By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – April 5, 2025 – In a decisive move signaling a commitment to ethical governance, the Office of the Ombudsman has levied fines against several high-ranking government officials for breaches of Liberia’s Code of Conduct for Public Officials. The sanctions target prominent figures such as Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah and Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Managing Director Amos Tweh.
Ombudsman Chairman Cllr. Findley, Kangar announced the penalties following a comprehensive investigation into allegations of unauthorized political engagement during official working hours and the misuse of government resources, particularly vehicles.
Each of the implicated officials has been fined US$1,000 for what the Ombudsman characterized as “unauthorized participation in political activities while on duty” and “improper use of state resources.”
The extensive list of sanctioned individuals also includes Lucia Massalee Yallah, Emmanuel Zorh, Jr., Atty. Cornelia Kruah-Togba, Whroway Bryant, Emmanuel K. Farr, Ambassador Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh, Ben A. Fofana, Patience Randall, Edmund Forh, Selena P. Mappy, Melvin Cephus, Lucia Tarpeh, Robert Bestman, James Yolei, Collins Tamba, Kansualism B. Kansuah, and Cllr. Kuku Y. Dorbor.
According to Cllr. Kangar, the investigation revealed that these officials engaged in partisan activities and attended political rallies without first relinquishing their government positions or securing the necessary approved leave, a clear violation of Part V of the Code of Conduct.
“This action transcends mere financial penalties,” emphasized Cllr. Kangar. “It underscores the critical principles of accountability and serves as a firm reminder that public officials are entrusted to serve the interests of the Liberian populace, not to advance personal or political agendas while on the state’s time and utilizing state resources.”
The Code of Conduct, a cornerstone of Liberia’s efforts to foster neutrality and professionalism within its civil service, explicitly prohibits appointed officials from participating in political activities during their tenure unless they have formally resigned or been granted an official leave of absence.
The Ombudsman’s Office stated that these sanctions are intended to act as a significant deterrent against future ethical lapses and to rebuild public trust in the integrity of the nation’s governance structures.
At the time of this report, none of the sanctioned officials had publicly responded to the imposed penalties.
However, sources within the Executive Mansion suggest that the current administration is facing increasing pressure to actively address ethical violations within its ranks and to establish a renewed commitment to transparent and accountable governance.
“Let this be unequivocally clear: this is not an isolated incident,” warned Cllr. Kangar. “Further investigations are underway, and we are resolute in our commitment to ensuring that every public official adheres to the rule of law and respects the authority vested in the Office of the Ombudsman.”
This decisive crackdown by the Ombudsman occurred at a pivotal moment for Liberia, as the nation navigates a period of political transition. Citizens are increasingly vocal in their demands for transparency, accountability, and good governance from their elected and appointed leaders, making the Ombudsman’s actions a potentially significant step towards meeting these expectations.
Comments are closed.