President Boakai Declares War on Corruption: Expands Asset Recovery Task Force with Sweeping Powers

Monrovia, Liberia: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has intensified Liberia’s anti-corruption fight by signing Executive Order No. 145, extending and expanding the mandate of the Asset Recovery Task Force (ARTF). The renewed order, issued on March 5, 2025, strengthens the Task Force’s authority to trace, seize, and prosecute individuals accused of looting state assets, both domestically and abroad.

Crackdown on Looted State Assets

Citing an urgent need to restore Liberia’s stolen wealth, President Boakai emphasized that the extension was necessary due to “extenuating circumstances” that had hindered the Task Force’s initial progress.

“The illegal conversion of public assets to private use by those entrusted with power is a betrayal of the Liberian people. This renewal ensures justice and accountability,” the President stated in the order.

With this new mandate, the ARTF has been empowered to aggressively investigate and recover misappropriated government assets. The Executive Order mandates that all recovered assets be returned to the state, while those found guilty of illegal asset conversion face legal consequences.

Task Force Leadership & Expanded Powers

The renewed ARTF will now function under the Office of the Minister of State for Special Services and will be chaired by Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, with Dr. Ranney B. Jackson serving as Vice Chairman. Other key members include John Mullbah Gbillee, Crosby Johnson, and Atty. Suzanne A. Johnson.

Their responsibilities include:

• Tracing and identifying stolen assets

• Initiating legal proceedings against individuals and entities involved

• Cooperating with international partners, including Interpol, to repatriate stolen funds

The Task Force has also been granted the power to impose travel bans on suspects under investigation. Additionally, it will work closely with integrity institutions such as the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) to enforce anti-corruption measures. The Ministry of Finance has been directed to allocate immediate funding to support the Task Force’s operations.

A Renewed Commitment to Accountability

Originally established under Executive Order No. 126 (March 2024), the ARTF was tasked with recovering billions in state assets allegedly misappropriated by past and present officials. However, legal and logistical hurdles slowed progress, prompting President Boakai to renew and strengthen its authority.

Political analysts view this move as a bold step in President Boakai’s anti-corruption agenda, reinforcing his commitment to transparency, accountability, and economic recovery.

Anti-corruption advocates have welcomed the decision, seeing it as a strong message that financial crimes will no longer go unpunished. However, political observers predict strong resistance from individuals who could be implicated in the investigations.

The Road Ahead

With the Boakai administration under pressure to deliver on its anti-corruption promises, the renewed ARTF now faces heightened expectations. The Task Force is expected to produce tangible results, ensuring that Liberia’s stolen resources are reclaimed for national development.

The Executive Order takes immediate effect, signaling a zero-tolerance stance on corruption under President Boakai’s leadership.