Africa-Press – Liberia. The Executive Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, has disclosed troubling statistics regarding asset declaration compliance among members of the Legislature, raising fresh concerns about transparency and ethical governance in Liberia.
Speaking at a recent press briefing, Cllr. Zoe revealed that only 18 out of 30 Senators and 53 out of 73 Representatives have submitted their mandatory asset declarations. The figures suggest a significant shortfall in compliance, particularly in a country grappling with deep-rooted governance challenges.
“Asset declarations are not just a formality—they are a powerful tool to combat corruption and foster public trust,” Cllr. Zoe stressed. “We must ensure our leaders lead by example.”
Contrast With Executive Branch
While the Legislature struggles with compliance, Cllr. Zoe highlighted that 97% of the 2,085 employees in the Executive Branch have declared their assets—signaling a stronger commitment to transparency within that branch of government. She called on lawmakers to follow suit and urged the public to hold their representatives accountable.
LACC Launches Digital Declaration Platform
In a bid to improve efficiency and accessibility, the LACC has partnered with the World Bank to introduce a new E-Assets Declaration Form—a digital platform designed to modernize and streamline the asset declaration process.
“The introduction of the E-Assets Declaration Form is a critical step in our anti-corruption strategy,” said Cllr. Zoe. “It will simplify the process for officials while allowing public access and verification of declarations.”
The platform aims to minimize paperwork, reduce human error, and prevent fraudulent entries. Real-time data analytics and reporting features will also enhance the LACC’s ability to monitor and enforce compliance.
Commitment to Local Accountability
Speaking during a three-day training in Ganta for local government officials, organized with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Cllr. Zoe emphasized the importance of local governance in combating corruption. The workshops included interactive sessions on ethics, best practices, and real-world scenarios for fostering transparency.
“We must empower our officials with the tools and knowledge they need to build public trust,” Cllr. Zoe stated.
Participants lauded the training for its practicality. One local official remarked, “This program has opened our eyes to the realities of corruption and the actions we must take to prevent it.”
The training will culminate with the development of tailored action plans for each local government unit.
Asset Declaration Gaps in Remote Counties
Cllr. Zoe also expressed concern over the lack of compliance in Sinoe and Grand Kru Counties, where many ministries and local agencies have failed to submit asset declarations. She attributed this partially to poor road infrastructure, which hampers access to remote areas.
“Sinoe has 45 cities, and Grand Kru has 34, yet asset declaration remains very low,” she said. “We are working on solutions, including improving communication and outreach in these regions.”
The LACC is seeking partnerships and resources to overcome infrastructural barriers and extend its oversight nationwide.
Internal Affairs Ministry Backs LACC
D. Emmanuel Wheinyue, Assistant Minister for Research and Development Planning at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, expressed strong support for the LACC’s efforts. He acknowledged delays in the confirmation of recently appointed local authorities but stressed the importance of immediate compliance with asset declaration laws.
“Asset declaration is not just a procedural formality; it is a vital measure of integrity and accountability,” Wheinyue said, reaffirming the Ministry’s collaboration with LACC under the leadership of Minister Francis Sakila Nyumalin Sr.
He noted that these declarations help reduce conflicts of interest and promote a culture of transparency across all levels of government.
A Call for National Commitment
As Liberia continues to navigate governance reforms and development priorities, the LACC is positioning itself at the forefront of the national anti-corruption agenda.
“The report on asset declaration is a wake-up call,” Cllr. Zoe concluded. “We must work together—across government, civil society, and communities—to ensure no one is left behind in the fight against corruption.”
With continued support from international partners and local institutions, the Commission aims to strengthen its enforcement mechanisms, roll out public awareness campaigns, and set a new standard for public service integrity in Liberia.
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