MONROVIA – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has launched a formal investigation into allegations of off-budget spending by the Government of Liberia amounting to $15 million. The Executive Chairperson of the LACC, Cllr. Alexandra Zoe, confirmed the inquiry during a press briefing on Monday, September 30, 2024, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Cllr. Zoe stated that the LACC’s mandate to safeguard public resources is at the forefront of the investigation, and any evidence of wrongdoing will lead to necessary legal actions, including sanctions and prosecutions. “We take these allegations seriously, as they touch on matters that are core to our institutional objectives. Off-budget expenditures, if confirmed, can undermine public trust in governance, weaken fiscal discipline, and pose risks to the country’s financial integrity,” Cllr. Zoe remarked.
She further assured the Liberian public that the LACC has already begun a preliminary review of the claims. A comprehensive investigation will follow, with the goal of establishing accountability and ensuring that all legal procedures are meticulously followed. Throughout the process, the LACC intends to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance and other oversight bodies, to guarantee a fair and thorough inquiry.
“Let us collectively uphold the principles of due process, ensuring that all findings are based on verifiable facts and evidence,” Cllr. Zoe urged, calling on the public and media to avoid undue speculation. The LACC, she said, is resolute in its mission to combat corruption in all forms and will ensure that any confirmed acts of financial mismanagement are met with the full force of the law.
With the growing importance of fiscal transparency in Liberia, this investigation serves as a crucial step in maintaining public trust in governance and holding those responsible for financial irregularities accountable.
