MONROVIA, OCTOBER 10, 2024 – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has taken a significant step in the fight against corruption with the launch of the Corruption Case Tracker (CCT), an online platform designed to monitor corruption cases. Unveiled at the Mamba Point Hotel in Monrovia on October 9, 2024, the platform aims to enhance transparency and accountability by providing stakeholders—government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and the public—with real-time information on corruption investigations and prosecutions.
In his opening remarks, CENTAL Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen emphasized the importance of the tracker in promoting a culture of accountability in Liberia. “We’ve come a long way in the fight against corruption, but much remains to be achieved, particularly in addressing the culture of impunity,” Miamen said. He praised Sweden for its support through the National Integrity Building and Anti-Corruption Program (NIBA), which funded the platform’s development.
The platform’s functionality, outlined by Atty. Bendu Kpoto, Coordinator of CENTAL’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Center, allows users to access detailed updates on the status of corruption cases in Liberia. Kpoto highlighted the innovative nature of the tracker, noting that it fills a crucial gap in public access to corruption case data. “This tool empowers citizens and civil society to hold authorities accountable,” she remarked, adding that the platform also features a whistleblower app to encourage the reporting of corruption without fear of reprisal.
Representatives from international partners also lauded the initiative. Nicolina Ståhlund, Program Officer for Democracy and Human Rights at the Swedish Embassy, underscored the need for political will and well-resourced institutions to ensure that anti-corruption efforts succeed. “We must stop impunity, and this tracker is a critical tool in holding duty-bearers accountable,” Ståhlund said.
USAID Mission Director Jimmy Wright echoed similar sentiments, noting the importance of concrete actions beyond simply exposing corruption. “Talking about corruption isn’t enough. This tracker helps bring order to the information and ensures that allegations lead to consequences,” Wright stated, urging CENTAL to carefully balance transparency with due process.
Additional remarks from key speakers included Mr. Jeffrey N. Yates, Head of Secretariat at the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) and Chairperson of the National Integrity Forum, also delivered remarks. He thanked the Swedish government for supporting CENTAL, emphasizing the innovative nature of the work. “The results are promising and will be much more impactful when used for their intended purpose. This tracker will help us assess whether the LACC is effective in pursuing corruption cases or facing challenges,” Yates said. He encouraged CENTAL to popularize the tool, suggesting that bringing together journalists, civil society, and government entities for demonstrations would maximize its effectiveness. “Let’s not stop at the launch. We need to ensure it reaches those who will use it most. We look forward to collaborating with CENTAL on this.”
Representing the Auditor General, S. Karpee Denia, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Auditor General, highlighted the tool’s importance in combating corruption. He noted, “Corruption causes many deprivations in society, so this tool is vital. We at GAC believe it is an essential resource in our collective fight against corruption.” Denia encouraged stakeholders to make use of the tool and GAC reports, adding, “Bravo, Anderson and team. We stand with you and look forward to continued collaboration in this important work.”
Joshua Cleon from NAYMOTE expressed strong support for the tracker on behalf of his organization, noting that CENTAL and NAYMOTE have long collaborated. “This tracker is one endeavor that we at NAYMOTE fully support, as our work spans the country and often involves engaging with various government entities. We are committed to supporting CENTAL in this and future endeavors,” Cleon stated.
Cllr. Findley Karnga, Executive Chairperson of the Office of the Ombudsman, congratulated CENTAL on the launch and stressed the importance of using the case tracker as a practical tool. “The tracker should involve all branches of government and civil society. Public officials need to declare their assets, as it is an ethical requirement. We must lead by example in civil society, especially when receiving public funds. We look forward to continued ethical compliance and greater transparency,” Karnga remarked.
The event concluded with CENTAL Executive Director Anderson Miamen calling for ongoing collaboration among civil society, government, and development partners. “This tracker will not fade into the background,” he promised. “With your support, we will ensure it remains a powerful tool in Liberia’s fight against corruption.”
The launch of the Corruption Case Tracker marks a milestone in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption, offering a platform that could significantly strengthen the country’s anti-corruption initiatives. As CENTAL and its partners continue to push for accountability, the CCT promises to be an indispensable tool in tracking and addressing corruption cases in Liberia.
