Liberia:450 officials suspended for failing to declare assets

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has taken a firm stance against corruption by suspending more than 450 government officials, including ministers, for failing to declare their assets as required by law.

According to a statement from the presidency, those affected will be suspended without pay for a month or until they comply with the asset declaration mandate set by the country’s anti-corruption agency.

President Boakai emphasized that public officials who fail to disclose their assets violate the nation’s code of conduct, which demands transparency in governance. He reiterated that non-compliance weakens the fight against corruption and hinders accountability efforts.

The suspension order includes high-ranking officials such as the ministers of education and health and special envoys for tourism and investment. Additionally, administrative staff from the Executive Mansion—Liberia’s presidential residence—and various county offices are among those affected.

Liberian law mandates all public servants to disclose their assets upon assuming office and again when leaving government positions. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has since released a list of all 457 suspended officials, stating that the move aligns with legal provisions.

Boakai, who took office last year, has positioned himself as a leader committed to curbing corruption. Last July, he announced a 40% reduction in his salary, describing it as a step toward responsible governance and a show of solidarity with ordinary Liberians.

Following the suspensions, some officials visited the anti-corruption commission’s offices to fulfill their asset declaration requirements. However, reactions to the president’s decision have been mixed.