The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has launched its State of Corruption Report 2023, with more than 90 percent of the 728 survey respondents saying corruption is extremely high in Liberia.

The State of Corruption Report 2023, according to CENTAL, is a comprehensive document that reveals the rate of corruption and what needs to be done to promote transparency and accountability in Liberia.

During the presentation on Wednesday, Gerald Yeakula, CENTAL’s Program Manager, conveyed that a majority of respondents highlighted a high level of corruption, with police services being identified as the most corrupt, closely followed by medical services.

SERVICES PRONE TO CORRUPTION

“73% Think police services are most prone to corruption, 59% think medical services are most prone to corruption while 38% and 31% Think court services and education services are Most prone to corruption,” he said.

Transitioning to the report’s launch, Nikolina Stålhand, Program Officer on Democracy and Human Rights at the Swedish Embassy, urged Liberia to intensify its efforts in combating corruption.

Jeffrey Yates, the head of the Secretariat for the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, emphasized the need for collaborative endeavors in the ongoing battle against corruption in Liberia.

As a culmination, anti-corruption institutions have pledged to join forces, aiming for a collective and effective fight against corruption.

The Report

INTRODUCTION

This report places a spotlight on corruption in Liberia. As the title depicts, it endeavors to paint a picture of the extent to which corruption is intertwined with Liberian society, particularly the public sector. It proceeds from the backdrop that corruption cannot be successfully tackled in the absence of information outlining how it plays out. Hence, understanding the nature and extent of corruption as well as actors and enablers is critical to stopping corruption in its tracks.

There is no universally accepted definition of corruption. The principal treaty on corruption, the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), defines corruption-related offences but falls short of defining corruption.¹ This lack of a generally accepted definition affects how countries, institutions, and individuals view and tackle corruption. Few definitions have gained traction notwithstanding. Transparency International defines it as the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain,² the World Bank (WB) defines it as the abuse of public office for private gain,³ and Sida defines it as an abuse of trust, power or position for improper gain.⁴ In Liberia’s New Anti-Corruption Commission Act (NACCA) of July 2022, corruption is defined as:⁵

the act of doing something with an aim or intent to give some advantage inconsistent with official duty and the rights of others; a fiduciary duty or official use of a station or office to procure some benefit either personally or for someone else, contrary to the rights of others or in violation of the law. Any act or acts, decision or decisions or use of public resource or resources by a public or private official in the discharge of official duties.,.

STATE OF CORRUPTION REPORT 12.13 Final

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The anti-corruption space is reawakening with public integrity institutions being staffed at the highest levels. New leaderships at these institutions have professed commitment to contributing to a robust anti-corruption effort. Local and international actors remain steadfast in their efforts against corruption. Amidst these interventions, however, corruption continues to assert its dominance.

Corruption is not only a matter of perception. While nine out of ten Liberians continue to say the level of corruption is high, developments over the period point to this fact. For instance, the Auditor General, P. Garswa Jackson, reached adverse conclusions regarding a number of audits including audits related to civil servants’ payroll and payment of domestic debts. In the Judiciary, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh suspended Judge Sikajipo A. Wollor following a complaint alleging grave misconduct. while then Judge Yamie Gbeisay disbarred a jury for lack of independence.

Allegations of corruption also arose during the period.

For example, Representative Josiah Marvin Cole of Electoral District #4 in Bong County was accused of diverting approximately US$80,000 intended for a health facility.

Aloysius Howe, an aide of Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah was accused of withdrawing US $160,000.00 from the Census fund. Also, Frontpage Africa reported that a sum of US$500,000 was used to influence the jury to acquit four defendants in a trial over trafficking of US$100 million worth of cocaine. 5

The situation can change, nonetheless. Lack of prosecution and rampant allegations are cited as the main reasons why many Liberians believe corruption is high. Upon closer scrutiny, one realizes that these factors border on political will. Hence, things can change if those occupying key positions in government summon the commitment to tackle corruption. Elections present an opportunity for citizens to vote those with an anti-corruption agenda as well as track record of fighting corruption. This opportunity must be leveraged.

KEY FINDINGS

• Corruption level remains high

_90% of respondents indicated that the level of corruption in the country is high. The percentage remains steady for the third year running, re-echoing citizens’ firmness

%          about the issue. Principal reasons cited for this rating include lack of prosecution, allegations of rampant corruption, and corruption being a custom in Liberia.

• Education rated as most important election issue for voters

• Government’s commitment to fighting corruption increasingly ranked low

know which rating to give.