In a pivotal moment for good governance in Liberia, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, took a significant step towards enhancing public integrity and accountability when he signed the National Code of Conduct with the Ombudsman Office on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
The House Press Bureau said the signing ceremony marks a critical move in Liberia’s ongoing commitment to good governance. Signing the document, Speaker Koffa said this action represents a foundational step towards achieving ethical governance and reform in Liberia.
“By signing the National Code of Conduct, we are not just endorsing a document but committing ourselves to high ethical standards and the advancement of good governance,” Speaker Koffa said.
He called on all public officials across Liberia to follow suit, underscoring the importance of personal and institutional integrity in fostering a transparent and accountable government. The National Code of Conduct is a key component in Liberia’s governance framework, aiming to uphold ethical standards and promote fairness within public administration.
The Ombudsman, as outlined by Article 90(C) of the Liberian Constitution, plays a crucial role in investigating complaints and addressing violations of this code, thus ensuring adherence to ethical practices among government officials.
Established during President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration in 2014, the Ombudsman Office was designed to enhance oversight and accountability. However, its full operational capacity has been hindered by challenges including insufficient funding and political hurdles.
For his part, the head of the Ombudsman Office, Cllr. Findley Kangar, expressed gratitude towards Speaker Koffa for his leadership and commitment, something he described as a commendable act of leadership.
As the second high-ranking official to endorse this code, following President Joseph N. Boakai Sr, his gesture sets a powerful example for others,” Kangar said. The signing ceremony, held in the presence of numerous lawmakers and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives Mildred Sayon, was a testament to the growing momentum towards enhancing governance standards in Liberia.
The Press Bureau says the move by Speaker Koffa signals a renewed focus on ethical governance and sets a benchmark for public officials across the nation. The Ombudsman Office and the broader public eagerly anticipate further steps towards operationalizing and upholding the principles enshrined in the National Code of Conduct.
