— Recommends Immediate Suspension of Non-Compliant Officials, Including Lawmakers and Justices
By Amos Harris
The Office of the Ombudsman has raised an alarm over widespread non-compliance with Liberia’s asset declaration laws across all three branches of government, calling for immediate disciplinary action against violators.
At a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism on Thursday, July 31, 2025, Chairperson Cllr. Findley Kangar disclosed that dozens of public officials have failed to declare their assets as required by the Code of Conduct for public servants.
According to Cllr. Kangar, 29 members of the House of Representatives have yet to submit their asset declarations, a situation he described as unacceptable and a breach of public trust. He called on House Speaker Richard Koon to suspend the delinquent lawmakers and redirect their salaries to the public interest until they come into full compliance.
Quoting Section 4.1 of the Code of Conduct, Cllr. Kangar emphasized that “every public official is duty-bound to respect and obey the laws of Liberia at all times.” He noted that a list of the non-compliant representatives has already been submitted to the Speaker for action.
The Senate has also come under scrutiny, with 12 senators reported to have failed to declare their assets as of July 4, 2024. The Ombudsman has formally recommended their suspension to the Senate Pro Tempore. Those named include:
- Hon. Alex Tayler (Bomi County)
- Hon. Simeon Taylor (Grand Cape Mount County)
- Hon. Gboto Kanneh (Gbarpolu County)
- Hon. Zoe Emmanuel Pennue (Grand Gedeh County)
- Hon. Thomas Y. Nimely (Grand Gedeh County)
- Hon. Wellington Smith (Rivercess County)
- Hon. Crayton Duncan (Sinoe County)
- Hon. Nominine Batiquan (Grand Kru County)
- Hon. James S. Banning (Maryland County)
- Hon. Saah Joseph (Montserrado County)
- Hon. Samuel Kogar (Nimba County)
- Hon. Bill Twary (River Cess County)
“These senators must be suspended until they comply,” Cllr. Kangar stated. “No branch of government is above the law.”
The executive branch is also facing serious non-compliance challenges. Cllr. Kangar revealed that approximately 150 officials have failed to declare their assets. The Office of the Ombudsman has written to the President, urging immediate enforcement of asset declaration requirements, including the suspension of all defaulters.
On a more positive note, the judiciary has demonstrated a higher level of compliance. However, four high-ranking judicial officials remain non-compliant:
- Retired Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Youh
- Associate Justice Yusuf D. Kabba
- Associate Justice James H. Wolokollie
- Associate Justice Siennieh D. Clinton-Johnson
The Ombudsman has written to Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay, requesting urgent action. A fine equivalent to one month’s salary has been imposed on each of the justices for “willful violation of the law,” along with a recommendation for their suspension until full compliance is achieved.
Cllr. Kangar reaffirmed the Office of the Ombudsman’s unwavering commitment to promoting transparency and enforcing compliance with Liberia’s asset declaration laws. “Transparency is not optional; it is essential for public trust, good governance, and the fight against corruption,” he stated. “We will continue to monitor all branches of government to ensure that no official escapes accountability.”
The Office of the Ombudsman is expected to release updated compliance reports periodically as it intensifies its efforts to uphold the rule of law and restore integrity to Liberia’s public service.
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