By Jamesetta D Williams
Monrovia-The Liberia Anti-Corruption Fee (LACC) says it’s working with the Ministry of Justice on the finalization of indictments of people caught within the corruption net.
โThe LACC is now working with the Ministry of Justice to finalize indictments and provoke prosecution in opposition to officers concerned,โ Cllr. Alexandra Zoe, LACC Chairman informed reporters Thursday.
Addressing MICAT common Press Briefings, Cllr. Zoe mentioned 4 key investigations had been accomplished within the first half of 2025 involving Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Nationwide Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Fee (WASH), Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Fee (LRRRC), Nationwide Oil Firm of Liberia (NOCAL).
Additionally, she mentioned the LACC is presently probing a number of crucial establishments, together with the Nationwide Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, Govt Safety Service (EPS), Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, and the Central Financial institution of Liberia
She inspired the general public to watch case updates and institutional reviews on the Feeโs web site at www.lacc.gov.lr.
Whereas investigations have superior, Cllr. Zoe expressed concern over the delay of prosecution, citing a current case from Pleebo the place the decrease court docket issued a responsible verdict, however enforcement is stalled because of a pending attraction on the Supreme Court docket.
Presenting a complete replace on circumstances LACC has reviewed and those nonetheless underneath evaluate, Cllr. Zoe reaffirmed the LACCโs unwavering dedication to transparency, accountability, and public engagement.
โThis mid-year replace from January to June 15, 2025, demonstrates the federal governmentโs seriousness in tackling corruption and restoring public belief,โ she acknowledged. โWe’re mandated not solely to analyze and prosecute but additionally to coach the general public on the risks of corruption.โ
Cllr. Zoe spoke of main progress within the combat in opposition to corruption, with 4 high-profile investigations concluded and several other others ongoing.
Nevertheless, the LACC Govt Chairman has raised its voice as soon as extra for the creation of a particular corruption court docket to help and fast-track the prosecution of corruption circumstances and other people accused of malfeasance within the public house.
โThe delay in enforcement of responsible verdicts undermines the combat in opposition to corruption. Because of this we’re advocating for a Specialised Anti-Corruption Court docket,โ she emphasised.
In response to her, a draft invoice for such a court docket has been submitted to the Legislature. If enacted, it would permit for swift trials and restoration of stolen belongings with out delays from overburdened common courts.
The LACC Chair additionally highlighted an ongoing case in Bong County involving the alleged misuse of funds supposed for medical providersโjust like the previous case on the C. B. Dunbar Hospital in Margibi. The Bong County investigation is at a complicated stage and indictments are anticipated quickly.
She added that the Fee can also be finalizing indictments for circumstances in Bomi and Grand Bassa Counties, involving each donor and authorities funds.
Cllr. Zoe disclosed that regardless of a presidential directive mandating asset declarations by February 12, 2025, quite a few public officers have didn’t comply.
โWe have now greater than 100 non-compliant officers in Monrovia alone,โ she mentioned, naming establishments equivalent to NASSCORP, LEC, GSA, LPRA, and NPA. โThey sit on boards, obtain authorities salaries, however refuse to declare their belongings.โ
She vowed to publish an inventory of all defaulters and careworn that refusal to conform exhibits blatant disregard for transparency.
July 4, 2025, has been set as the ultimate deadline for all asset declarations.
As a part of its public consciousness mandate, the LACC has taken its anti-corruption message to the counties, holding city corridor conferences in Maryland, River Gee, Bong, and Nimba. These periods have allowed residents to grasp the influence of corruption and inspired public officers to declare belongings regionally.
In 2024, the LACC concluded investigations into 24 circumstances. For 2025, 5 circumstances have already been concluded, bringing the full to 29.
โOur aim is to prosecute at the very least two high-profile corruption circumstances earlier than the tip of this 12 months,โ Cllr. Zoe mentioned. โEven when we can not prosecute all 29, we should be certain that justice is seen and serves as a deterrent.โ
She prolonged gratitude to key companions, together with the UNDP, World Financial institution, USAID, and the Swedish Embassy, for his or her help in workers coaching and logistics, noting that current donations like a automobile from USAID have been instrumental in increasing LACCโs area operations.
In closing, Cllr. Zoe appealed to the media and residents to help the Feeโs work by additionally reporting its achievements, not simply criticisms.
โThe combat in opposition to corruption isn’t simple, however we stay dedicated. Even when we can not maintain everybody accountable, we’ll set examples that deter others. Please be a part of us on this nationwide effort.โ
