Head Office: BudgIT Liberia 

24th Street, Sinkor, Opposite NASSCORP, 

Montserrado County-Republic of Liberia

Tel:+231 77 651 6028

Email: [email protected]                

                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BudgIT Liberia, a leading civic-tech organization promoting transparency and accountability in Liberia’s public finance, has commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s move to suspend over 450 government officials for failing to declare their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).

Recall that in November 2024, President Boakai issued a ten-day grace period for compliance after the expiration of the required timeframe. According to the Presidency, the defiant officials will be off work without pay for a month or “until they submit the required declarations” per Article 2, Section 10.2(h) of the amended 2014 Code of Conduct.

In the same vein, concerns have been raised that the President is selectively enforcing the asset declaration requirements and/or that political considerations are influencing the process. BudgIT urges the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Executive Branch to comprehensively investigate the total number of officials who have and have not declared their assets. Both lists should be made public to ensure complete transparency.  

Commenting, Abraham Varney, BudgIT’s Liberia Country Lead, emphasized the need for a firm and unbiased approach to tackling corruption, stressing that accountability must be demonstrated through concrete actions. “The fight against corruption must be bold, impartial, and consistent. Citizens must be able to hold their leaders accountable, and the government must show through actions that no one is above the law. If this administration is truly committed to good governance, the people of Liberia deserve full access to information on those who have failed to uphold ethical standards in public office. Anything less undermines the principles of accountability this decision claims to uphold.”

In another development, we are deeply concerned about recent events within the House of Representatives and how embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa was removed from office. On February 11, 2025, the Majority Bloc led Senator Koffa’s eviction, a decision reached after he allegedly rejected Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon’s order to vacate his office.

It is imperative that the House of Representatives act by its rules and the Liberian Constitution throughout this process. Allegations against Speaker Koffa must be substantiated with evidence, and all parties must be given a fair opportunity to present their case. The actions of the House should reflect transparency, accountability, and a commitment to upholding the integrity of the legislative branch.

Therefore, we urge all House of Representatives members to prioritize the interests of the Liberian people and ensure that their actions are guided by principles of good governance and the rule of law. Any decision regarding the speakership must be based on a thorough and impartial assessment of the facts, with full respect for constitutional principles.

We remain committed to simplifying public information while bridging the gap between citizens and the government, ensuring that Liberians have the knowledge and information they need to demand transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Abraham Varney,

 Country Lead.