“Liberia Must Defeat Corruption,” Anti-Graft Commission Renews Calls for National Corruption Court

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The Executive Chairperson of Liberia’s premier anti-graft agency, Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Cllr. Alexandra Zoe, has reignited her push for the immediate establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Court.

The anti-corruption Chief pointed out that the prolonged absence of an anti-corruption is the missing link in the government’s fight against corruption arguing that “Liberia cannot continue to treat corruption with soft hands while the system remains weak and the people lose confidence in justice”.

Speaking at the Quarterly Justice Coordination Workshop organized by the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the LACC, Cllr. Zoe declared that the establishment of a specialized economic crimes court would mark a new chapter in Liberia’s pursuit of transparency and accountability.

The Quarterly Justice Coordination training session brought together county’s attorneys, prosecution monitors, and representatives from the Ministries of Justice and Labour to review progress in prosecution and anti-trafficking initiatives.

Cllr. Zoe maintained that corruption remains the single most destructive force undermining public service delivery and citizens’ trust. She emphasized that the creation of a dedicated court would not only speed up corruption-related trials but also ensure that those entrusted with public funds are held accountable without political interference or undue delay.

The LACC boss stressed that Liberia’s justice system has suffered for too long from what she describes as “slow prosecutions and selective enforcement of laws”. She argued further that corruption cases often lingered for years without resolution, allowing culprits to go free while discouraging whistleblowers and honest public servants.

Cllr. Zoe urged state’s prosecutors, investigators, and county attorneys to see themselves as the front liners in Liberia’s battle for integrity. She emphasized that justice can only be achieved when public officials perform their duties with independence, fairness, and moral courage, even when under pressure from individuals with political ties or influence.

Also delivering special remarks, Liberia’s Solicitor General Cllr. Augustine C. Fayiah echoed Cllr. Zoe’s concerns, emphasizing that justice must never be reduced to political convenience.

Cllr. Fayiah reminded participants that their work goes beyond securing convictions; rather, it is centered on preserving the integrity of Liberia’s justice system. The SG assured participants that his office will continue to advocate for the professional growth, training, and safety of legal officers across the country.

He further cautioned that mediocrity and complacency have no place in the legal profession, adding that Liberians expect results from those charged with upholding the law.

“We cannot demand justice from the people if we ourselves are not examples of justice,” the Solicitor General said, pledging the Ministry’s full support to the LACC’s reform agenda.

In closing, Cllr. Zoe reaffirmed that collaboration among the Ministry of Justice, LACC, and other institutions is essential to cleaning up the justice sector. She noted that an Anti-Corruption Court would enhance uniformity in judgments, minimize political influence in cases, and reassure the public that no one is above the law.