By: Akoi M Baysah, Jr.
The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has welcomed Liberia’s improved performance on the 2026 Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard but cautioned the government against complacency amid persistent corruption and declining ratings in several critical sectors.Releasing its position Tuesday in Monrovia, CENTAL applauded the government for passing 12 out of 22 MCC indicators, including the crucial Control of Corruption category.
Liberia scored 56 percent in this area, marking another consecutive pass. However, the watchdog group warned that the country remains far from achieving lasting gains, noting that the current score represents a drop from 59 percent in 2024.
According to CENTAL, the government’s progress in areas such as fiscal policy passed for the first time since 2007,inflation control, trade policy, land rights, access to credit, immunization, health expenditure, and political rights is noteworthy.
The organization also referenced broader improvements reflected in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index and its own State of Corruption Report, which show declining public perception of corruption.
Despite these achievements, CENTAL said Liberia failed 10 of the MCC’s indicators, including civil liberties, government effectiveness, employment opportunities, business start-up, child health, and girl’s primary education completion rate.
The group also expressed concern over drops in several previously high-performing categories, such as fiscal policy (from 51 to 41) and trade policy (from 63 to 21).
“Impunity for corruption remains very high,” CENTAL said, adding that many high-profile individuals named in audit reports or sanctioned by the United States have not been fully investigated or prosecuted.
The group called on the government to demonstrate stronger political will, adequately support integrity institutions, and ensure non-selective enforcement of anti-corruption measures.
The transparency group further pressed for the establishment of a specialized court to prosecute corruption cases and demanded greater transparency across all branches of government. It specifically urged public disclosure of details surrounding the controversial US$10 million alleged presidential villa project in President Joseph Boakai’s hometown of Foya, Lofa County.
The organization also praised the recent indictments issued by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce against more than 40 former officials of the previous CDC-led government.
Those indicted include former Chief of Protocol Finda Bundoo and former Deputy Foreign Minister Thelma Duncan-Sawyer. They face charges ranging from money laundering and economic sabotage to criminal conspiracy and misuse of public funds.
CENTAL described the indictments as “a bold step toward ending the culture of impunity,” but insisted that investigations must be impartial.
It urged the Taskforce to extend its work to allegations within the current administration, including the Foya project, to restore public confidence.
The transparency group, CENTAL has urged leaders in the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to increase support for anti-corruption efforts and ensure full accountability in public service.
“This fight cannot be won without adequate funding, transparency, and genuine commitment,” the statement said.
“Corruption remains Liberia’s biggest enemy and a major threat to national development.”
