlue Burphy urged President Joseph Boakai to take decisive action against officials who defy asset declaration policy as enshrined in the Code of Conduct.
Burphy urged the President to dismiss or suspend violators without pay, emphasizing the importance of transparency and governance in fulfilling promises made to Liberians during the 2023 Presidential campaign.
He said adherence to asset declaration law is crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring ethical leadership. He notes that strict enforcement of these regulations will send a strong message about his (President Boakai’s) commitment to integrity.
However, Burphy’s call came after the President Boakai appealed to his officials to declare their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) in accordance with the law.
Prior to the President’s appeal, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) reported that 73.5% of 1,900 public officials are yet to declare their assets and liabilities, as Article 91 of the Liberian Constitution requires.
Article 91 mandates high-ranking officials, including the President, Vice President, members of the Legislature, and other officials designated by law, to declare their assets and liabilities to promote transparency and prevent conflicts of interest, corruption, and abuse of power.
But in an open letter issued to President Boakai over the weekend, Burphy said, “Mr. President, the second R in the ARREST Agenda is for Rule of Law! We cannot forget that because when we gathered at the grounds of the Capitol on January 22 this year, it was to witness you take the oath to protect, uphold, and defend the Constitution and other laws of Liberia.”
“As the Chief Executive of this country, you are clothed with the authority to implement and execute the laws that are made by the Legislature whilst the Judiciary interprets; independent, coordinate branches of government operating under the doctrine of separation of powers”, he reminds.
He underscores that the law says: “An official appointed by the President shall declare his/her assets not later than thirty (30) days after appointment. Failure to comply shall result in immediate suspension from office until full compliance is obtained. This in found in the Code of Conduct Section 10.2 (h),” he reminds.
According to him, it has been several weeks since the LACC reported that more than half of those appointed in government as officials have not yet declared their assets. He added, “I believe your Ministry of State actors didn’t hide that one from you, either.”
He says many of them have failed to respect and comply with the law, and they have been receiving taxpayers’ money for over 8 months. “I believe you know that too. This is clearly against the ARREST Agenda and the laws of Liberia, and you need to act.”
He notes that President Boakai’s alleged failure to act in accordance with Section 10 of the Code of Conduct places him (Boakai) in the same class with his officials, which is not what the President UP partisans.
He says this goes against the President’s oath of office on that fateful January 22 when Liberians and foreign guests converged under scorching sun in admiration at the Capitol Building.
“Mr. President, did we waste our time and resources to go and witness that inauguration, not knowing that you, yourself, won’t respect the laws and the oath you took? I don’t want to believe so.”
He notes that some officials are already saying in their various corners that they won’t declare their assets and the President won’t do anything to them, adding, “They are even saying you don’t have time for those kind of things and some of the people in the very ministry of state with you are saying that too.”
President Boakai critics.
Judge Blimo Dixon accused Mr Boakai of cronyism – claiming he favouring people from his home area of Lofa County for top jobs even though the office of President Boakai denied this accusation.
“The president is not appointing based on tribe – he is putting competence above anything else,” says presidential press secretary Kula Fofana. Pressed to confirm how many officials were appointed from the president’s native Lofa, she declined to say, “because we are not appointing by counties”.
At a program in continuation of his Christmas visit to Lofa county, come under strong criticism over statement during the 60th anniversary celebrations of Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba counties.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai statement ignited widespread condemnation from Liberians, including leaders of integrity institutions, and closed associates for openly endorsing acts of corruption, when he encouraged government officials to at least invest their ill-gotten wealth to help other Liberians.
Corruption is deeply entrenched at every level of Liberian society, positioning Liberia as one of the most politically corrupt nations globally.
Following President Boakai’s controversial remarks, Anderson Moamen, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability (CENTAL), expressed his dismay: “Liberian president, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. embarrassingly endorses corruption. Please listen to the audio-visual material below. A sitting president and professed integrity champion encouraging his officials of government to steal and bless their people? You really mean this, President Boakai? Is this what you say or encourage your officials to do, especially after Liberia’s eligibility for a new MCC Compact?”
He emphasized, “This is so embarrassing and totally contrary to the president’s so-called anti-corruption promises and commitments. I am seriously disappointed.” Like Moamen and hundreds of other Liberians, Hassan Sheriff stated, “The president is authorizing his appointees to steal, but they should use it in Liberia.” Bazilian Kay also expressed his opinion on the president’s comment. “President Boakai and his rescue team are doing times ten of what they criticized in the last six years.”
As the backlash continues, the Office of the President swiftly clarified that President Boakai statement was misrepresented and deliberate distorted
The Executive Mansion stated that President Boakai’s statement on Sunday, December 22, President Boakai delivered a heartfelt address during the 60th anniversary commemoration of Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba Counties acquiring county status. The event, held at Unification Park in Voinjama, Lofa County, was an opportunity to reflect on national unity, development, and pride.
The released highlighted that the President spoke strongly against corruption, advocating for ethical stewardship and accountability in governance.
Contrary to recent claims, President Boakai’s remarks were not an endorsement of corruption but a clear denunciation of this vice and a call for integrity in public service and judicious use of public resources.
As a statesman known for his honesty and humility, President Boakai emphasized the need for public officials to reject corruption and use resources entrusted to them for the benefit of the Liberian people. His statement reaffirmed his Administration’s zero-tolerance for corruption and instead a firm commitment to good governance.
The Boakai-led Government remains unwavering in its fight against corruption. Key anti-corruption initiatives undertaken this year include:
• Anti-Corruption Audits: In February 2024, the President commissioned audits of key government institutions, including the Central Bank of Liberia, the National Security Agency, and the Executive Protection Service, covering activities from 2018 to 2023. These audits aim to address financial irregularities and ensure accountability.
• Suspension of Officials on account of corruption: Following these audits, President Boakai suspended Central Bank Governor Jolue Aloysius Tarlue in July 2024 due to unauthorized loans and overspending. In October 2024, senior officials of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) were also suspended amid allegations of financial misconduct, pending investigations by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
• Public Declarations to foster transparency and accountability: In August 2024, President Boakai cautioned newly commissioned officials that corruption would not be tolerated, emphasizing accountability and warning that violators would face consequences.
• International Anti-Corruption Day: On December 9, 2024, the President declared “International Anti-Corruption Day” to raise awareness and promote ethical governance nationwide.
Far from countenancing acts of dishonesty and theft, the Government of Liberia urges the public and media to consider the President’s statement in its full and accurate context, rejecting attempts by ill-intentioned political actors who are only driven by a motive to distort and win political points
President Boakai remains resolute in his vision for a Liberia defined by ethical leadership, unity, and inclusive development.
The Administration calls on all citizens and partners to join hands in fostering good governance, transparency, and lasting progress for the nation.
