MONROVIA, August 1(LINA) – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has disclosed that it will recommend to relevant authorities the enforcement of sanctions, withholding of salaries among others against officials who are refusing to declare their assets.
The LACC has also disclosed that it will publish the full listing of public officials who complied with the asset declaration exercise.
Speaking during a press conference held Thursday, August 1, 2024, in Monrovia, the LACC Executive Chairperson Alexandra Zoe recalled that on May 2, 2024, the institution published a regulation calling for appointed officials of government to declare their assets in keeping with the law.
Cllr. Zoe said as per the regulations, the LACC was able to identify 1,900 employees and public officials of government that are required to declare, but according to her only 485 in total constituting 26.5% of public officials participated during the exercise covering the three branches of government.
« In the legislative branch, out of 73 Representatives, only 26 are in compliance including one administrative staff that was identified. For the Executive, out of 1,281, only 322 are in compliance, while 28 out of 333 in the Judiciary branch including seven judges and 21 administrative staff were in compliance demonstrating their commitment to transparency,” she explained.
The primary purpose of the Assets Declaration exercise is to ensure that public officials comply with the National Code of Conduct and the LACC regulations regarding the declaration of their assets and liabilities.
Cllr. Zoe said the exercise is crucial in preventing and detecting illicit enrichment, conflicts of interest, and other forms of corruption.
« In fulfillment of the rule of law, a pillar of the Government of Liberia ARREST agenda, the LACC also provided a copy of an integrity pledge to be executed by officials of government who were declaring their assets, » Cllr. Zoe explained.
Cllr. Zoe said the assets declarations will be monitored regularly to ensure ongoing compliance for new appointments, change in position, adding that the LACC will launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of assets declaration aimed at contributing to the fight against corruption.
The LACC Chairperson in conclusion thanked public officials who participated during the exercise, noting that they have demonstrated their commitment to transparency and accountability.
