Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-02-27 00:34:00
Liberia’s Vice President, Jeremiah Koung, took a significant step towards transparency and accountability by declaring his assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) on February 26, 2024. This action was part of the government’s commitment to combating corruption in the public sector.
This move marked a departure from the previous Coalition Democratic Change-government, which was plagued with high-level corruption cases that led to sanctions imposed by the United States Treasury Department on several senior officials. Vice President Koung’s decision to declare his assets was seen as a positive step in restoring integrity and trust in the government.
President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr., set the example by declaring his assets immediately after taking office and undergoing a test for narcotic substances, with the results coming back negative. Vice President Koung emphasized the importance of all public officials following this example and complying with the law to ensure the safety and well-being of the country.
He stressed the need for leaders to lead by example and called on everyone to follow suit in declaring their assets before assuming public office. While Vice President Koung did not disclose the details of his assets publicly, he emphasized that asset declaration is a personal matter and indicated that he would consult with his legal team before making a decision.
The Executive Director of the LACC, Alexandra K. Zoe, commended the President and Vice President for their commitment to transparency and accountability. She highlighted the importance of asset declaration in the fight against corruption and emphasized the role of accountability and transparency in promoting good governance.
Ms. Zoe revealed that a significant number of ex-officials had declared their assets, signaling a positive trend towards accountability in the current administration. She encouraged former officials to also declare their assets, even though the deadline for doing so had passed, in order to uphold transparency and integrity.
The LACC’s engagement with officials to ensure full disclosure of their assets before entering government was seen as a proactive measure to prevent corruption and enhance public trust. While the details of Vice President Koung’s assets were not made public, the focus remained on promoting a culture of transparency and accountability within the government.
In conclusion, Vice President Koung’s decision to declare his assets was a step in the right direction towards combating corruption and promoting good governance in Liberia. This action, coupled with the government’s efforts to enforce accountability and transparency, signaled a commitment to upholding integrity and restoring public trust in the country’s leadership.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
