MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a press conference on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah launched a strong critique against the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) for its decision to publicly announce an investigation into alleged bribery at the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), implicating several members of the House of Representatives. According to Piah, the LACC’s move to release details about its inquiry was “unethical,” arguing that such investigations should remain discreet to preserve their integrity.
At the heart of the controversy is the LACC’s October 21, 2024, statement, signed by Executive Chairperson Cllr. Alexandera Zoe, which disclosed allegations involving the funneling of US$750,000 through the accounts of the LWSC and the Ministry of Transport. The alleged bribery scheme, aimed at influencing the removal of the Speaker of the House Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, represents a serious breach of Liberia’s legislative processes. In its statement, the LACC emphasized its commitment to investigating corruption, upholding transparency, and restoring public confidence in elected institutions.
Minister Piah’s call for discretion, however, raises critical concerns about the balance between maintaining the integrity of investigations and ensuring public accountability. His stance suggests that publicizing such serious allegations risks compromising fairness, but this criticism appears to ignore the broader implications of secrecy in corruption cases. For years, Liberia has struggled with the perception and reality of deep-rooted corruption, often shrouded in opacity. The LACC’s decision to inform the public about its investigation is a significant step in combating this legacy of mistrust and ensuring that those in power are held accountable.
By describing the LACC’s public announcement as “unethical,” Piah’s criticism inadvertently aligns with a narrative that favors protecting political elites from scrutiny. Transparency, particularly in high-stakes investigations involving public funds and lawmakers, is not just a legal obligation; it is crucial for rebuilding trust in Liberia’s democratic institutions. When serious allegations of bribery and corruption are handled behind closed doors, it invites suspicion and risks reinforcing the culture of impunity that has plagued the country.
Piah’s assertion that investigations of this nature should be done “discreetly” misses the point of what the public expects from institutions tasked with fighting corruption. The LACC, by publicizing its investigation, reassured the public that it is serious about holding lawmakers accountable, no matter their rank or influence. Public knowledge of the ongoing investigation is not equivalent to a rush to judgment, as the LACC explicitly stated that no premature conclusions would be drawn. Rather, it signals that the commission is committed to transparency and that all parties will be subject to due process.
Furthermore, Minister Piah’s critique assumes that secrecy ensures fairness, yet experience in Liberia has shown that secrecy often fosters the opposite—shielding officials from accountability and delaying justice. In contrast, publicizing the investigation allows citizens to monitor progress and holds both the LACC and implicated lawmakers to higher standards of accountability. The public, who place their trust in elected officials, deserves to know when allegations of corruption are being investigated, particularly when those allegations involve taxpayer money.
The LACC’s handling of the matter, including its call for cooperation from public officials and the media to avoid speculative judgments, reflects a measured approach. The commission’s commitment to impartiality and evidence-based conclusions indicates a clear understanding of the seriousness of the allegations. The LACC, in its role as Liberia’s foremost anti-corruption body, has a responsibility not just to investigate corruption but to do so in a way that restores faith in government institutions.
Piah’s criticism raises more questions than it answers. While it is essential that investigations are conducted fairly and without prejudice, transparency is equally crucial. Without public accountability, there is little to prevent corruption from continuing unchecked. The LACC’s decision to publicize its investigation sends a powerful message that no one, regardless of their office, is above scrutiny. Minister Piah’s defense of discretion, while perhaps well-meaning, risks reinforcing a culture of impunity at a time when Liberia can least afford it.
