By Sulaiman Jalloh

President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has announced the suspension without salary of all government officials who failed to declare their assets within the required timeframe. His action is in accordance 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 of Liberia.

President Boakai issued a directive on November 27, 2024, that all government officials declare their assets through the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), granting a ten-day grace period for compliance.

The Four hundred and forty-seven (457) suspended officials include heads of institutions, commissioners, chairpersons, directors and deputy directors, board members of institutions, mayors, deputy ministers, among others.

The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has provided a list of non-compliant officials and those listed would now go for a month without pay or until they submit the required declarations.

According to the Executive Mansion of Liberia, as part of the directive, all suspended officials must immediately turn over government assets to compliant heads of agencies, their designees, or authorized personnel within their respective institutions.

This action has been termed by many citizens as something unprecedented. However, others are looking forward to the implementation of the directives. “This administration will strictly enforce legal and ethical standards to promote good governance and public trust,” The Executive Mansion stated.

The release further emphasized that, “Public officials are reminded that the declaration is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental measure to promote transparency and restore public trust in government institutions”, adding the President reiterates that failure to comply with asset declaration requirements undermines national efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability. He warned strict enforcement of legal and ethical standards will continue to be a priority of this Administration.

In reaction to the President’s decision, Shiek Al-Moustapha Kouyateh, who was appointed by the President as Ambassador-at-Large for Special Duties, said the action of the Head of State is both acceptable and encouraging, noting it lays the foundation for accountability, transparency, integrity, and credible leadership. “This is what we committed to during the campaign as members of the coalition (Rescue Mission Alliance)” he posted on his social media handle (Facebook).

The Ambassador-at-Large for Special Duties added that he had accepted this position as a responsibility to promote good governance, inspire accountability, and strive for a better One Liberia, characterized by liberty and justice for all. “I will fulfill my ethical responsibilities by declaring my assets upon my return” he promised while thanking President Boakai

The country’s Civil Service Agency (CSA), in a statement issued on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, said the agency had blocked the salaries of all government officials who refused to declare their assets.