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Liberian President Joseph Boakai has suspended 457 top government officials, including ministers, for failing to declare their assets as required by law. The officials, who include the education and health ministers, as well as special envoys for tourism and investment, will be off work without pay for a month or until they submit their asset declarations, the presidency announced.
Boakai, who took office last year on a pledge to fight corruption, said the officials had violated the code of conduct for state officials by failing to be transparent about their wealth. He warned that non-compliance undermines anti-corruption efforts and weakens public trust in government institutions.
A Major Anti-Corruption Move
Liberian law mandates that all public officials declare their assets before assuming office and upon leaving government. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) published the full list of those affected, in line with legal requirements.
“Public officials are reminded that asset declaration is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental measure to promote transparency and restore public trust in governmental institutions,” Boakai said in a statement.
Among those suspended are officials from the Executive Mansion, the president’s official residence, and county administrative officers.
A Symbolic Gesture or a Serious Crackdown?
Boakai’s move has received mixed reactions.
Political analyst Abdullah Kiatamba, quoted by Liberian newspaper FrontPage Africa, praised the president’s anti-corruption stance but noted that some officials may have faced challenges in meeting the requirements.
However, civil society group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day dismissed the suspensions as too lenient, calling them a “meaningless, symbolic gesture” that amounts to nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
Previous Efforts to Curb Corruption
In July, Boakai cut his own salary by 40%, saying he wanted to set an example for “responsible governance” and show “solidarity” with ordinary Liberians.
His predecessor, George Weah, faced widespread accusations of corruption and lavish spending, triggering mass protests amid rising living costs.
On Wednesday, some of the suspended officials began visiting the LACC offices to comply with the asset declaration requirement. It remains to be seen how many will meet the deadline—and whether Boakai will extend or escalate the penalties for non-compliance.
