MONROVIA – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has launched a new Five-Year Strategic Plan aimed at strengthening anti-corruption efforts and promoting transparency and accountability across the country. The plan, which aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, seeks to prevent, deter, and prosecute acts of corruption while promoting good governance and the rule of law. The Analyst’s Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr. Reports
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has unveiled its Five-Year Strategic Plan, outlining a renewed commitment to fighting corruption, promoting transparency, and strengthening governance across Liberia, and described the initiative as a “significant milestone” in the country’s collective effort to combat corruption.
Speaking at the launch, LACC Chairperson, Cllr Alexandra Zoe emphasized that the new strategic framework was developed within the broader national context of the fight against corruption, which she said continues to undermine governance, the rule of law, and effective service delivery.
“Corruption weakens public trust and erodes the very foundation upon which democratic institutions are built,” she said, recalling that the LACC was established by an Act of the Legislature in 2008, and that in 2022, the Act was amended to grant the Commission direct prosecutorial powers.
This amendment, she said, further strengthened the LACC’s mandate not only to investigate but also to prosecute acts of corruption while continuing to educate the public on the dangers of corrupt practices.
The LACC Chairperson noted that the new plan is aligned with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly Pillar Four, which focuses on governance and anti-corruption. It also supports Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) of the United Nations, which calls for strong institutions, justice, and accountability.
Cllr. Zoe reaffirmed the Commission’s vision of ensuring a corruption-free Liberia built on transparency, accountability, and integrity, and reiterated its mission to prevent, deter, and prosecute acts of corruption while promoting good governance and the rule of law.
The LACC’s work, she said, continues to be guided by its core values of Integrity, Professionalism, Accountability, Transparency, and Confidentiality—the latter being protected by the Liberian Constitution.
Highlighting the Commission’s achievements between 2019 and 2024, Cllr. Zoe disclosed that the LACC had drawn up indictments in 14 corruption-related cases, some involving multiple indictments per case. All of these cases, she said, are currently before Criminal Court “C.”
While acknowledging challenges in getting some of these cases to full trial, she revealed that the Commission had successfully prosecuted six cases, securing four convictions and losing two. “While we acknowledge the setbacks, these outcomes represent important steps forward in our determination to strengthen accountability in Liberia,” she added.
Cllr. Zoe also pointed to major progress in asset declaration compliance, describing it as one of the LACC’s most effective tools in curbing corruption. Between 2019 and 2024, the Commission achieved 91% national compliance and conducted 175 verifications. A comprehensive report on these verifications will be included in the LACC’s upcoming Annual Report.
She noted that in a bid to improve public engagement and accessibility, the Commission has launched the “TORQE” App, an anti-corruption reporting platform developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The LACC has also introduced a dedicated hotline to make it easier for citizens to report acts of corruption.
Additionally, a Service Delivery Desk has been established at the LACC to enhance transparency and support walk-in clients seeking information or assistance. The initiative aligns with the government’s Performance Management and Service Delivery Framework.
Cllr. Zoe underscored the importance of collaboration with key government institutions, particularly the Ministry of Justice, noting that the fight against corruption requires strong inter-agency coordination and political will.
“Under the leadership of the President, the Government of Liberia has taken key steps to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, and the LACC remains a central pillar in these national efforts,” she affirmed.
The launch of the Five-Year Strategic Plan, she concluded, represents a renewed commitment by the LACC to advance transparency, accountability, and integrity across all sectors of Liberian society.
Speaking when he officially launched the LACC Five-Year Strategic Plan, Prof. Augustine Konneh, Senior Advisor to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, described the strategic plan as “more than a document but a declaration of intensified purpose.” He emphasized that the roadmap aligns directly with the government’s Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and reinforces the administration’s promise to deliver tangible results to the Liberian people.
“The fundamental pillar of this government’s agenda is the delivery of tangible results for the people of Liberia,” Prof. Konneh stated. “This delivery cannot and will not be realized without absolute integrity and transparency.”
He indicated that the five-year plan, unveiled by the LACC, outlines key strategies to strengthen institutional frameworks, enhance accountability mechanisms, and promote a culture of ethical governance across public institutions adding that it also calls for deeper collaboration among government entities, civil society, and international partners to combat corruption and safeguard public resources.
Prof. Konneh underscored that integrity must remain central to Liberia’s national progress. “Every resource allocated, every policy formulated, and every contract signed must withstand the brightest light of public scrutiny,” he declared. “The commitment to fight corruption is not an option; it is the sacred prerequisite for fulfilling our social contract with the Liberian people.”
Prof. Konneh stated: “We are the custodians of the public purse and the architects of Liberia’s future. Exemplary leadership is non-negotiable. Any official found placing personal gain above the national good is not just breaking the law; they are undermining the collective effort to build a stronger, more prosperous Liberia.”
The Senior Presidential Advisor further assured the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission of the administration’s continued support.
“You have the full backing and sustained support of the Presidency,” he affirmed. “We recognize that the fight against corruption is complex and demands resources, political will, and institutional protection.”
He further that the LACC’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is expected to serve as a critical tool in strengthening Liberia’s governance institutions and rebuilding public confidence.
Its implementation aims to align anti-corruption efforts with the government’s broader development priorities, ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and equitably.
For his part, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Liberia, Aliou Mamadou Dia, hailed Liberia’s progress in the fight against corruption, describing it as a “historic breakthrough” in the nation’s governance reform efforts.
He made the remarks on Thursday during the official launch of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s (LACC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, held in Monrovia.
The high-profile event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, development partners, and civil society representatives. In attendance were Dr. Augustine Konneh, Senior Advisor to the President of Liberia; Cllr. Alexandra Zoe, Executive Chairperson of the LACC; Mr. James Kingsley, Executive Director of the LACC; Hon. Ernest Huge, Vice Executive Chairperson of the LACC; as well as ambassadors and representatives from the U.S. Embassy, Sweden, the IMF, AfDB, and other UN agencies.
Reflecting on recent progress, Mr. Dia applauded the LACC’s leadership for achieving measurable improvement in Liberia’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score. In 2024, Liberia’s CPI rating rose from 25 to 27 points out of 100, moving the country’s ranking from 145th to 135th among 180 nations.
“This upward shift on the Corruption Perceptions Index is a historic breakthrough—the first notable progress in many years,” Mr. Dia said. “It reflects the power of our collective commitment to strengthening accountability, promoting transparency, and combating corruption with renewed resolve.”
He emphasized that the progress marks a crucial step toward building a “more just, inclusive, and resilient Liberia,” and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting national institutions like the LACC in implementing the new strategic plan.
Mr. Dia, however, cautioned that corruption remains one of Liberia’s greatest challenges, undermining growth, public service delivery, and citizens’ trust in governance.
“Corruption is a shared adversary,” he stated. “It poses a grave threat to the well-being of the nation and its people. It demands united and determined action to significantly curtail its prevalence and prevent dire consequences for Liberia.”
Mr. Dia concluded by commending the LACC for its leadership and reaffirmed UNDP’s continued partnership in advancing good governance, integrity, and accountability in Liberia.
Speaking earlier during his welcome remarks, Ernest Hughes, Vice Executive Chairperson of the LACC He extended appreciation to UNDP Liberia, the diplomatic community, and other international allies for their technical and moral support in shaping the strategy. Hughes also commended Liberia’s integrity institutions and civil society advocates for their continued vigilance and commitment to good governance.
Hughes urged Liberians to embrace the new chapter in the country’s anti-corruption journey with “courage, collaboration, and unwavering resolve.”
“The road ahead will not be easy,” he said, “but with unity and purpose, we will prevail. Let us move forward together with integrity as our compass and Liberia’s future as our destination.”
The LACC’s strategic plan is expected to serve as a roadmap for enhancing transparency, reinforcing accountability, and promoting ethical leadership across all levels of governance in Liberia.