Monrovia, Liberia—The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has launched an asset verification process for current and former government officials who have declared their assets.
By: Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, March 7, 2025/ The initiative seeks to ensure transparency and accountability by thoroughly verifying and authenticating the information submitted to the commission.
Deputy Information Minister for Press and Public Affairs Daniel O. Sanoe disclosed on Thursday, March 6, 2025, that Cllr. Alexandra Zoe, the Executive Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), informed him via phone that asset declaration remains ongoing for more than 457 public officials who were recently suspended by President Joseph Boakai.
According to him, this verification exercise is a critical step in strengthening anti-corruption efforts and fostering public trust in government institutions.
“Once the process is completed, the LACC will submit an updated list to the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.” He said further noting that the move aligns with the commission’s broader mandate to combat corruption and uphold integrity in public service.
Asset declaration is a key anti-corruption mechanism used by governments worldwide to promote transparency, prevent illicit wealth accumulation, and deter public officials from engaging in corrupt practices.
In Liberia, the process is mandated by the 2014 Code of Conduct for Public Officials, which requires government officials to declare their assets before assuming office, periodically during their tenure, and upon leaving office.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) receives, verifies, and monitors asset declarations to ensure compliance.
Officials are required to disclose their income, properties, bank accounts, business interests, and other financial assets.
The goal is to prevent conflicts of interest, illicit enrichment, and abuse of public office.
However, enforcement has been a challenge over the years, with reports of widespread non-compliance and lack of proper verification mechanisms.
In many instances, officials declare their assets but fail to provide accurate or verifiable information, making it difficult to hold them accountable.
In 2024, President Joseph Boakai reinforced the importance of asset declaration as part of his administration’s broader anti-corruption agenda.
This led to a renewed push for enforcement, including the suspension of over 457 public officials who failed to declare their assets as required by law. However, since the president initiated the process, the LACC has intensified efforts to verify and authenticate the submitted declarations, ensuring that government officials are held to the highest standards of accountability. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah
