-In Boakai’s Asset Declaration Crackdown
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – An official list published by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) shows that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s suspension of about 457 appointed government officials affected approximately 349 [Number 64-412] local government officials.
In a sweeping attempt to enforce accountability, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., on Wednesday suspended 457 government officials for failing to declare their assets as required by law.
Among them are 349 local government leaders, including Commissioners, Mayors, Superintendents, and County Inspectors from counties such as Lofa, Sinoe, River Gee, Grand Bassa, Nimba, Grand Kru, and Montserrado.
The suspensions, which took effect on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, mark one of the most significant crackdowns on non-compliance in recent years. The action follows a ten-day grace period granted by President Boakai on November 27, 2024, for officials to adhere to the asset declaration process.
Boakai Flexes Muscles
President Boakai’s decision is grounded in Article 2, Section 10.2(h)* of the Act to Amend Section 5.2 and Section 10.2 of the 2014 Code of Conduct. The LACC provided the list of non-compliant officials, who will now face a one-month suspension without pay or until they submit the required declarations.
As part of the directive, all suspended officials must immediately turn over government assets to compliant heads of agencies, their designees, or authorized personnel within their respective institutions. This measure ensures continuity in government operations while holding non-compliant officials accountable.
President Boakai has reiterated his administration’s commitment to good governance, integrity, and the rule of law. “Asset declaration is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental measure to promote transparency and restore public trust in government institutions,” he stated.
The President warned that failure to comply with asset declaration requirements undermines national efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability. He emphasized that strict enforcement of legal and ethical standards will remain a top priority for his administration.
A Few Among Many
Among the suspended officials are several high-ranking figures, including the entire acting management team of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC). Those affected at the LEC include: – Thomas Gonkerwon, Interim Managing Director – Eric A. Fredericks, Interim Deputy Managing Director for Administration – Emile Karnga, Interim Deputy Managing Director for Operations – Dele Shobayo, Interim Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services
Other prominent suspensions include: Augustine B.M. Johnson, Deputy Managing Director of Technical Services at the LEC, Ivan Fayeah Cmanor, Chairman of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), and Dr. Alfredson Taikerweah, President of Bong County Technical College.
However, the names of Osborne K. Diggs, former Commissioner, LTA, Ambassador Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, former acting President of the University of Liberia (UL, and a few others names were placed among the 457 suspended officials even though they no longer occupy the positions.
