The Executive Mansion through the Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana has termed as ‘lie’ the statement made by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) that only seventy-five government officials out of five hundred have declared their assets.
Recently, LACC boss Alexandra Zoe revealed on a local radio station that of the five hundred appointments made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, only 75 individuals, including legislators, had disclosed their assets.
But speaking Friday, May 18, 2024 at the Executive Mansion regular press briefing in Monrovia, Madam Fofana said, “I have been informed that this number is far beyond what the actuality is, that out of 500 government officials that have been appointed and confirmed by the Senate, only 75 persons have declared their assets? That is not true.”
According to her, there are more public officials who have declared their assets and the information given by the LACC was false.
However, Fofana could not be exact is stating how many persons have declared their assets, but said she is certain that the number is not seventy-five.
The Presidential Press Secretary disclosed that President Boakai has consistently reminded public officials about declaring their assets, and that if any official refuses to do so, the President will take some decisions against them.
She said that there is a planned cabinet meeting in which the President is expected to take some actions.
It can be recalled, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, Madam Zoe said, “Currently as we speak, the assets declaration process has actually been slow. Based on statistics that we have, the President has made a nomination of 500 persons, and as we speak, we have only 75 persons declaring their assets. We think this is uncheckable.”
Commissioner Zoe stated that the LACC is aware some of the nominations have a 30-day period in accordance with the code of conduct; however, the majority of the appointments have passed the time. Therefore, she urged all public servants to go to the LACC and disclose their assets.
The LACC Chairperson indicated that the Commission is tracking both compliant and non-compliant individuals and that on May 15, 2024, a detailed list of those in compliance with the LACC will be published.
In consonance with Section 10.3 of the National Code of Conduct, Madam Zoe stated that the commission will also suggest and ask the competent authorities to apply the proper punishments against government employees and public officials who do not comply.
Section 10.1 of the Code Of Conduct of 2014, requires every Public Official and Employee of Government involved in making decisions affecting contracting, tendering or procurement, and issuance of licenses of various types, to sign performance or financial bonds and in addition to declare his or her income, assets, and liabilities prior to taking office.
Furthermore, Section 10.2(h) of the Amended Code of Conduct provides that an official appointed by the President shall declare his/her assets not less than thirty (30) days after appointment. Failure to comply shall result into immediate suspension from office until full compliance is obtained.
