MONROVIA – Less than 24 hours after President Joseph N. Boakai made his assets public, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has followed suit. This move has garnered commendation from the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL). Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen lauded the Vice President’s action in a statement posted on social media, calling it “A Big Win for Transparency, Accountability, and the Fight Against Corruption in Liberia.”
Miamen’s statement read: “Commendably, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has followed the lead of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to publish his assets, incomes, and liabilities. This is highly welcoming. This is why we keep saying that the President and heads of institutions should set high standards and lead by example. We call on the Speaker, Chief Justice, and other heads and key players in Government to do likewise. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) needs to timely validate these assets and report to the public about the outcomes. Together, we can push for and win the war against corruption and other forms of bad governance in Liberia.”
The disclosure by both the President and Vice President is seen as a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability in Liberia. It sets a precedent and puts pressure on other high-ranking officials to follow their lead. The public now eagerly anticipates whether President Boakai will encourage his ministers and other government officials to make similar disclosures.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s role is crucial in this process, as it is expected to validate the disclosed assets and provide timely reports to the public. This validation is essential to maintain trust and ensure that the disclosures are accurate and meaningful in the fight against corruption.
As Liberia continues to grapple with issues of corruption and governance, these disclosures are a positive step toward rebuilding public trust and enhancing the integrity of public office holders. The actions of President Boakai and Vice President Koung exemplify a commitment to high standards and accountability, setting a strong example for others to follow.
