By: S. Nimely Sonpon
Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has renewed her call for the establishment of a Specialized Anti-Corruption Court in Liberia, urging President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and state institutions to take decisive steps to strengthen accountability and ensure swift prosecution of corruption cases.
Madam Sirleaf spoke at the National Policy Dialogue organized by the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG), Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, and other civil society groups with support from the Government of Ireland stating that Liberia has made progress in building governance institutions but continues to face serious challenges in enforcing anti-corruption laws.
The former president lauded the ongoing civic engagement initiatives that have empowered more than 5,000 citizens in Margibi, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties to demand accountability from public officials, She described the citizens’ action as a strong example of citizen participation in governance and further encouraged stakeholders to expand similar programs nationwide.
During her presidency beginning in 2006 after years of civil conflict, madam Sirleaf recalled major reforms aimed at restoring transparency, including the strengthening of the Governance Commission.
Her government created the Internal Audit Agency, the Public Procurement and Concession Commission, the Financial Intelligence Agency, and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission in 2008.
She also cited the General Auditing Commission Act of 2014 and the Open Budget Initiative as key milestones in improving financial oversight.
Despite these achievements, former president Sirleaf acknowledged that Liberia’s anti-corruption fight remains incomplete, indicating that weak enforcement and limited convictions continue to undermine progress.
According to her, institutions must not only investigate corruption but also ensure effective prosecution and conviction of offenders, urging the Supreme Court to strengthen judicial performance and called on lawmakers to support reforms that enhance transparency and accountability.
Madam Sirleaf also appealed to civil society organizations to sustain advocacy efforts to ensure the proposed Specialized Anti-Corruption Court becomes a reality.
In addition, the former Liberian president, Sirleaf called on the private sector to avoid corrupt practices, emphasizing that ethical business conduct is essential for attracting investment and promoting sustainable economic growth.
She appreciated international partners for supporting governance reforms and highlighted Liberia’s democratic gains since 2006, including improved public financial management, debt relief, peace consolidation, and peaceful democratic transitions.
She has meanwhile urged all Liberians to reject corruption in their daily lives and hold public officials accountable, insisting that justice must be delivered fairly, swiftly, and consistently to strengthen national development.
