MONROVIA – Liberia’s fight against corruption remains stagnant despite the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) gaining direct prosecutorial powers nearly two years ago. Critics are now questioning why Executive Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra Kromah Zoe has yet to make major moves to hold corrupt officials accountable.
In 2022, Liberia took a major step toward strengthening its anti-corruption framework with the passage of key legislation granting the LACC authority to prosecute cases independently, without waiting for the Ministry of Justice. This was seen as a crucial development in tackling entrenched corruption in the country. However, since taking office, Cllr. Zoe has faced mounting criticism for what many see as a lack of urgency in using these new powers.
Defending the commission’s mandate recently, Cllr. Zoe stated, “Today, the LACC can proudly say it has direct prosecutorial powers as enshrined in the amended Act of the LACC passed in 2022 by the Legislature. This means that the Commission does not have to wait for the Ministry of Justice but can now prosecute persons accused of corruption.”
Despite this acknowledgment, there has been little public evidence of high-profile corruption cases being pursued under her leadership. As public confidence in the commission dwindles, critics argue that the agency under Zoe’s watch is failing to act decisively.
With corruption remaining a major challenge in Liberia, many believe that the LACC is at risk of becoming a dormant institution rather than a force for accountability.
