BY: Shallon S. Gonlor
SANNIQUELLIE, NIMBA CO. — Nimba’s Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono, has made public her assets declaration as part of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s unwavering stand for transparency and aversion to corruption and graft.
Of the 1,900 public officials, Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono now forms part of the percentages that have so far declared their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
Becoming the latest as of August 2, 2024, Supt. Gono’s declaration of income, assets, and liability with the LACC, stored within the Assets Declaration and Verification Units underscores her sense of commitment to the fight against corruption in the public space.
The asset declaration exercise is a vital tool in the fight against corruption, enhancing public trust in governmental positions, holding public officials accountable, and ensuring that they lead by example.
The National Code of Conduct, which was enacted in 2014 by the Government of Liberia, provides for the declaration and registration of personal interest, performance, and financial bonds by all public officials and employees of the government.
The LACC is responsible for ensuring that this mandate is enforced, receives assets declared by public officials, and verifies them. The exercise aimed to promote transparency and accountability in fulfillment of Article 90(c) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which requires the government to create rules and conflicts of interest.
However, Superintendent Gono on August 2, 2024, officially published her assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission provided by Law.
According to her, the action is in fulfillment of a commitment to upholding the rule of law, in addition to the President’s ‘ARREST’ agenda, a dedication to fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, and good governance.
“Consistent with the Constitution and Laws of Liberia, in full compliance with President Boakai’s mandate that all appointed public officials declare their assets, I hereby declared and published my assets to the LACC”. she noted.
She also stressed that making her assets declaration publicly available is a compelling example for other local public officials and the citizens of Nimba County, emphasizing the importance of accountability and ethical leadership.
The Chief Executive of Nimba County further noted that her decision to disclose her assets is a clear demonstration and determination to lead by example with the highest standards of integrity in public service.
Rule of law is the third item on President Joseph N. Boakai’s ARREST agenda, an acronym representing Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
In February 2024, President Boakai declared his assets. Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Fonati Koffa, also followed to declare their assets.
Meanwhile, July 31, 2024, was set as the deadline for public officials to declare their assets.
