President Boakai on Tuesday sent a clear message to his officials, suspending over 400 for failing to declare assets amidst growing allegations of corruption with his administration one year on.
Thursday, February 13, 2024: President Joseph N. Boakai has suspended 457 officials for failing to declare their assets within the stipulated time frame.
Those suspended include Ministers, deputy ministers, Ambassadors, Board of Directors, Superintendents, District Commissioners, City Mayors, and heads of tertiary institutions, including directors of the National Higher Education.
The President’s move aligns with Article 2, Section 10.2(h) of the Act to Amend Section 5.2 and Section 10.2 of the 2014 Code of Conduct.
In a release issued by the Executive Mansion on Tuesday, February 12, the President’s move follows his earlier directive on November 27, 2024, which granted a ten-day grace period for compliance.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has released a list of non-compliant officials, and those listed are now suspended for a period of one month without pay or until they submit the required declarations.
According to the Executive Mansion, all suspended officials must immediately turn over government assets to compliant heads of agencies, their designees, or authorized personnel within their respective institutions.
“The President remains steadfast in his commitment to good governance, integrity, and the rule of law,” the release stated.
It also reminds public officials that asset declaration is a legal obligation and a fundamental measure to promote transparency and restore public trust in government institutions.
President Boakai is quoted as saying failure to comply with asset declaration requirements undermines national efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability.
He warned that moving forward, strict enforcement of legal and ethical standards will continue to be a priority of this Administration.
