CENTAL Wants Speedy Investigation into Bribery Allegations at the House of Representatives

- Calls for Probe into Speaker Koffa’s Budget Manipulation Revelation

Monrovia, Thursday, October 24, 2024- Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press, we are happy to have you join us for today’s press conference.  

Over the years, CENTAL has been a staunch advocate of integrity, transparency, and accountability in Liberia. We have supported efforts to strengthen public integrity institutions and enhance the fight against corruption. One of our latest efforts is the development of a Corruption Case Tracker, an online platform for documenting and tracking the status of corruption cases in Liberia. The Tracker can be accessed at  www.cct.cental.org.lr. We remain committed to supporting the government in attaining positive anti-corruption outcomes.

Allegations of corruption in the legislature have been widespread. In successive elections, voters have expressed disdain for most corrupt and underperforming lawmakers through the ballot box.  During the October 2023 presidential and legislative elections, only 28 (43%) of 65 representatives who sought reelection were retained by their constituents.  Of the 8 sitting representatives who sought election to the Senate, only 2 (25%) were successful. Combined, this means that only 30 (41%) of representatives who sought reelection were successful. Amongst many other factors responsible for the mass dismissal of lawmakers were sustained allegations and incidences of bribery and other corruption involving senators and representatives, most of which were never fully investigated. By their rejection, Liberians sent a very strong message that they are becoming increasingly enlightened and will no longer tolerate underperformance, bribery, and other forms of corruption from their leaders. It was expected that this new batch of officials/lawmakers would be circumspect, lawful, and public-interest-driven in their decision-making, at all times.

However, this does not seem to be the case, unfortunately, if recent developments at the House of Representatives and others prior are the basis for drawing conclusions. Over the last few days, the House of Representatives has been embroiled in a conflict resulting from attempts to remove the current Speaker, Hon. J. Fonati Koffa. CENTAL recognizes the right and power of Representatives to remove the Speaker and other elected leaders, according to Article 49 of the 1986 Constitution, which provides that two-thirds of the membership can do so, in line with due process of law. We are deeply troubled by new and sustained allegations of bribery characterizing the process.

Early this week, in a petition read to the media, “majority lawmakers” seeking the removal of Speaker Koffa accused him of bad leadership, corruption, and other misdeeds, including conflict of interest. The Speaker stands accused of providing legal consultancy to several public and private institutions, claims he has since rebuffed, stating that he has since divested his shares in his law firm (International Law Group).  In the face of all these, we Call for a full-scale independent investigation into these allegations to establish their veracity.     

Meanwhile, in a video widely circulated on social media, Representative Luther Collins of District #2 in Gbarpolu County was seen displaying cash amounting to 15,000 USD allegedly received from his colleague, Representative James N. Kolleh of District #2 in Bong County, on behalf of the group of representatives seeking the Speaker’s removal. According to him, the total bribe involved is 25,000 USD, with an upfront payment of 15,000 USD, to be followed by 10,000 USD after the successful removal of the Speaker. Representative Collins’ startling revelations, which have been refuted by the accused, come amidst widespread allegations of corruption and bribery at the legislature, similar to many others previously reported, characterizing legislative decision-making. This is highly troubling and typical of national leaders on whose shoulders the hopes and aspirations of citizens lie.

Further to Re presentative Collins’ bribery allegations, in a late-night live interview on the Spoon Communications Network on October 22, 2024, Speaker Fonati Koffa reaffirmed longstanding reports and allegations of budget manipulation and corruption by some representatives and relevant committees of the lower house. Also, the Speaker accused some of his colleagues of demanding monies from the executive branch of government to pass on key legislations and bills.

For us at CENTAL, this revelation is highly troubling, especially so that they are emanating from the Speaker who is a highly-placed source at the legislature, a former deputy speaker, and the current leader of the body. Among other things, these claims and counterclaims further validate CENTAL’S 2021, 2022, and 2023 State of Corruption Research Reports and other publications that have highlighted budget manipulation and corruption by some members of the Legislature, which only benefits them and their collaborators.

For too long, Liberians have been robbed of their taxes and other resources and assets by unscrupulous individuals and officials, including some members of the legislature. We are disappointed in the Legislature’s continuous link to corruption and bad decision-making. Coupled with previous occurrences, these bribery allegations have demonstrated that the Legislature has not properly and independently performed its oversight, lawmaking, and other functions. It is widely believed that, often, laws passed and financial instruments concluded are not properly scrutinized, due to reported receipt of bribes and other undue payments by businesses and others alike. The body directly representing Liberians and overseeing the work of the two other branches of government cannot be the weakest link, evident by their often-poor decision-making and alleged corrupt dealings.

Liberians deserve better representation and decision-making from their elected officials.  It is concerning that the majority of members of this very 55^th legislature have refused to comply with the Code of Conduct for public officials to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities. Although President Boakai has disappointingly not prevailed on the majority of his appointed officials to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities, representatives and senators need to act differently and set high standards for others to emulate, both in and out of government.  The legislature must rise above negativities and adopt a more positive attitude and reputation if it must be taken seriously and regarded by citizens and partners as a key and reliable pillar of the country’s democracy and governance process. Individual lawmakers have the responsibility to set high standards and provide leadership and direction for the country. The current wave of allegations of bribery to unseat the current speaker does not help to place lawmakers in a morally upright position to play such very important roles.

Recommendations:

• We welcome the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s swift move to publicly announce the initiation of any independent investigation into the bribery scandal characterizing the ongoing process to remove Speaker Koffa. We urge the Commission to be timely and holistic in investigating the matter and all other emerging issues and allegations, including accusations of wrongdoing by the Speaker. This latest bribery scandal and other emerging issues present an opportunity for LACC to thoroughly investigate these matters and provide clear information to the public on the outcomes. Where necessary, we call for the involvement of other partners and stakeholders in taking on this process, ensuring that it is transparent, holistic, and involves all actors and players concerned. Additionally, encourage the Commission to go beyond the allegation of bribery to remove the speaker and investigate other issues that are emerging, including revelations from the Speaker about budget corruption and manipulation involving some representatives.
• The decisions of the Legislature, the Lower House in this instant case, must be lawful, transparent, and void of alleged and confirmed incidences of bribery and other forms of corruption. Again, we call for a thorough investigation into the current bribery allegations and other issues emerging regarding budget corruption and tempering, which may be undisputable due to how some representatives and senators have acquired stolen wealth, which their salaries and incomes cannot justify.
• We strongly urge the Legislature to open itself up for all forms of audit and other review processes, as may be prescribed by the General Auditing Commission and other statutorily-mandated institutions. Where necessary, we urge the GAC to collaborate with other internationally-acclaimed audit institutions to conduct the process and provide credible and timely reports on financial and other dealings of the Legislature. This is a call Liberians have been making for ever so long, along with development partners and some members of the legislature itself. Liberians are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of such comprehensive financial and other forms of audit that provide detailed, inclusive, and credible information on how budgeted resources of the Legislature have been expended, over the years.

• We call on the Ministry of Justice to collaborate with LACC to investigate and prosecute past and current lawmakers embroiled in alleged corrupt financial and other dealings. It is about time that we erase the notion and insinuations that lawmakers are above the law and or immune from accountability or prosecution for their alleged wrongdoings.
• We call on our development partners to closely follow these and other developments to take the necessary actions to help ensure transparency and accountability in public service in Liberia. We encourage deeper and frank engagement with all actors in government to ensure true accountability and transparency in government.

In conclusion, we call for greater leadership in the Legislature. We urge members and the leadership to ensure that transparency, integrity, rule of law, and other good governance principles characterize their actions and decision-making.  We call for a full investigation of the publicized bribery allegations and other issues by the state. Liberians deserve better leadership, selflessness, transparency, and other attributes of leaders.

Thank you.

Signed: Management

CENTAL Wants President Boakai to Recall New Appointments at PPCC Over Procedural Breach

- Says all appointees, except one, were handpicked and did not participate in the competitive recruitment process.

Monrovia, Tuesday, September 3, 2024- Distinguish ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for gracing this press conference with your presence; we are forever grateful.

Over the years, CENTAL has been a staunch advocate of integrity, transparency, and accountability in Liberia. We have supported efforts geared towards strengthening public integrity institutions and enhancing the fight against corruption, which include: robust and timely actions on audit findings and recommendations of the General Auditing Commission, increasing budgetary support to integrity institutions, enactment of relevant anti-corruption laws, and competitive recruitment to public integrity institutions. We remain committed to supporting the government in attaining positive anti-corruption outcomes.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, our attention has been drawn to the recent appointments made by His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai affecting the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC). On August 29, 2024, President Boakai appointed five individuals to the Complaints, Appeal, and Review Panel (CARP) of the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC). The appointment is provided for in the Amended and Restated Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act of 2010. Those appointed include Cllr. Sundaway E. Nelson Amagashie, Cllr. Vincent Smith, Cllr. Morris Davis, Mr. Ezekiel F. Nyumah, and Mr. Michael C.G George.

Following a thorough review of those appointed and considering the findings of an independent panel established, in line with the PPCC Act of 2010, CENTAL has observed a significant procedural and legal breach by the president over the appointment of the officials in question. This is because, Part II, Section 10, Sub-section 3 of the Amended and Restated PPCC Act of 2010 provides that appointments to said positions shall be derived from a competitive process held under the auspices of the PPCC, with a list of ten (10) candidates submitted to the President for the five positions—three (3) for lawyers and two (2) for non-lawyers.

The Act further states that, in the event where the President finds only few candidates worthy of appointment, the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission is then required to submit an additional list of vetted candidates for consideration by the President. Thus, the law gives the President significant latitude in appointment. However, it provides for a process that ensures persons appointed to the integrity body are properly vetted and have the required competence and character.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, CENTAL notes that consistent with its duties under the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA), in March 2024, the PPCC informed the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, that vacancy existed at Complaint, Appeal and Review Panel (CARP) due to expiration of the tenure of CARP members and that the recruitment process would commence. The request for Expression of Interest was published for a period of one month on the PPCC website, the Executive Mansion website, and two widely read newspapers: Frontpage Africa and Daily Observer. It is worth noting that Eighty-four (84) applications were received for the five (5) positions.

For further transparency in the recruitment process, PPCC invited four institutions to participate in the evaluation process. Three (3) agreed to participate: the Civil Service Agency (CSA), the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), and the Center for Transparency and Accountability of Liberia (CENTAL). Representatives of these institutions were then joined by representatives of PPCC to constitute the evaluation committee.

As a member of the vetting committee, we report that thirty-seven (37) applicants were qualified to take the aptitude test, from which twenty-two (22) persons, including three (3) lawyers and nineteen (19) non-lawyers qualified for interview. The panel then recommended the top ten (10) candidates from which the President could make the appointments, consistent with law. The scores of all candidates qualified for the interview stage were also submitted to the President for transparency purposes.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, CENTAL is shocked over the President’s decision to disregard the competitive recruitment procedure, as outlined by law. This is because, unlike Mr. Ezekiel Nyumah, one of 10 candidates recommended for appointment by the vetting panel, Cllr. Vincent Smith, Cllr. Morris Davis, and Mr. Michael C. G. George did not participate in the recruitment process at all. Also, although Cllr. Sundayway E. Nelson Amegashie participated in the testing phase of the evaluation, she did not participate in the interview stage as she was unavailable. As such, she was not recommended by the committee for appointment.

The decision of the president to appoint individuals outside of the established competitive and transparent procedure, as contained in the Public Procurement and Concession Act flagrantly violates the Act. Additionally, it undermines transparency and accountability and an utter disregard of the work performed by the committee members, including LNBA, CSA, CENTAL and PPCC. More so, this amounts to ‘business as usual’ and serves to frustrate and discourage not only successful candidates but the Eighty-four (84) applicants who exerted valuable time to participate in the recruitment process. What is even more concerning is the fact that the vacancy announcement was published on the official Executive Mansion website, signaling a clear intent to comply with transparency and due diligence requirements.

Recommendations:

In view of this worrisome development, which borders on commitment to the rule of law and established transparency and accountability mechanism and frameworks, CENTAL calls on President Boakai to Recall the appointment of individuals never independently vetted and recommended for appointment by the Panel, in line with relevant provisions of the amended PPCC Act of 2010. We believe this action will somehow demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law and the fight against corruption, in deeds and not words. The President must respect the independence and sanctity of public integrity institutions and refrain from actions that have the proclivity to undermine public confidence in their leadership and work, the Complaints, Appeal, and Review Panel of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission in this instant case.

Finally, it is important that the decisions of the President and other public officials support and strengthen integrity-building, transparency, and accountability efforts in Liberia and not otherwise. Commitment to the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts must be matched by the required actions, if Liberians and development partners must be confident that the president Boakai is truly committed to and respecting anti-corruption and other laws governing key sectors, institutions, activities, and processes.

Thank you.

Signed: Management

Press Statement for Immediate Release

Monrovia, Friday, August 2, 2024

CENTAL Lauds Indictment of Former Officials

 -Solicits President Boakai’s Action Against Those Non-compliant with Asset Declaration

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the media, fellow Liberians, and development partners. Thank you for gracing this press conference with your presence; we are forever grateful.

Over the last few weeks, CENTAL has followed laudable efforts by the Liberian Government towards ensuring accountability and transparency, especially in government. For example, integrity bodies such as the Liberia Anti-corruption Commission (LACC), General Auditing Commission (GAC), and Public Accounts Committee of the Legislature have been in the media for the right reasons. We have seen the Joint Public Accounts Committee of the Legislature holding public hearings on audit reports submitted by the General Auditing Commission. We need more robust and transparent public hearings to give opportunities to those implicated to respond to the issues raised against them as well as enable the Committee and the executive to hold them accountable for their actions. Also, many audit reports of the GAC have been subjects of discussions on traditional and social media in terms of discrepancies identified and the need to hold responsible parties accountable.

While these efforts are insufficient, they are highly welcoming, especially considering our unpalatable history in the fight against corruption. For Liberia to fully turn the tide against corruption and mismanagement, a more concerted, impartial, and sustained effort will be required. This is one reason why we are calling for adequate support, including moral, financial, and others from the public and national government to integrity institutions to perform their respective tasks in leading Liberia on the path of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

 LACC’s Indictment of Former Officials of Government

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, we have followed with keen interest, the indictment of several former officials on multiple allegations of corruption by the Liberia Anti-corruption Commission.  Former Finance Minister, Samuel D. Tweah Jr., former director general of the Financial Intelligence Agency, Stanley Ford, and other individuals have been investigated and indicted for allegedly siphoning the amounts of L$l,055,152,540.00 and US$5000,000.00.” We highly welcome the move to have former officials of government account for their stewardship.

Meanwhile, we are appalled by former President George M. Weah’s attempt to sidestep allegations levied against his former officials during his press conference held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. We would think that former President Weah who professes to be an ardent supporter of the fight against corruption, would encourage those indicted to present themselves before the law to be exonerated, if innocent, as indictments are not convictions.    

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, while we admonish former President Weah to encourage his officials to face the law, we are also admonishing Joseph N. Boakai’s administration to ensure that its anti-corruption efforts are impartial. From reactions to the indictment on social and traditional media, it has become crystal clear that Liberians are tired of corruption and want a genuine, robust, and impartial fight against it. One could tell that most Liberians appreciate a fight that does not see any sacred cows, protection of regime elements and their collaborators, as well as the weaponization of audit and other investigative and due diligence processes.  So far, CENTAL does not see any witch-hunt in the case under review. However, LACC and other integrity institutions must ensure to lead an impartial charge against corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse in Liberia. We support genuine calls for an impartial, independent, and holistic fight against corruption, irrespective of who is involved.

While CENTAL commends LACC on this matter, we urge the body to investigate and prosecute former officials of government sanctioned by the U.S. government for significant public sector corruption. These include Senator Nathaniel McGill of Margibi County; Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County, Senator Emmanuel Nuquaye of Margibi County; former Grand Cape Mount County Senator, Cllr. Varney Sherman, Senator Albert Chie of Grand Kru County, Jefferson T. Koijee, former Mayor of Monrovia, Andrew Wonplue, former director of passport at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Cllr. Cyrenus Cephus, former solicitor general of the Republic of Liberia. They, too, should be given the space to exonerate themselves in a court of competent jurisdiction. While we call on the Commission to engage with the US Government to seek evidence against the accused, it is also important that investigations, including audit of their stewardship be conducted, where applicable, to serve as an important starting point for insight into their alleged corrupt dealings.

Low Compliance with Asset Declaration Law and Process

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, the LACC through its Executive Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe reported a low level of compliance by officials of the Boakai-led administration with the law on the declaration of assets, incomes, and liabilities before taking office. LACC report states that only 322 of a possible 1,281 public officials have declared their assets, incomes, and liabilities. We applaud the few officials of the government that comply. However, we are concerned about the gross violation of the asset declaration law by the majority of officials of the Boakai-led administration. This is disappointing, especially for a President and government that is going after former officials for corruption and defrauding of the state. More so, the President’s lack of action against his officials on this matter raises questions in terms of his willpower to deal with his officials. The process leading to holding people accountable should be holistic and impartial.

We conclude with the following Recommendations:

• We applaud the LACC and other integrity institutions for their ongoing efforts. They must continue to partner in meaningful ways in the fight against corruption, working with civil society, the media, and other independent players and actors.

• We call on President Boakai to suspend his officials who have not yet declared their assets, incomes, and liabilities, some after more than five months in office. If the president must be seen as being impartial in dealing with corruption and other accountability issues, he has to punish his officials for violating the laws of Liberia, the code of conduct in the case in question.
• We call on the President and legislature to provide adequate support to anti-graft institutions to investigate and prosecute more cases, conduct audits, and perform other critical functions. This is important if impunity for corruption and other offenses will become issues of the past.
• We admonish former president Weah to encourage his supporters and those indicted to present themselves before the law to exonerate themselves.
• We encourage the Judiciary to comply with the law on asset declaration and other accountability frameworks. Reports from the LACC regarding limited compliance with the asset declaration law by the Judicial officials is troubling, as they need to do better in leading by example.
• We encourage the leadership and members of the Legislature to fully comply with the asset declaration law. Reports of the very low compliance level of the Legislature are concerning and need urgent action by the leadership and individual lawmakers.
• Finally, we encourage Liberians to support LACC, GAC, and other entities that are leading anti-corruption and accountability efforts in Liberia. The Public must continue to demand accountability from the government, especially concerted, impartial, and sustained efforts to address the culture of impunity for corruption and other offenses in the Country.

Thanks.

Signed

Management

Press Statement for Immediate Release

Monrovia, Thursday, May 30, 2024

CENTAL Wants GoL Address Critical Questions Around Sourcing of 285 Earth-Moving Equipment

--Says GoL Response so far Does Not Address Core Concerns

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the Press, fellow Liberians, greetings to all.

Last week, the Government of Liberia (GoL) held a Three-Day Cabinet Retreat during which the Minister of State Without Portfolio, Madam Mamaka Bility announced that 285 pieces of earth-moving equipment had been presented to the Government of Liberia in a virtual turnover ceremony attended by her, Hon. Sylvester M. Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Hon. Roland Layfette Giddings, Minister of Public Works.  A video released in this regard also features Mr. Xu Ming, Senior Vice President of Sany Group, a Chinese multi-national heavy equipment manufacturing company and the 3rd-largest heavy equipment manufacturer in the world, and Robert Gumede, Chairman of the Guma Group based in South Africa. The pronouncement has been greeted with mixed reactions from the public. On social media and other platforms, Liberians have welcomed the development, but call for transparency, accountability, and full compliance with procurement and other related laws in acquiring the equipment.

At a Press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah said the announcement made by Minister Bility was not as a result of an agreement reached but rather an update on plans of the government. He stressed that even though the government of Liberia has the power to negotiate deals in the interest of the country, such deals will be negotiated with respect for the rule of law and separation of powers.

 October

The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has closely followed developments and discussions surrounding the saga, especially the Government of Liberia’s official position, as communicated by the Minister of Information. We wholeheartedly welcome the Government’s plans to acquire multiple key assets and logistics to facilitate works and development in different sectors, including road/infrastructure in this instant case. If used for the intended purpose (s), this will help to bring much-needed development to the Country and transform the lives of Liberians, in the wake of increased levels of poverty and infrastructure deficit. Who wouldn’t want development for the Country? Who wouldn’t want their County, District, Town, or Village road (s) constructed, rehabilitated or maintained?

However, we are deeply concerned about the Pronouncement and the entire process surrounding it. Equally, we are appalled by the Liberian Government’s official response, which leaves more questions than answers. First, Minister Bility’s pronouncement lacked the required details to adequately inform the public about the process. The Government was not compelled to speak on the matter, since it claims that the arrangement is premature or in its formative stage. Yet, if the video presented by Minister Bility is anything to go by, the pieces of equipment have already been marked with the photos of President Joseph N. Boakai, decorated with the Liberian Flag, and in motion as if en route to Liberia.  Secondly, there is no publicly available information regarding a competitive bidding or tendering process that informed the government’s decision to begin negotiation with a group to provide such huge quantity of earth-moving equipment reportedly valued over 20 million USD, above the 1 million USD required for International Competitive Bidding by the amended Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act of 2010. Many questions linger. At what point of process, the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission would have been involved? When the deal is in an advanced stage or concluded, as it appears to be? How then will be process be Competitive and Transparent?  

Third, that the government is reneging on divulging the source of the equipment nor the company behind the deal, which reportedly has business interests in Liberia is highly concerning. This singular act raises more questions about transparency, robustness and integrity of ongoing discussion and even have implications for future processes that will occasion the award of any contract or concession to them (the company or those at the center of saga) for works and services in Liberia.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Media, Liberia’s history is replete with government negotiating deals that end up benefiting businesses and the officials involved, at the expense of Liberians. We are also aware of the dangers of government receiving donations or gifts from companies with business interests in Liberia. May we remind the Government of the situation involving the 100 Toyota Hilux DXD4 double cabin pickups donated to members of the 52nd National Legislature by Arcelor Mittal, the company mining iron ore in Nimba County. Following the donation, the Liberian Legislature ratified the company’s new Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) in 2007. Since then, there have been claims and counterclaims about the Pickups influencing the decision of the government to ratify the new deal, which is believed to be largely favorable to the Company. There have been multiple incidences of violence, resulting from reported poor treatment of citizens by the company, especially those within the concession area, with little to no redress. It would be very difficult, if not impossible to argue against the thought that the 100 Pickups given then, in the midst of the negotiation of the deal played a key role in government’s treatment of the Company.

Recommendations:

Fellow Liberians, the Country deserves more transparency, openness, and integrity from her leaders. We urge President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. and his team to look into history and proceed with extreme caution in initiating discussions around potential support from individuals and groups, especially those with business interest in Liberia. The ‘no business as usual’  promise of the President should be applied in this instant case. As important as the procurement of this equipment may be in alleviating the deplorable road constraints faced by citizens, the lack of transparency around the acquisition, source of funding, and tendering may paint a dark picture and erode public trust and acceptability of the project. We call for more transparency, competition, and inclusiveness of processes around transfer of our national assets as well as acquisition of equipment for road, agriculture and other critical sectors and activities. We urge President Boakai and his team to fully comply with the PPCC Guidelines in any procurement related matters. Equally, we call on the Legislature to lead by example and be robust and independent in performing its duties, especially through ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity around this and other related critical matters.

In conclusion, we applaud Liberians for their courage in speaking out on governance, accountability and other issues bordering on their interest and the wellbeing of the country. We applaud their stance on this issue and encourage them to keep constructively engaged with their government to ensure more transparency, accountability, inclusion and robustness in decision-making and implementation, especially those with implications for the future and well-being of the state.

 Thanks.

Signed: Management

Press Statement for Immediate Release

CENTAL Commends Supreme Court Ruling on Tenured Positions: Wants President Boakai Uphold the Sanctity of Tenure

Monrovia, Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, thank you for showing up here for this press conference. We look forward to our continued partnership in promoting the culture of accountability and the fight against corruption in Liberia.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, President Joseph N. Boakai nominated several individuals to the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), the Governance Commission (GC), the National Lottery Authority (NLA), and the National Identification Registry (NIR), all of which are already occupied by officials protected by tenure. Following a wave of public backlash over the decision, Cllr. Bushuben Keita, Legal Advisor to President Boakai referenced the constitutional powers of the President to appoint and dismiss those in the executive branch by “will and pleasure”. In a press statement released on February 22, 2024, CENTAL voiced disappointment over the action of the President citing disregard for relevant laws. CENTAL argued that tenure security is a settled matter and that interferences with it in the form of appointments to positions of active tenures were unlawful. Thankfully, in its April 25, 2024 ruling on the matter, the Supreme Court of Liberia upheld its previous decisions on the matter, noting that President Boakai did not act in line with the law.

 Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, barely 24 hours after public acceptance of the Court’s ruling, President Boakai suspended the Chairman of the Governance Commission and the entire board of commissioners of the LTA and appointed acting board of commissioners Abdullah Kamara, Patrick Honnah, Clarence Massaquoi, Ben Fofana, and Angela Bush, the very individuals earlier nominated against which the court ruled. We are deeply concerned over these developments, including the suspension of the very officials who won the lawsuit against the government of Liberia. While we acknowledge the powers of the President to suspend officials of government involved in corruption and other suspicious dealings, we believe such powers must not be exercised as part of a scheme to accomplish an agenda. We are also concerned that audits and investigations are being weaponized to get rid of those suspected to be political opponents, especially in this instant case. CENTAL believes that a true fight against corruption should be holistic or dispassionate and not one that sets out to find fault at all costs in order to settle scores for political and other reasons.

We are on record calling out the suspended Chairman of the Governance Commission, Atty. Garrison Yealue for his active role played during the 2023 election campaign, whilst still serving at the GC. Even as we criticized his actions and do not believe he should continue to head the GC, we hold the position that his removal from office must not be arbitrary, but lawful—be in line with established legal procedures, including due process. But as with the other affected tenure positions, it appears that audits or investigations commissioned by the President do not seek to accord those investigated substantive due process but a mere procedural one to justify removal from tenured positions.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we therefore recommend the following to President Boakai:

• That President Boakai reconsiders his decision to appoint the very individuals whose appointments sparked the controversy leading to the Supreme Court’ ruling. We believe that this sends a very wrong signal about the President’s dedication to the rule of law, especially in this instant case.

• That President Boakai genuinely accords tenured officials substantive due process and not a mere procedural one that helps attain the president’s goal of replacing tenured officials. We believe that such is important if the Supreme Court’s ruling must be sincerely respected and upheld.

• As the office of the Ombudsman has been established, we encourage the government of Liberia to provide it with the needed financial, logistical and other support to commence full operation. This includes alleged violation of the code of conduct by the chairperson of the governance commission and other similarly-situated tenure officials, especially during the 2023 presidential and legislative elections.

We conclude by reaffirming our commitment to remaining robust in meaningfully supporting national efforts/initiatives to promote and entrench the culture of accountability, transparency, and integrity in Liberia, in all sectors, institutions and places. We call on Liberians to denounce corruption and demand accountability and improved services and performance from their leaders, as we seek to build a transparent, accountable, value-driven and merit-based society and government that holistically and sustainably address the needs of her citizens.

Thanks.

Signed: Management

Monrovia, Thursday, March 28, 2024, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, thank you for showing up for today’s presser. Thank you for being a partner in the fight against corruption. We deeply appreciate your commitment.  

Ladies and Gentlemen, on February 27, 2024, Frontpage Africa reported that the Financial Intelligence Agency of Liberia (FIA), which is mandated to investigate financial crimes is itself alleged to have been caught in the web of dubious financial dealings and crimes. According to the report, over one million United States Dollars was disbursed in the name of the Comptroller, including over US$500 Thousand withdrawn on the same day it was transferred by the Central Bank of Liberia.

Another report placed the total amount involved in the scandal to over US$6 million.  For us, these reports are not just disturbing but have the proclivity to erode citizens and development partners’ trust in institutions like the FIA clothed with the authority to fight corruption and other shady financial dealings, including money laundering. If not properly disposed of, these allegations could hamper the credibility of the institution, including the outcomes of sanctions and other efforts made to enforce their very important mandate. For example, fines imposed on insurance companies, banks, gaming companies and other entities for violation of financial procedures could face stiff challenges. Also, responsible institutions might hesitate to make suspicious transaction reports to FIA, as required by its 2022 amended act.

We note multiple occasions during which FIA sanctioned individuals and institutions accused and investigated for alleged dubious financial dealings and money laundering, similar to that which the current leadership is accused of. For example, in 2021, granting a motion filed by FIA, the Presiding Judge of Criminal Court C ordered the proceeds of over US$234,000 confiscated and transferred to the General Revenue Account of Liberia. The company at the center of the saga, Korlane Investment Limited Liability Company and its corporate owners were investigated by FIA for alleged wire fraud and money laundering. The very FIA with a mandate to fight such a crime cannot be at the center of similar and even more egregious incidents; it thus needs timely and appropriate action (s) from the leadership of the Country.  

Distinguished media partners, we have reliably learned that Mr. Ford is undergoing investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). This is highly welcoming. However, given the gravity of this corruption scandal and its implications for the work and reputation of FIA and by extension the country’s integrity sector, we strongly recommend an administrative sanction, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.  Therefore, we call on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. to immediately Suspend Mr. Stanley Ford, director general of the institution and all those at the center of the saga, as their continued presence as leaders and managers casts dark shadow over the institution and neutralize its ability to fight financial crimes and other related crimes. Also, we encourage the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to timely complete her ongoing investigation into the matter as well as provide regular updates to the public.

In conclusion, we urge institutions and individuals leading anti-corruption efforts to set very high standards for others to follow, both in and out of government. The latest incident at FIA does not only damage the entity’s reputation but affects the morale of staff who are working diligently and may sometimes sacrifice to perform their assigned responsibilities. President Boakai must act and do so now if stakeholders must have the required level of confidence in and continue to do business with the Financial Intelligence Agency of Liberia.

Thank You All.

Signed_______________________

Management 

Monrovia, Tuesday, January 30, 2024, In its 2023 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), Transparency International (TI), a global coalition against corruption, reported that Liberia has declined by 7 points from 32 in 2018 to 25 in 2023. The Corruption Perception Index scores and ranks countries based on how corrupt their public sectors are perceived, according to experts and business executives. The score ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), where 0 equals the highest level of perceived public sector corruption and 100 equals the lowest level of perceived public sector corruption. 180 Countries were targeted in 2023 as in 2022.

In a statement issued in Monrovia, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), the National Chapter of Transparency International through its Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen said it is deeply concerned over Liberia’s consistently poor performance, especially her place among the Worst Decliners globally.

CENTAL’s statement said, the poor performance speaks to the Liberian Government’s inability to address the entrenched culture of impunity for corruption, despite enacting new anti-corruption laws and amending existing ones to make them stronger. The anti-corruption watchdog group cited the lack of investigation and prosecution of current and former government officials sanctioned by the US Government for corruption as some of the reasons behind the country’s decline. Additionally, the statement said the weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws and limited financial support to public integrity institutions such as the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and Public Procurement and Concession Commission have contributed to the decline.

“This year’s poor result shows the scale of the problem the Boakai-led administration is inheriting. On the other hand, it is a test of his anti-corruption credentials--whether bold commitments being made will be matched by visible concrete actions to end impunity for corruption, reverse the decline, and take Liberia up the CPI ladder”, the statement said.

The CPI draws upon 13 data sources, which capture the assessment of experts and business executives on several corrupt behaviors in the public sector. These corrupt practices and behaviors include bribery, diversion of public funds and supplies, use of public office for private gain, procurement irregularities, state capture, and nepotism in the civil service.

Also, some of the sources assess mechanisms available to prevent and address corruption in a country. Examples include the government’s ability to enforce integrity mechanisms; financial, logistical, and moral support to anti-graft institutions; independence and viability of anti-graft institutions; the effective prosecution of corrupt officials and others accused of corruption; conflict of interest prevention; access to information; freedom of speech and the media; and legal protection for whistleblowers, witnesses, journalists, and investigators.

Ranked 145/180 among countries covered by CPI 2023, Liberia's position as one of the biggest decliners on the CPI has been cemented dropping by a massive 16 points from 41 in 2012 to 25 in 2023.  In West Africa and the Mano River Union, Liberia is the only country that has declined by 7 points over the last 6 years. This is corroborated by CENTAL’s 2021, 2022, and 2023 State of Corruption Reports, which reveal that 90% of Liberians think the Corruption level is high in the country, with low citizens’ confidence in the executive branch of government to fight against corruption.

The Sub-Saharan Africa average is 33, the lowest in the world. Ninety percent of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa scored under 50. In the last decade, 43 countries in the region have either declined or made no significant progress.  Since 2012, Liberia (25), Mali (28), and South Sudan (11) have significantly declined on the CPI. On the other hand, some significant improvers over the last few years include Seychelles (71), Senegal (43), Ethiopia (37), Tanzania (40), Kenya (31), Côte d'Ivoire (40) and Angola (33).  With a score of 71, the Seychelles earned the highest mark in the region, followed by Cape Verde (64) and Botswana (59) as second and third-place holders. Equatorial Guinea (17), South Sudan (13), and Somalia (11) are the region’s worst performers.

January 26, 2024

His Excellency Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai

26^th President of the Republic of Liberia

Liberia, West Africa

Your Excellency:

 Re: Key Anti-Corruption Efforts and Reforms to Pursue 

Kindly accept compliments from the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), the national chapter of Transparency International (TI). We congratulate you on your ascendency as 26^th President of the Republic of Liberia. 

Your Excellency, we wish you good health and wisdom, as you lead during this critical period of the Country’s history, whereby, despite appreciable progress, enormous governance and development challenges, amongst others, remain. While we are cognizant of the need for collective efforts of all players to move the country forward, as President and first citizen, we believe you need to provide very strong leadership by leading by example, adhering to the rule of law, setting high standards, and requiring the same of your officials and all others in the Liberian Society. 

Mr. President, we welcome your bold public utterances and commitment to tackle corruption, one of the country’s major challenges. At the same time, we look forward to working with your administration to achieve this very important objective, which aligns with the vision and mission of CENTAL. Corruption remains a major governance challenge in Liberia, despite ongoing efforts to address it. Much more efforts are needed, with your office providing the necessary leadership at the top, exhibiting zero-tolerance for corruption and demanding your officials to do likewise through the required lawful administrative and prosecutorial actions. 

Mr. President, we need actions that go beyond pronouncements. Leaders before you recognized that corruption is a plague and made several declarations against it. Yet, they did little to match those pronouncements with actions. This inertia has largely contributed to our dismal show in major indices, including the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Transparency International, showing a massive decline in the country’s score from 41 in 2012 to 25 in 2023.  This is corroborated by our State of Corruption Reports, which indicate that, over the last three years, nine out of ten Liberians believe that corruption is high. Majority of citizens also believe that government’s commitment to tackling corruption is low. Lack of prosecution, rampant allegations of corruption, lack of political will and lack of transparency fuel these perceptions. For instance, government has failed to investigate and prosecute former and current government officials sanctioned by the United States Government for involvement in significant public sector corruption. Besides, corruption allegations involving high-profile public officials have been lingering for many years, with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission not doing enough to either complete those investigations or prosecute the accused. 

Mr. President, the responsibility is now yours to reverse this negative trend. This is because you have made very strong commitments to do so, during the election and recently, while delivering your inaugural address in Monrovia. There are already signs that the necessary conditions exist to support a robust anti-corruption effort. For instance, we have seen members of the House of Representatives voting through a resolution to declare and make their assets public—the publication goes one significant step beyond the declaration requirement. We have heard President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Madam Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence committing to declare and make her assets public within a month. We have heard the Speaker of the House, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa's open commitment to subject the House of Representatives to audit.  We appreciate the open commitment of our elected officials to respect the tenant of good governance and accountability. While we believe these actions are steps in the right direction, we expect that members of the legislature will not rest on their laurels, but do more to make legislative dealings and activities more transparent. 

Like all previous governments, we look forward to working with your administration to enhance the fight against corruption, especially by making impunity for corruption an issue of the past. We wish to recommend the following, which are important actions your administration can take, working collaboratively with other actors, to robustly tackle corruption and bad governance in Liberia:

• Lead by example and set very high standards for your officials and others to follow ---There can be no successful fight against corruption if the Presidency does not lead by example, in words and in practice. Immediate past presidents made flowery speeches about fighting corruption. However, they could not follow them up by the required practical actions, such as timely declaring and publishing their assets, incomes and liabilities and taking timely and decisive administrative actions against officials accused of corruption. The office of the President, Vice President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, President Pro-Tempore, and Chief Justice must take the first steps by fully complying with the law and requiring all other public officials to do so. Over the years, compliance with the law has been grossly weak and disappointing. Weakness in making full use of assets declared by public officials has rendered the process nearly meaningless. Besides, the declaration process has not been holistic, as the vast majority of senators and representatives have not been compliant with the law.We encourage you to lead by example by providing the necessary financial, moral, and logistical support to LACC to fully implement the law, covering all branches of the Liberian Government.

• Support public integrity institutions- If your administration must succeed in the fight against corruption, anti- graft institutions must not be left to fight alone. Your strong leadership and moral and financial support will be critical to help them succeed in pursuing their objectives. In time past, integrity institutions with specific mandates around anti-corruption have been undermined with matters falling in their domain referred to ad-hoc committees or other authorities. Sadly, said investigations lead to little or no outcome. Recognizing and supporting institutions with specific mandates would be key. To this end, we encourage you to reconsider your decision to outsource audit functions to international firms. Resources have been invested in the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and Internal Audit Agency (IAA) over the years. Any perceived gaps should be assessed and addressed, including through support by international firms. But ignoring these institutions outrightly serves to interfere with their mandates and continues the pattern of undermining began by your predecessors. We must add that these same institutions have been commissioned by donors to audit projects they fund. Assuming they lacked the capacity and professionalism required, we are convinced that international partners would not leverage their expertise. Also, budgetary support to these institutions have been less than adequate. In many instances, salaries and administrative costs comprise the lion’s share of their budgets, with minimal amounts left for operations and programs. Additionally, Reports and recommendations from these institutions should be taken seriously, to send a very strong message to corrupt and would-be individuals and groups that corruption will no longer be tolerated in Liberia, especially in government and under your leadership. Having strong anti-graft institutions requires adequate moral, operational, and capacity support, which we encourage your administration to provide.

• Timely establish the office of Ombudsman to oversee implementation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials – Passed in 2014 and amended in 2022, the Code of Conduct for Public Officials sets standards for what public officials and servants should do and not do. Due to the lack of political will, the Ombudsman has not been made functional. This has undermined enforcement of the law. For example, in April 2022, based on jurisdictional reasons, the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court at the Temple of Justice or Criminal “C” dismissed the indictment against National Elections Commission Chairperson, Davidetta Browne Lansanah, citing lack of jurisdiction. The Court opined that the LACC lacked the legal capacity to take unto itself the function of the Ombudsman in assuming original jurisdiction to investigate alleged violations of the Code of Conduct. The case would have been different, had the Ombudsman been appointed and staffed. Also, the absence of the Ombudsman has led to widespread abuses of public office during elections. As this void has been lingering for many years, we call on your administration to fully constitute and support the body to effectively and efficiently perform.

• Timely and impartial investigation and prosecution of corruption complaints/cases –Impunity for corruption remains very high in Liberia, thus undermining the fight against corruption. Credit to the Weah-led administration for passing additional anti-corruption laws such the ones on Witness Protection, Whistleblowing, and giving of direct prosecutorial power to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission. However, the laws have not been scrupulously enforced for the good of the public. Many corruption cases involving high-profile former government officials are lingering, without adequate action (s). We call on your administration to follow through on your promise to make impunity for corruption an issue of the past. Encourage zero tolerance for corruption by fully supporting the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and other anti-graft agencies to fully and independently implement their mandates.  Besides, where necessary, suspend and dismiss officials of government accused of grave incidences of corruption, to send a very strong message/signal to others wanting to do likewise.  

• Investigate and prosecute former government officials sanctioned for Corruption – Over the last six years, the United States Government, under the Global Manitsky Act, sanctioned several government officials for corruption that undermined public interest. Of the 7 officials, only Andrew Wonploe, the former Passport Director, was taken to court. However, the government failed to pursue the case, leaving the court with no option but to drop the case. The lack of action from the government led to some of the sanctioned officials participating in and winning seats in the just-ended elections, mainly senatorial seats in Margibi, Nimba, and Rivercess Counties respectively. We strongly encourage your government to seek the support of the U.S. Government to investigate and where necessary prosecute those concerned, to bring closure to these matters. Furthermore, we ask your administration to take seriously and act on any allegations of corruption against your officials, including those emanating from citizens, civil society, media, and major development partners such as the U.S. Government. 

•  Prevent and Address Budget Corruption –The national budget is the primary tool for development, as it is that which the government uses to match its promises with reality, in terms of what is funded and to what degree. Hence, the integrity of the budget process is extremely important, as it will give hope to citizens and ensure that their taxes and other resources are being wisely allocated, expended, and accounted for. However, this has not always been the case, as the budget has been manipulated by actors in the executive and legislature to the detriment of the state. A classic example is when lawmakers orchestrate the inclusion of budget items, which often do not reach the target beneficiaries or institutions, but get diverted, following passage of the budget. Other key players include their private facilities in the budget for direct support, a conflict of interest that hurts the country. We call on your administration to work with the legislature to avert this situation. The national budget must work for all and not few persons in privileged positions, especially the lawmakers and agents of the executive associated with the budget process. Strong leadership from your office will be extremely important in robustly dealing with this situation, Mr. President. 

• There should be no room for sacred cows in your administration --- Too often, individuals have abused their proximity to the Presidency to disadvantage their colleagues and other citizens, in part through engaging into wide-scale corruption. Often than not, the perpetrators go with impunity, because of limited political will and poor decision-making by the Presidency. Your administration should not shield any individual accused of wrong doing (s), especially those perceived to be among your “kitchen cabinet”. This is where Liberians and development partners will see your true leadership and determination to tackle corruption. Your stance against members of your inner circle accused of corruption and misdealing will tell if your promised fight against corruption is genuine or not. 

• Strengthen partnership with civil society and the media in fighting corruption and other issues--- Most times, the work of civil society and the media is misconstrued. While there are bad apples among these institutions, the majority work to seek public interest and the good of the country. We encourage your administration to forge strong and mutually-beneficial partnerships with civil society and the media to fight against corruption and promote the culture of accountability, transparency, and integrity in Liberia, especially in Government. The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia welcomes your promise to work with civil society and the media. We commit to playing our required independent research, capacity building, policy advocacy, and other relevant roles, in this regard. 

• Audit all branches of government and Implement Audit Reports and Recommendations from the General Auditing Commission—We note with grave concern the very limited action on or utilization of audit reports to hold individuals accountable for their misdeeds. This has seriously affected the morale and work of the General Auditing Commission. Over the last few years, the number of audits conducted by the General Auditing Commission has significantly increased. However, these reports are still not fully utilized to hold those accountable for their actions against the state and the public. Further, there is no record that the Legislature has been audited, especially in the post-war era. We also have not seen audit reports affecting the Judiciary. The law requires audit of all institutions receiving public funds and these branches of government should not be exempted. Further, as these branches play a key role in holding officials accountable for corruption, it is important that they take the lead by being regularly audited. Also, we encourage more actions on reports produced by anti-graft and integrity institutions, as they are foundations for serious accountability and transparency-related decisions and efforts. The more audits and other reports are used to hold people accountable, the more motivated the Commission and other institutions become to perform or deliver on their mandates. 

We conclude by reemphasizing the importance of the Presidency to provide true leadership in the fight against corruption and bad governance in Liberia. Once the top leads by example, the message is bound to filter down to your appointed officials and those elected. CENTAL recommits to maintaining her stance against corruption and bad governance in Liberia.  With the support of Transparency International, our donors, citizens, and partners with whom we work, we promise to remain robust, constructive, and engaging, in supporting well-meaning efforts to tackle corruption and other governance challenges in Liberia. 

Kind regards.

Sincerely,

Anderson D. Miamen

Executive Director

CENTAL Challenges LACC to follow US’ Example

Calls for Prompt and Credible Actions to Investigate and Prosecute All Sanctioned/Designated Liberian Government Officials

Friday, December 15, 2023

The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia is deeply concerned about the alleged involvement of an additional four (4) high-profile Liberian Government officials in corruption and human rights abuses, against their mandates and the trust and confidence reposed in them to diligently and dutifully serve the country.  CENTAL wholeheartedly welcomes the courage and latest actions of the U.S. Government to impose sanctions on additional Liberian officials believed to have abused their offices by stealing from poor Liberians and engaging in human rights violations. We appreciate the visibly strong commitment of the Americans and other development partners to support efforts to defend democracy and fight against corruption and other crimes and abuses in the country. Therefore, we call on the US Government and other development partners to continuously take strong and decisive actions against public officials and other individuals believed to have abused human rights, engaged in corruption, and undermined the country’s democracy.

Meanwhile, in line with the due process of law, we call on the Liberian Government, through the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and other relevant state institutions, to seek the support of the US Government to timely investigate and credibly prosecute current and previous government officials sanctioned/designated by the US Government. In part, this is important to ensure that those culpable for the allegations levied against them are made to fully account for their unscrupulous behaviors. It would be unfortunate that our partners are exerting efforts to deal with corruption while we who experience the devastating effects of corruption sit supinely and refuse to act meaningfully. It is, therefore, high time that the LACC grabs the baton and takes this process forward. We conclude by calling on all well-meaning Liberians to join efforts to demand the Liberian Government to timely and credibly prosecute persons accused of corruption in the country.

It can be recalled that on Monday, December 11, 2023, under Executive Order 13818, the Treasury Department of the United States of America designated Samuel D. Tweah, Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), and Senators Albert Chie and J. Emmanuel Nuquay for their alleged involvement in corruption in Liberia. The three (3) designated high-ranking Liberian Government officials are accused of soliciting, accepting, and offering bribes to manipulate legislative processes and public funding, including activities in the mining sector. Earlier, on December 8, 2023, the US Government similarly designated Monrovia City Mayor, Jefferson T. Koijee for his alleged involvement in human rights violations and corruption. Mayor Koijee allegedly has engaged in corrupt acts, including bribery and misappropriation of state assets for private political movements. Additionally, he is accused of controlling paramilitary organizations allegedly comprised of former combatants and recently releasing prisoners who are believed to have violently disrupted government critics’ demonstrations and opposition activities.

According to the United States Department of State, the sanctions underscore the United States’ commitment to holding accountable those involved in corrupt practices and human rights abuses globally. The US Secretary of the Treasury, Janet L. Yellen said the sanctions reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to promoting respect for human rights and holding perpetrators accountable.

Thank you.

Signed:

Management

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