Africa-Press – Liberia. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has officially commissioned the Office of the Ombudsman, marking a significant milestone in Liberia’s quest for enhanced transparency and accountability in government.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials including the Vice President, the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court, Cabinet members, diplomats, family members, and distinguished guests.
President Boakai in his address emphasized the critical importance of the Ombudsman in the nation’s governance framework.
“Today is a pivotal moment in our country’s history,” he stated. “The establishment of the Ombudsman is a significant step toward ensuring transparency, justice, and accountability within our Government.”
The Ombudsman, as stipulated by Article 90(C) of the Liberian Constitution, is an independent official tasked with investigating and addressing complaints against government agencies and institutions concerning violations of the code of conduct. This role is vital for holding public officials to high ethical standards, promoting fairness in dispute resolution, and advancing good governance.
The Ombudsman office was officially created during President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration, with its legal framework established in 2014. However, its full operationalization has faced delays due to challenges such as insufficient funding and political resistance.
The office of the Ombudsman came closest to operational toward the end of President Sirleaf’s 2nd term when she finally appointed the three officials as required by law. However, even that move was arrested when it was discovered that one of the nominees did not meet the age requirement for the position. President Sirleaf did not replace the individual. Under Sirleaf’s successor, President George Manneh Weah, the Office of the Ombudsman did not see the light of day, even though its very existence is a prerequisite for the enforcement of the National Code of Conduct.
President Boakai acknowledged the previous challenges in setting up the Ombudsman’s office, including funding issues and political support. These obstacles had hindered progress in public accountability and performance enhancement. However, the new office represents a decisive move towards rectifying these issues and implementing a robust code of conduct.
“The Code of Conduct, which has often been criticized as a ‘paper tiger,’ is now poised to be more effectively enforced with the establishment of the Ombudsman’s office,” President Boakai explained.
He highlighted the need for continuous reforms and updates to the Code to address modern realities but urged commitment to its principles as a foundation for justice and integrity.
In a landmark declaration, President Boakai signed the Code of Conduct publicly, a historic first for a Liberian president. He urged all government officials to follow suit, emphasizing the importance of asset declaration and adherence to legal standards.
The President concluded his remarks with a call to action, urging all Liberians to embrace this opportunity for national reform. “We must act now to transform our country for the benefit of future generations. Think Liberia, love Liberia, and build Liberia,” he asserted.
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