The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has been actively engaging local communities in its fight against corruption, recently concluding impactful public outreach events in Fishtown, River Gee County, and Harper, Maryland County. These initiatives served as crucial platforms for disseminating knowledge about Liberia’s key anti-corruption legal frameworks, including the newly enacted LACC Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Witness Protection Act, and the mandatory asset declaration process for public officials. The events witnessed enthusiastic participation from a diverse range of stakeholders, including residents, government officials, and civil society leaders, highlighting a collective interest in fostering transparency and accountability.
In Fishtown, River Gee County, the LACC’s outreach was met with significant engagement from the local populace. Residents actively participated in open discussions centered on understanding and implementing effective anti-corruption measures within their communities. Government officials present lauded the LACC for its proactive approach in bringing the often-complex asset declaration process directly to them. They emphasized the pivotal role that informed citizens play in upholding transparency and ensuring accountability within the structures of governance.
LACC representatives dedicated time to providing comprehensive explanations of the newly introduced anti-corruption legislation. This included detailed clarifications of the provisions within the LACC Act, the protections afforded to whistleblowers and witnesses, and the step-by-step procedures involved in the asset declaration process for public officials. The question-and-answer sessions were particularly vibrant, indicating the community’s strong desire to understand and support anti-corruption efforts. Many residents voiced their unwavering commitment to promoting transparency and integrity at the local governance level, signaling a groundswell of support for ethical conduct.
Building on the momentum in River Gee, the LACC extended its outreach to Maryland County, holding a similar event in Harper City on March 25, 2025. This gathering drew strong participation from a wide spectrum of the community, including county officials, students eager to learn about civic responsibility, influential women’s groups advocating for good governance, and various civil society organizations dedicated to promoting justice and accountability. Discussions in Harper City placed a significant emphasis on the ongoing decentralization efforts of the LACC, with participants exploring the critical importance of strengthening governance at the grassroots level to more effectively combat corruption from the ground up.
A particularly significant aspect of the Maryland County event was the direct, on-site assistance provided by the LACC’s dedicated Asset Declaration team. This practical support enabled public officials to complete their asset declarations in real time while the LACC team patiently clarified any ambiguities and streamlined the compliance process. This hands-on approach not only facilitated compliance but also fostered a greater understanding of the importance and mechanics of asset declaration as a tool for preventing illicit enrichment. Furthermore, a dedicated session with senior management from Tubman University underscored the institution’s strong commitment to the LACC’s initiatives, particularly concerning the asset declaration requirements for its staff and faculty, setting a positive example for other institutions.
Henry B. Cole, the Superintendent of Maryland County, delivered a powerful address emphasizing the collective responsibility of all citizens in cultivating a robust culture of transparency and accountability. He eloquently articulated the far-reaching benefits of integrity, stressing that the active promotion of accountability is an indispensable element for meaningful national development. Superintendent Cole passionately urged all participants to wholeheartedly support the President’s ARREST (Accountability, Respect, and Strengthening Transparency) Agenda, expressing his conviction that this national framework would pave the way for a more prosperous, equitable, and just society for all Liberians.
The outreach event in Maryland County culminated in an engaging and interactive session held at the Adul Salam Intellectual Center. This platform provided an invaluable opportunity for community members to engage in meaningful dialogue with LACC representatives. The public actively posed questions, shared their perspectives, and offered constructive suggestions aimed at further strengthening anti-corruption efforts within their communities and across Liberia. This open exchange underscored the critical importance of continuous education and sustained outreach initiatives in nurturing a truly transparent and accountable government that serves the best interests of its citizens.
These impactful events in River Gee and Maryland Counties stand as clear demonstrations of the LACC’s unwavering commitment to proactively raising public awareness, actively encouraging citizen involvement in the fight against corruption, and ultimately strengthening anti-corruption measures throughout Liberia. By strategically taking these crucial discussions directly to the heart of local communities, the LACC is diligently working to build a solid foundation for a more transparent, accountable, and ultimately more just Liberia for all its citizens. The continued success and enthusiastic reception of these outreach initiatives underscore the LACC’s deep-seated dedication to effectively combating the pervasive issue of corruption and fostering a just and equitable society where integrity prevails.
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