The Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affair at Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daniel O. Sando, says President Joseph N. Boakai and his government will not interfere with the investigation launched by Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) into alleged US$15 million off-budget expenditure.
Addressing a press briefing in Monrovia Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Minister Sando said the government welcomes the LACC investigation into the alleged US$15 saga. Minister Sando said President Boakai has continued to emphasize that his government maintains a straight zero tolerance toward corruption and public fund mismanagement.
“Government has been monitoring media reports about approximately US$15million spent off-budget from January to August 2024, and the president has received those reports with great interest and supports the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s investigation into the matter,” he said.
He said while the situation raises concern, the government trusts that officials responsible for managing national finances will do so with integrity and exercise some good judgment at all times.
Sando said those involved should cooperate with the LACC and President Boakai has encouraged all government entities along with officials to assist in the ongoing investigation.
However, he said the government cannot disclose specific details about the investigation but will closely monitor the process, saying it is important to note that off-budget spending is not inherently illegal.
Meanwhile, Sando said nobody has yet been accused of mismanagement or corruption because LACC is carefully investigating the circumstances surrounding that expenditure and will share their findings with the public.
It can be recalled that on September 30, 2024, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) disclosed that it had been informed of allegations regarding off-budget spending by the Government of the Republic of Liberia, amounting to a total of $15 million.
LACC Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra Zoe said it was in that light that LACC wishes to address the matter in a manner consistent with their mandate to promote transparency, accountability and good governance.
She said LACC takes those allegations seriously, as they touch on matters that are core to their institutional objectives, adding that off-budget expenditures, if confirmed, can undermine public trust in governance, weaken fiscal discipline, and pose risks to the country’s financial integrity, while she assured the public that the LACC had commenced a preliminary review of the allegations.
“This will be followed by a comprehensive investigation to determine the accuracy of the claims, establish accountability, and ensure that proper legal procedures are followed. We are committed to conducting this investigation with utmost transparency and independence. Throughout the process, we will engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance and other oversight institutions, to ensure a thorough and fair inquiry,” she said.
She urged the public, media and all stakeholders to allow the investigation to proceed without undue speculation or assumptions and collectively uphold the principles of due process, ensuring that all findings are based on verifiable facts and evidence.
By Tonita N. Copson
