MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has strongly criticized President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration for failing to take decisive action against corruption despite initial reform efforts. At a press conference on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, CENTAL Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen highlighted systemic governance failures and a lack of political will as significant obstacles to combating corruption in Liberia.
Miamen acknowledged the government’s steps toward payroll and credential audits, as well as institutional reforms, but criticized what he described as a “nonchalant attitude” toward addressing high-profile corruption cases.
Liberia’s corruption perception has worsened significantly, as indicated by its declining score on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI), which fell to 25 in 2023 from 32 in 2018. CENTAL’s own 2023 State of Corruption Report revealed that over 90% of Liberians believe corruption is rampant, with anti-corruption efforts seen as inadequate.
“The country continues its long wait to end gross impunity for corruption,” Miamen stated, warning of eroding public trust in government institutions.
CENTAL highlighted several unresolved cases, including allegations against Abdullai Kamara, Acting Chair of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA). A General Auditing Commission (GAC) report revealed procurement law violations during Kamara’s tenure as CEO of TAMMA Corporation, with over L$262 million and US$450,000 unaccounted for. Despite these findings, Kamara remains in office, which CENTAL criticized as a failure of leadership.
Miamen also cited the case of Dorr Cooper, Inspector General at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, who was found guilty of attempting to fraudulently graduate from the University of Liberia. While university authorities took action, Cooper remains in office with no legal consequences.
CENTAL further criticized widespread non-compliance with asset declaration laws, noting that over 70% of appointed officials in the Boakai administration have failed to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities, as required by law.
“The President’s silence on this blatant disregard for transparency undermines his administration’s anti-corruption promises,” Miamen asserted.
CENTAL called on President Boakai to take the following actions:
Remove and prosecute Abdullai Kamara for alleged procurement violations.
Dismiss and prosecute Dorr Cooper for fraud.
Enforce compliance with asset declaration laws.
Strengthen and adequately fund anti-graft institutions such as the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
“The President must send a clear and unambiguous message that corruption and abuse of power will not be tolerated,” Miamen emphasized.
CENTAL also urged civil society organizations, the media, and the public to hold the government accountable and demand meaningful reform.
While CENTAL acknowledged some progress in governance under the Boakai administration, it warned that selective enforcement and delayed actions could derail the fight against corruption, further eroding public trust in Liberia’s institutions. As the country struggles with a culture of impunity, CENTAL’s call for decisive leadership serves as a crucial reminder for the government to prioritize transparency and accountability.
