MONROVIA – The Liberian government has taken a firm stance against public officials who failed to comply with the mandatory asset declaration requirement, withholding a total of $104,073.25 in salaries for February. The move comes in the wake of President Joseph Boakai’s sweeping disciplinary action against 216 officials who refused to meet the deadline.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) press briefing on Wednesday, February 18, 2025, Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director-General Dr. Josiah Joekai confirmed the financial savings resulting from the suspensions. He emphasized that those affected would not receive their salaries until they fulfill the legal obligation to disclose their assets.
The President’s decision to suspend the officials was announced in an Executive Mansion statement on February 12, 2025. The directive was in line with Article 2, Section 10.2(h) of the revised Code of Conduct, which mandates asset declaration for all public officials. Despite being granted an extended deadline on November 27, 2024, many failed to comply, prompting the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to submit a list of defaulters.
As a consequence of their suspension, the affected officials have been instructed to relinquish control of all government properties in their possession. Until they meet the asset declaration requirement, they will remain off payroll, with no guarantee of reinstatement.
President Boakai has underscored the importance of this measure in promoting accountability and restoring public confidence in government institutions. He warned that non-compliance would not be tolerated under his administration, reaffirming his commitment to enforcing ethical governance and strengthening Liberia’s anti-corruption framework.
