MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Political commentator and vocal governance advocate Vandalerk R. Patricks has expressed deep concern over the effectiveness of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). In a post shared on his official Facebook page on Monday, February 24, 2025, Patricks titled his remarks “Is the LACC really working?” and questioned the institution’s ability to combat corruption independently.
Patricks criticized the LACC for relying heavily on public opinion and external pressure rather than proactively investigating cases of corruption. He stated, “Only in Liberia will an anti-corruption institution like the LACC, established by law to deter, prevent, and fight corruption, rely 200% on public opinions to do their jobs.” He highlighted the fact that the LACC agents seem to depend on Facebook, news outlets, and online podcasts for information, rather than conducting their own investigations.
The political commentator pointed out that many corruption cases have remained untouched while “politically expedient” cases are prioritized. He emphasized that this selective approach to fighting corruption is itself a form of corruption. “A thief is a thief, whether big or small,” Patricks added, expressing concern about the integrity of the LACC. He questioned whether the LACC had undergone an audit in the last three years, suggesting that it should be audited annually to maintain transparency and accountability.
Patricks also addressed the issue of whistleblowers, urging the LACC to start compensating those who are effectively doing its work. He criticized the commission for failing to take serious action in tackling corruption independently.
In a separate post on Saturday, February 22, 2025, Patricks called on President Joseph Boakai to address the issue of corruption more seriously. He acknowledged the President’s recent actions to suspend and fire officials accused of corruption but pointed out inconsistencies in the application of these measures. He specifically referenced Madam Joseta Neufville-Wentoe, Head of the National Road Fund (NRF), who is under investigation for corruption involving over $410,000. Patricks questioned why she had not been suspended, as other officials accused of similar acts of corruption had been.
Patricks urged President Boakai to apply the same standards of accountability to all public officials accused of corruption, regardless of their position. “Punishing public officials for acts of corruption through suspension pending investigations should be applied to everyone and not a select few,” he concluded.
