The CSO Council Commends Boakai for His Strong Commitment to the Fight Against Corruption
Monrovia, Liberia: On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai took a significant step in the fight against corruption by suspending several public officials who failed to declare their assets.
This action has received praise from Madam Loretta Alethea Pope-Kai, Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL).
In an interview with reporters on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Madam Pope-Kai emphasized that the President's decision represents an important advancement in the battle against corruption.
Although she serves on the Board of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and is also listed among the officials who have not declared their assets, Madam Pope-Kai urged that the President's actions be viewed positively and embraced by all Liberians, regardless of political affiliation.
During her remarks, she called on all civil society members serving on various boards of public institutions to begin the asset declaration process immediately, noting that this is vital for ensuring transparency and accountability within the government.
“I would like to express my gratitude to His Excellency, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, for this decisive step. His actions are commendable in the fight for transparency and accountability in government. This is something all Liberians should support, regardless of their political party,” said Madam Pope-Kai.
She explained that her failure to declare assets stemmed from her belief that, as a non-government official, she was not obligated to do so. However, with the new policy directive in place, she is committed to completing her asset declaration in the shortest possible timeframe.
“As someone who has dedicated my professional career to the principles of transparency and accountability, I remain committed to upholding these values. I recognize the importance of accountability measures in governance and fully support efforts to enhance public trust in our institutions,” she intoned.
“Moving forward, I urge all members of our council and civil society actors who serve on boards to take this opportunity to declare their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission. I am also included on that list, but I will proceed to declare my assets as well,” she added.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the President’s decision to suspend all appointed government officials who have failed to declare their assets. This decisive action reaffirms the President’s strong commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability, which are essential for strengthening public trust and integrity in governance,” Madam Pope-Kai concluded.
It is noteworthy that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai suspended 457 public officials for failing to declare their assets upon their appointments in government.
According to the Executive Mansion, these suspensions comply 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. This follows President Boakai’s directive issued on November 27, 2024, which granted a ten-day grace period for compliance.
The suspensions were based on a list provided by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). While serving their suspensions, the affected officials are required to immediately turn over government assets to compliant heads of agencies, their designees, or authorized personnel within their respective institutions.
According to the LACC, those suspended will be without pay for one month or until they submit the required asset declarations.
As part of this directive, all suspended officials must promptly transfer government assets to the designated individuals or departments. The President remains committed to upholding good governance, integrity, and the rule of law.
President Boakai reminded all officials that declaring assets is not only a legal obligation but also a critical measure to promote transparency and restore public trust in government institutions.
The Liberian Leader emphasized that failing to comply with asset declaration requirements undermines national efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability. Upholding legal and ethical standards will continue to be a priority for this administration.
Among the high-ranking officials suspended are Eugene L. Fahngon, Director of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), Augustine B.M. Johnson, Deputy Managing Director of Technical Services at the Liberia Electricity Corporation, Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large on Tourism Christopher Hayes Onanuga, and a host of several others.
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