The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the United Nations Peace Building Fund has conducted a two-day training workshop for Social Accountability Volunteers in Kakata City, Margibi County.
The training is part of the project titled: ‘‘Empowering Citizens and Communities to Foster Social Accountability and Transparency in Governance and Public Service Delivery.” The Office of the Superintendent of Margibi County, represented by Danny D. Moses, welcomed the LACC and UNDP team along with the participants to the county. Mr. Moses acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the LACC, noting that the Commission plays a critical role in holding government officials accountable.
“The LACC is here to checkmate us as public servants. When transparency is swept under the carpet, institutions will lack growth,” he stated. LACC Program Manager for the Education and Prevention Department, John E. Tommy, cautioned the volunteers to remain nonpartisan to effectively participate in the Social Accountability Program.
He emphasized that the volunteers would serve as the Commission’s “eyes and ears” in their respective communities and districts, helping to identify and report suspected acts of corruption, while promoting a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in both public and private spaces.
“The LACC will stand with you. We are committed to protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that every report received is investigated with the highest level of professionalism and impartiality. Your safety, integrity, and commitment matter to us,” Mr. Tommy assured.
He further stressed that corruption undermines public trust, fuels conflict, and robs the nation of essential development resources. “Together, through collective vigilance, collaboration, and courage, we can dismantle the systems that enable corruption and lay the foundation for a thriving nation,” Mr. Tommy added.
LACC Monitoring and Investigation Department Oversight Commissioner, Randolph Tebbs, informed the volunteers that the project aims to elevate the role of citizens in the national anti-corruption effort.
“Corruption cannot be fought by institutions alone. It requires active, informed, and empowered citizens. We reaffirm the Commission’s support for the volunteers and whistleblowers and LACC is committed to supporting you, and Liberia needs you,” he concluded. UNDP Project Manager Trokon Bryant also reaffirmed the UN agency’s commitment to supporting the Government of Liberia in the fight against corruption.
Mr. Bryant noted that the social accountability volunteer initiative initially began in three counties but has now expanded to six. “Thanks to the accurate reporting and credible information from the volunteers, the project is on track for further expansion,” he intimated. However, Mr. Bryant cautioned the volunteers not to put themselves or their families at risk. “UNDP stands with you to the end. Together, we can help minimize corruption,” he encouraged.
