MONROVIA – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has called on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to take immediate and thorough action following the recent audit findings by the General Auditing Commission (GAC). The organization also welcomed the proposed financial and credential audits of the Judiciary as key steps toward improving accountability in Liberia’s public sector.
Addressing the media at CENTAL headquarters in Sinkor, Monrovia, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen emphasized the importance of transparency in government operations. “We cherish our partnership and shared commitment to advancing democratic values and principles in Liberia, especially those related to anti-corruption, rule of law, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development,” Miamen said.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by public institutions, noting that gaps in performance remain significant. “Although the gaps in performance remain significant, we applaud the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, General Auditing Commission, Financial Intelligence Agency, and other public integrity institutions for working under largely difficult circumstances to achieve key results,” Miamen added.
The GAC, Liberia’s supreme audit institution, recently published findings from its audit of the Government of Liberia Consolidated Funds Account for the period January 1 to December 31, 2024. The audit examined how public funds were managed and disbursed and highlighted several critical weaknesses in revenue collection and financial management systems.
According to Miamen, the audit revealed that the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) did not extend its revenue reporting software, including ASYCUDA and LITAS, to rural collectorates. “This leaves gaps in transparency and increases the likelihood of corruption, as revenue collection processes are not fully monitored in remote areas,” he said.
The audit also identified personnel shortages in rural tax collection centers, leading to inefficient revenue generation. Miamen noted that this finding was validated during stakeholder engagements in Gbarnga, Bong County, underscoring systemic weaknesses in domestic resource mobilization.
Another major concern highlighted in the audit is the over-disbursement of funds by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), exceeding the amounts approved in the national budget by over US$2.8 million. “We see this revelation as very concerning, especially since this administration has previously been accused of disregarding the budget and Public Financial Management (PFM) Laws by spending off-budget without legislative approval,” Miamen said.
Conversely, the audit showed under-disbursement of approved appropriations totaling US$78,289,600, affecting 106 ministries and agencies. Miamen emphasized that such imbalances undermine the delivery of essential services, particularly in health and education, and highlight the need for stronger oversight.
The audit also found that 11 state-owned enterprises paid only US$5,669,672.88 in income taxes, far less than the required US$10,160,233.98, resulting in significant revenue losses. “These observations raise questions about whether government’s desire to increase resource mobilization is matched by commitments from its agents,” Miamen stated.
While expressing concern over these findings, CENTAL welcomed reforms proposed by Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay. Miamen praised the Chief Justice’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and the planned credential and financial audits of the Judiciary. “We believe there could not have been a better way for the new Chief Justice to announce his presence and intentions to tackle corruption and institute reforms,” he said.
Miamen urged that the credential and financial audits be conducted within a reasonable timeframe, with findings fully implemented to enhance transparency and accountability. He emphasized that these audits are crucial to restoring public confidence in the Judiciary, which has faced multiple allegations of corruption involving judges, lawyers, and court officials.
The CENTAL executive director concluded with a series of recommendations to improve governance and financial management. He called on LACC to thoroughly investigate off-budget spending, under-disbursement to critical sectors, and other issues identified in the audit. Miamen also urged the Joint Public Accounts Committee of the Legislature to conduct inclusive hearings on the findings, ensuring the presidency implements outcomes and holds wrongdoers accountable.
In addition, Miamen stressed that citizens must demand full compliance with the PFM Law and other public spending regulations. He recommended that the Liberia Revenue Authority decentralize its revenue collection software, recruit and train personnel for rural centers, and that the General Auditing Commission and Civil Service Agency collaborate with the Judiciary to conduct timely financial and credential audits. “These actions are essential to safeguard public resources, enhance governance, and ensure that Liberians can trust their institutions,” Miamen said.
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