LIBERIAN President Joseph Boakai has suspended over 450 government officials, including key ministers, for failing to declare their assets as required by law. The decision, reported by the BBC, underscores Boakai’s commitment to tackling corruption and enhancing transparency in public office.
According to a statement from the presidency, the affected officials—including the ministers of education and health—will be suspended without pay for a month or until they comply with asset declaration requirements.
Boakai, who took office last year on a pledge to fight corruption and mismanagement, stated that failure to disclose assets violates Liberia’s code of conduct for state officials and undermines public accountability.
‘Public officials are reminded that asset declaration is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental measure to promote transparency and restore public trust in governmental institutions,’ Boakai said in an official statement.
Transparency laws and compliance issues
Under Liberian law, public officials are required to declare their assets before taking office and upon leaving government roles. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) published a list of 457 officials who had not complied, fulfilling its legal mandate to ensure transparency.
Among those suspended are special envoys for tourism and investment, county officials, and personnel from the Executive Mansion, the official residence of the president.
Public reaction and criticism
The move has drawn mixed reactions from political analysts and civil society groups.
Political analyst Abdullah Kiatamba, quoted by news outlet FrontPage Africa, supported Boakai’s anti-corruption stance but pointed out that some officials may have faced administrative challenges in submitting their declarations.
Meanwhile, civil society group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day dismissed the suspension as a symbolic gesture that does not go far enough.
‘Suspending these officials for just one month is a meaningless, symbolic gesture—a slap on the wrist that no serious person should take seriously,’ the group said in a statement.
Boakai’s leadership and corruption fight
Boakai has positioned himself as a pro-reform leader, emphasising responsible governance. In July last year, he cut his own salary by 40 percent, stating that the move aimed to set a precedent for ethical leadership and demonstrate solidarity with struggling Liberians.
His administration follows that of former President George Weah, whose government faced widespread accusations of corruption and lavish spending, sparking mass protests over the rising cost of living.
Next steps and government response
On Wednesday, some suspended officials visited LACC offices in a bid to comply with the requirements and return to their roles. It remains to be seen whether this crackdown will lead to stricter enforcement of transparency laws in the long term.
As Liberia continues its fight against corruption and accountability failures, Boakai’s decision signals a renewed push for governance reform. However, the effectiveness of this action will largely depend on consistent enforcement and long-term policy changes.
