MONROVIA – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has called for a full-scale investigation into the recent bribery allegations and budget manipulation revelations within the House of Representatives. In a press statement delivered by CENTAL Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen on Thursday, October 24, 2024, the organization expressed deep concern over the integrity of Liberia’s legislature, particularly following allegations of bribery connected to efforts to unseat Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
Miamen emphasized CENTAL’s ongoing commitment to integrity and transparency, highlighting the creation of their Corruption Case Tracker, an online platform designed to document and monitor corruption cases across the country. However, he emphasized the urgency of addressing the systemic corruption within Liberia’s legislature, which has eroded public trust in its elected representatives.
“Voters have consistently rejected corrupt and underperforming lawmakers,” Miamen said, referencing the October 2023 elections, where only 41% of representatives seeking re-election were successful. This, he noted, was a clear message from the Liberian public that they would no longer tolerate bribery and poor governance.
The latest scandal centers on a petition to remove Speaker Koffa, with some lawmakers accusing him of corruption and conflict of interest. In response, Koffa has denied the allegations, asserting that he divested his shares from his law firm, International Law Group, and has dismissed the claims of misconduct.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn earlier this week when Representative Luther Collins of Gbarpolu County publicly alleged that he had received a $15,000 bribe from Representative James N. Kolleh of Bong County on behalf of a group seeking Koffa’s removal. Collins claimed the total bribe was $25,000, with the remainder promised upon Koffa’s successful ouster. Kolleh has denied the accusation, but the incident has further fueled concerns of pervasive corruption in the legislature.
Miamen also addressed Speaker Koffa’s recent public disclosure of budget manipulation within the House, a longstanding issue that has been highlighted in CENTAL’s past research reports. Koffa alleged that some lawmakers have demanded payments from the executive branch to pass key legislation, raising questions about the integrity of the entire legislative process.
The implications of these revelations extend far beyond the removal of Speaker Koffa. CENTAL warns that such persistent allegations of bribery and budget manipulation wear away public confidence in not only the legislature but the government as a whole. “When the very representatives who are supposed to act as checks on executive power are themselves compromised, it creates a dangerous imbalance in governance,” Miamen stated. He emphasized that unless swift and decisive actions are taken, Liberia risks further entrenchment of corrupt practices that will undermine any potential progress toward good governance and accountability.
Miamen pointed out that the revelations reflect broader, systemic challenges in Liberia’s fight against corruption, particularly within the highest levels of power. According to CENTAL’s Executive Director, while President Boakai’s administration has spoken frequently about tackling corruption, the Legislature’s continued involvement in such scandals indicates a failure to enact meaningful reforms. “Lip service is not enough,” Miamen argued, “The government needs to show its commitment to the rule of law by launching immediate investigations and ensuring those found guilty are held accountable.”
Furthermore, CENTAL expressed disappointment in the overall behavior of the 55th Legislature, stating that instead of responding to the public’s demand for change, many of its members have demonstrated a worrying disregard for ethical governance. Miamen specifically criticized lawmakers for their failure to comply with asset declaration requirements, which are designed to promote transparency. He noted that such defiance not only violates the Code of Conduct for public officials but also sets a poor example for the rest of the government.
CENTAL concluded its statement with a direct call to action for both the government and international partners. Miamen urged the executive branch to refrain from interfering in the legislative investigation and to allow independent bodies like the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to carry out their duties unimpeded. Additionally, he called on Liberia’s international partners to maintain pressure on the government to ensure that anticorruption efforts are prioritized and that accountability remains a cornerstone of Liberia’s post-election governance. “It is only through this kind of collective vigilance that Liberia can overcome the endemic corruption that has stunted its development for so long,” Miamen remarked.
As calls for a thorough investigation grow louder, CENTAL’s statement serves as a reminder of the need for greater integrity in Liberia’s governance, with the eyes of the nation now fixed on the outcome of these serious allegations. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Liberia’s leadership can rise above these scandals or if the cycle of corruption will persist, continuing to undermine the nation’s democratic processes.
