…Multiple Investigations Underway
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has launched a sweeping and vigorous crackdown on corruption in public service, initiating investigations into a series of high-profile cases involving multiple government institutions and agencies. LACC Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra Zoe announced that the Commission is aggressively pursuing these cases with the full backing of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, emphasizing that no case will be swept under the rug in the fight for transparency and accountability.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, Cllr. Zoe reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to uprooting corruption from every corner of the public sector.
“This is not about targeting any individual or engaging in political witch-hunting,” Zoe explained. “This is a collective national effort; every Liberian must join the fight against corruption. Without collective support, we cannot succeed in dismantling the structures of graft that have held our country hostage.
The LACC Chairperson outlined a growing list of cases that have drawn national and international attention:
- Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA): Allegations of procurement fraud and unauthorized expenditures are at the center of the LACC’s inquiry.
- WASH Commission: The Commission is probing multiple instances of unexplained transactions and discrepancies in financial records.
- National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA): According to Cllr. Zoe, investigators are in possession of detailed documents relating to suspected financial improprieties at NaFAA. “This case is currently under serious investigation,” she said.
- National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL): Long plagued by scandal and financial irregularities, NOCAL remains a key focus for the anti-corruption drive. “The NOCAL case is still on course. We are determined to ensure that all aspects are fully reviewed,” Zoe added.
- Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC): The LACC revealed that its investigators are making substantial progress in uncovering questionable transactions and possible misappropriation of funds intended for refugee reintegration programs.
- Gbarpolu County Yellow Machine Scandal: This case involves the disappearance or misapplication of heavy-duty equipment meant for county development. The LACC is probing allegations that these machines were used for private purposes by government officials.
- Gbarnga, Bong County Public Funds Diversion: The LACC is investigating claims that public funds were diverted for personal use by individuals in positions of authority.
Zoe affirmed that all these cases are being handled meticulously and professionally, with a strong focus on building watertight evidence. “We are making sure that those who were involved in the misuse of public resources are held accountable,” she asserted. “There will be no sacred cows. Every case will be followed through to its logical conclusion.”
In a further effort to promote transparency, President Boakai earlier instructed all appointed officials to submit their asset declarations by February 12, 2025. This move aims to establish a baseline for financial transparency and reduce illicit enrichment while in office.
The LACC Chairperson warned that individuals who defy this presidential directive will face public exposure and possible sanctions. “We are going to publish the names of all government officials who have refused to comply with the President’s mandate,” she warned. “That list will be made available on the LACC’s official website and circulated in all major local newspapers.”
She emphasized that this initiative is not meant to shame individuals but rather to enforce a culture of accountability. “If you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to fear. We must lead by example if we are to earn the trust of the Liberian people,” she stated.
Chairperson Zoe extended heartfelt appreciation to Liberia’s local and international partners for their continued support in the Commission’s anti-corruption mandate. “We are grateful to our partners, both domestic and international, who continue to believe in our efforts to build a culture of accountability and transparency in Liberia,” she said, hinting at strengthened collaborations for additional training, logistics, and monitoring tools to enhance investigative capacity.
Since its reconstitution under President Boakai’s administration, the LACC has embarked on a mission to restore public confidence in governance by pursuing both past and present corruption cases. The Commission has undergone internal reforms, including the appointment of a new leadership team, legal department upgrades, and the adoption of a digitized complaints system.
According to political analysts, these developments represent a turning point in Liberia’s anti-corruption fight. While critics argued that the LACC had been politicized or weakened by interference in past administrations, Chairperson Zoe insisted that under her leadership, the Commission is operating independently, without fear or favor.
“This is not a fight against individuals or institutions; it is a fight against a system of impunity that has robbed our people of development, healthcare, education, and prosperity,” Zoe stressed. “We must all be united in this fight. Corruption is a national enemy.”
President Boakai has pledged to make anti-corruption the cornerstone of his administration, believing that “publishing updates and prosecuting culprits will send a strong message that corruption will no longer be tolerated in Liberia.”
While the LACC is gaining momentum, the journey to eliminate entrenched corruption in Liberia remains long and arduous. Inadequate funding, threats against whistleblowers, and institutional resistance continue to pose serious challenges. Nevertheless, Chairperson Zoe remains optimistic: “We know the road will not be easy. But we are not afraid. We have the law on our side, the people behind us, and the determination to see this through.”
As the Commission moves forward, all eyes will be on how it handles the high-profile cases currently under investigation. For many Liberians who have watched the country suffer under the weight of corruption, the hope is that this time, things will be different.
Under the bold leadership of Cllr. Alexandra Zoe and with the full support of President Joseph Boakai, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission is signaling a new dawn in Liberia’s fight against corruption. From institutional probes to asset declaration enforcement, the Commission is sending a clear message: impunity will no longer be the norm. If this fight is sustained and the necessary legal and logistical support is provided, Liberia could be on its way to rewriting its history and securing a more transparent, equitable future for all its citizens.
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