MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Chairperson of Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Cllr. Alexandra Kromah-Zoe, has revealed a sluggish trend in asset declaration among government officials. Out of the 500 appointments made by President Joseph N. Boakai, only 75 government officials have declared their assets, according to Cllr. Zoe.
In a statement on the OK FM Morning Show on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, Cllr. Zoe highlighted that the figure is based on LACC’s first-quarter reports, noting that the declarations are from officials in the Executive and Legislative Branches. She emphasized that the annual deadline for assets declaration is the last working day in July 2024, and it is mandatory for all government officials to comply.
Expressing concern over the slow pace of assets declaration, Cllr. Zoe pointed out that Section 10.2(h) of the Amended Code of Conduct stipulates that officials appointed by the President must declare their assets within thirty (30) days of appointment. Failure to comply could lead to immediate suspension from office until full compliance is achieved.
Regarding cabinet members in President Boakai’s government, Cllr. Zoe stated that LACC does not have comprehensive information on whether they have declared their assets. However, a detailed listing will be compiled and published on May 15, 2024.
Cllr. Zoe emphasized that LACC will recommend sanctions against non-compliant public officials and government employees, in accordance with Section 10.3 of the National Code of Conduct. The ongoing assets declaration exercise aims to ensure that all public officials and government employees declare their income, assets, and liabilities in compliance with the law.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) is designated as the repository for the asset declaration and verification regime of the Government of Liberia, as per Section 10.2(h) of the Code of Conduct and Section 5.2(o) and Section 4.1(g) of the New LACC Act of 2022. Additionally, Section 10.1 of the Code of Conduct of 2014 requires every Public Official and Employee of Government involved in decision-making to declare their income, assets, and liabilities before taking office.
LACC is currently monitoring compliance and non-compliance with relevant provisions of the law to ensure transparency and accountability among government officials and employees.
