Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-22 01:39:00
Suspicion of corruption among Liberian officials remains a pressing issue, as many individuals who were once living in poverty suddenly display extravagant wealth upon taking up high-ranking public positions. This concerning trend has prompted President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to establish an Assets Recovery and Properties Retrieval Taskforce, aimed at cracking down on financial crimes and corruption within the government.
Led by the chairperson Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, the Taskforce recently announced its intention to impose travel bans and restrictions on former and current officials suspected of engaging in illicit activities. A list of individuals who may face these restrictions is set to be released, with a ten-day grace period granted for the voluntary return of any government properties in their possession.
President Boakai’s Executive Order #126, issued earlier this month, underscores the government’s commitment to restoring accountability and transparency in Liberia’s governance process. The order empowers the Assets Recovery Task Force to recover assets unlawfully obtained by public officials, both past and present. By targeting those who have misused public resources for personal gain, the government aims to curb the pervasive problem of corruption in the country.
In addition to retrieving wrongfully acquired assets, the Taskforce is tasked with identifying and tracing stolen or suspicious assets within and outside Liberia, establishing an investigative panel, and initiating legal proceedings on behalf of the government. The team will also work to return confiscated assets to the country and impose necessary restrictions on individuals under investigation.
Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin emphasized the Taskforce’s commitment to thorough financial crime investigations, focusing on reports of theft and corruption involving government assets. The imminent release of a list of suspects, who may be subject to travel restrictions, signals the government’s determination to hold accountable those responsible for financial misconduct.
To prevent the illegal movement of liquid assets, the Taskforce is leveraging intelligence resources to track the domestic and international locations of these assets. Cllr. Martin stressed the importance of national responsibility in pursuing justice and urged citizens to support the team’s efforts by providing relevant information.
The Taskforce’s operations are conducted in accordance with the rule of law, with a firm commitment to upholding justice without bias. Cllr. Martin assured that all individuals implicated in financial crimes and corruption, regardless of their status, would be held accountable. By fostering collaboration with security forces and encouraging public engagement, the Taskforce aims to efficiently prosecute wrongdoers and recover misappropriated government assets.
Citizens are encouraged to contact the Taskforce with any pertinent information through the provided email address, with assurances of confidentiality for those who come forward. The government’s proactive stance on combating corruption underscores its dedication to promoting good governance, integrity, and accountability in Liberia. Through these concerted efforts, President Boakai’s administration is striving to instill public trust and combat the scourge of corruption within the country’s leadership.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
