MONROVIA – Liberia’s fight against corruption remains a work in progress, with the government losing over US$6.5 million and L$17.9 million to corrupt practices across multiple state institutions, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) reported on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The disclosure was made by LACC Executive Chairperson, Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT).
Cllr. Zoe revealed that the commission currently has 98 cases under review, including 48 new investigations opened between July and October 2025. The cases involve several government entities, such as the Ministry of Health’s FARA Project, the WASH Program, and the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LACRA). “We are committed to ensuring that corrupt practices are identified, investigated, and prosecuted to protect the resources that belong to the Liberian people,” Cllr. Zoe stated.
Highlighting progress in anti-corruption reform, Cllr. Zoe emphasized the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Court, expected to be fully operational by 2026. “With the first activity that we kick off in the third quarter, which is participation in a national dialogue on accountability and the proposed National Anti-Corruption Court, I’m smiling because finally my prayer has been answered. The president has heard my prayers for the establishment of the Court,” she said. Executive Order 148 renewed the mandate of the Office for the Establishment of the World Crimes Court and the Economic Crimes Court, directing it to lead efforts for the creation of the Anti-Corruption Court.
Cllr. Zoe outlined that the LACC is working closely with the Office for the Establishment of the World Crimes Court to draft legislation for the new court. “We have a draft act that was before the Legislature. All of those acts proposed by the LACC are now being codified and reviewed by the technical team set up by the Office for the Establishment of the Court. We have a deadline of November to come up with the first draft, which will then be presented to the Legislature,” she said. According to Cllr. Zoe, the Anti-Corruption Court will accelerate prosecutions and enhance the capacity of the LACC to enforce accountability.
In addition to judicial reforms, Cllr. Zoe highlighted the commission’s education and prevention initiatives. She said the LACC has continued public awareness campaigns across several counties, including investigative journalism training for 30 students in Ganta, Nimba County, sponsored by the UNDP. Integrity and ethics training sessions were also conducted for local corporate officials in Lofa and Grand Bassa counties, marking the first consecutive regional capacity trainings in over a decade.
Cllr. Zoe further reported on the asset declaration regime, stressing the importance of full compliance by public officials. During the reporting period, the LACC received 216 asset declarations from officials across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. She noted, “We have up to 90% compliance, but our goal is 100% compliance.” Officials who have yet to declare their assets, including 140 non-compliant public servants, are expected to comply by December 2025.
The LACC chairperson also emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in strengthening anti-corruption efforts. During the quarter, the commission signed memorandums of understanding with the Global Fund and the Financial Intelligence Agency to enhance transparency and accountability in the health sector, improve technical capacity, and facilitate asset freezing where necessary. She praised the Liberia Revenue Authority for achieving 100% compliance in asset declarations among its staff, calling on other ministries and agencies to emulate their efforts.
Decentralization was another priority highlighted by Cllr. Zoe. The LACC has identified offices in Bomi and Bong counties to serve as regional hubs for anti-corruption activities, aiming to extend oversight and public engagement outside Monrovia. These offices are being prepared in collaboration with county authorities and the General Services Agency (GSA).
On the investigation front, Cllr. Zoe reported that of the 48 new cases received between July and September, investigations have been completed in six key cases, including those involving the Ministry of Health FARA Projects, the WASH Commission, the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), and the National Fishery and Aquaculture Authority. She emphasized that these investigations are guided by criteria such as the amount involved, availability of persons of interest, and expected timeframe for resolution.
Cllr. Zoe concluded by reiterating the LACC’s mission to combat corruption across Liberia. “The fight against corruption is not just about recovering stolen resources; it is about building a government that citizens can trust. We urge all public officials to adhere to the highest standards of integrity, and for citizens to remain vigilant and report corrupt activity,” she said. The LACC continues to strengthen its investigative processes, expand regional outreach, and prepare for the operationalization of the National Anti-Corruption Court in 2026, a development expected to significantly expedite prosecutions and safeguard public resources.
