By Amos Harris
.Monrovia, Liberia – The Office of the Ombudsman in Liberia is stepping up its efforts to combat corruption, enforce ethical standards, and recover public assets across the government sector. Cllr. Finley Y. Karngar, Chairman of the Ombudsman’s Office, detailed these interventions at a press conference on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, held at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT).
Cllr. Karngar emphasized the agency’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability. As a tangible example of their work, the Ombudsman’s Office recently recovered two government-issued laptops and a table, which have since been handed over to the General Services Agency (GSA) for proper inventory and coding. This recovery, he noted, highlights their dedication to responsible governance and the protection of public assets.
The Chairman also highlighted ongoing collaborations with international partners, including the European Union and the Danish Ombudsman Office, aimed at strengthening the institution’s operational and institutional capacities.
Despite these strides, Karngar acknowledged significant challenges facing the relatively young institution. These include limitations in staffing, inadequate training, and logistical constraints. He further pointed to legal and bureaucratic delays within the judiciary as major setbacks that impede effective case resolution, discourage investment, and erode public trust in governance.
Currently, the Ombudsman’s office is actively investigating 63 cases involving serious ethical violations such as nepotism, workplace harassment, and conflicts of interest. In one notable case, a government official was fined US$100 and ordered to make full restitution after being found guilty of unlawfully collecting rent while failing to perform official duties. The individual’s cooperation and compliance with due process were publicly acknowledged.
Cllr. Karngar also revealed ongoing investigations into the misuse of government vehicles. Reports indicate that some state-owned vehicles are being used for personal activities, including transporting inmates to funerals, carrying charcoal, and aiding private construction work. He assured the public that appropriate sanctions would be imposed once these investigations are concluded.
To further advance ethical governance, the Ombudsman’s Office is working closely with the Law Reform Commission to draft legal reforms. These proposed laws aim to criminalize tribalism, sectionalism, and other unethical practices. The Office is also advocating for mandatory asset declarations by public officials, with safeguards in place to protect personal privacy unless corruption is suspected.
In a strong statement, Cllr. Karngar condemned the unauthorized circulation of private photos and videos involving public officials. He called for legislation to uphold individual privacy and national dignity in the absence of criminal misconduct.
He urged public institutions to not only penalize unethical conduct but also to reward integrity. Suggested incentives included issuing certificates of recognition and granting time off to exemplary employees.
Cllr. Karngar expressed appreciation to the Liberian media for its vital role in promoting transparency and accountability. He concluded by calling on all public officials to lead by example and uphold a culture of ethical service in the interest of national development.
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