Liberian President Joseph Boakai has taken a decisive step in his anti-corruption campaign by suspending more than 450 top government officials for failing to declare their assets. The officials, who include ministers, special envoys, and county administrative officers, will be off work without pay for a month or until they comply with asset declaration requirements.
The move is in line with Liberia’s code of conduct, which mandates public officials to disclose their wealth before assuming office and upon leaving their government positions. Boakai, who came into office last year on a promise to combat corruption, emphasized that failure to comply with this regulation undermines efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
Among those affected by the suspension are the ministers for education and health, as well as officials working within the Executive Mansion, the official residence of the president. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) published the full list of 457 suspended officials, reaffirming its commitment to legal enforcement.
Boakai’s administration has made significant gestures toward fostering responsible governance. Last July, the president announced a 40% reduction in his salary, citing a desire to set an example for public officials and to show solidarity with Liberians facing economic challenges. His predecessor, George Weah, had faced widespread allegations of corruption and excessive government spending, which contributed to public discontent and protests over rising living costs.
The decision to suspend officials has sparked mixed reactions. Some view it as a firm stance against corruption, while others see it as a symbolic gesture with limited impact. Political analyst Abdullah Kiatamba, speaking to Liberian newspaper FrontPage Africa, supported the president’s stance but highlighted the difficulties some officials face in submitting their declarations.
Meanwhile, the civil society group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day criticized the suspension as inadequate, stating that a one-month suspension without pay was merely a “slap on the wrist” and an insufficient deterrent against corruption.
In response to the suspension, several affected officials visited the anti-corruption commission offices to fulfill the declaration requirement. The episode underscores the challenges Boakai faces in enforcing accountability in Liberia’s government.
As the month-long suspension unfolds, the effectiveness of this measure will be closely watched. Whether it serves as a catalyst for broader institutional reforms or remains a temporary disciplinary action will determine its ultimate impact on Liberia’s governance landscape.
