Liberian President Joseph Boakai has suspended more than 450 senior government officials, including ministers, for failing to declare their assets as required by the country’s anti-corruption laws.
The officials will remain on unpaid leave for a month or until they comply with the asset declaration mandate, according to a statement from the presidency. Boakai stressed that their non-compliance violates the code of conduct for public officials, undermining transparency and accountability.
Among those suspended are the ministers of education and health, as well as special envoys for tourism and investment. The list, released by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), also includes officials from the Executive Mansion and county administrative offices.
Liberian law mandates that all public officials disclose their assets upon taking office and upon leaving government service. Boakai reaffirmed that asset declaration is not just a legal requirement but a crucial step in restoring public trust in government institutions.
In July, the president took a 40% salary cut as a gesture of “responsible governance” amid economic challenges. His predecessor, George Weah, faced corruption allegations and accusations of lavish spending, sparking nationwide protests.
Following the suspension, several officials visited the LACC to submit their declarations. Public reactions have been mixed. Political analyst Abdullah Kiatamba commended Boakai’s anti-corruption stance but acknowledged the bureaucratic challenges some officials faced in filing their disclosures.
However, the civil society group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day criticized the measure as inadequate. “A one-month suspension is a mere slap on the wrist—a symbolic gesture with little real impact,” the organization stated.
