Govt. Clarifies Corruption Law Reform Plan-MOI Says No Political Targeting, Cites Fight Against Corruption

MONROVIA – The Boakai administration’s proposal to remove the statute of limitations on corruption-related offenses has ignited political debate about accountability, fairness, and legal safeguards in Liberia. Acting Information Minister Daniel O. Sando Jr. insists the reform is aimed at closing loopholes that allow corrupt officials to escape prosecution, not targeting any former leader. His clarification comes amid broader government updates on infrastructure investment, ongoing corruption cases, and international economic engagement. The proposal reflects Liberia’s long struggle to balance anti-corruption enforcement with political neutrality, as lawmakers weigh reforms that could significantly reshape prosecutorial timelines, judicial oversight, and public
trust in national accountability institutions. THE ANALYST’s George C. Flomo reports.

The Acting Minister of Information, Daniel O. Sando Jr., has clarified that the Boakai administration’s proposed removal of the statute of limitations on corruption-related offenses is not intended to target any former official, but rather to strengthen Liberia’s fight against corruption.

Speaking Tuesday at the regular press briefing of the Ministry of Information, Sando said one of the major bottlenecks in prosecuting corruption cases in Liberia has been the statute of limitations, which bars prosecution after a specified period.

“When you come into government and commit a crime, and you are not indicted within five years, after that statute of limitation you cannot be prosecuted,” Sando explained. “That provision has served as a protective gear for a lot of people who come to government to steal.”

According to him, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has submitted a bill to the Legislature seeking the removal of the statute of limitations for corruption-related crimes to close what he described as an “escape route” in the law.

Sando dismissed suggestions circulating in some quarters that the proposed reform is designed to target a former president or specific political figures.

“It is wrong to insinuate that the President is submitting a law to target anyone,” he said. “The reform is not meant to target any politician, whether former or current. The only interest the President has is to develop the country.”

CRIMINAL COURT RESUMES TWEH CASE

Providing updates on ongoing legal matters, Sando disclosed that Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice has resumed jurisdiction over the criminal case involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweh and others.

The case returned to the lower court following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia, which rejected arguments that presidential immunity extended to officials who claimed to have acted under presidential orders.

“The Supreme Court has put that argument to bed,” Sando stated. “Nobody other than the President of the country has immunity.”

He emphasized that the government is committed to ending what he described as a long-standing culture of impunity.

“It is good for people to be given their day in court to answer to charges,” he said, adding that those accused will either be convicted if probable cause exists or set free if it does not.

ROAD EQUIPMENT PROCUREMENT ANNOUNCED

Turning to infrastructure development, Sando announced that the government has procured a total of 305 pieces of road construction equipment, including 20 additional pickup trucks, to support nationwide road connectivity.

Initially, 285 pieces of equipment were announced, but the figure was later increased following additional information from the Vice President’s office.

The equipment will be deployed across the country as part of efforts to align public expenditure with national development priorities under the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

“The construction of roads across the country is essential to growing the economy and developing overall infrastructure,” Sando said.

He disclosed that the President has constituted a team to manage and maintain the equipment, stressing that proper maintenance is key to sustainability.

Responding to critics who have predicted that the equipment will deteriorate, Sando urged Liberians to remain optimistic.

“Why do we always preoccupy our minds with negativity?” he asked, noting that improved road access will enhance connectivity and allow citizens easier access to their communities year-round.

EU-LIBERIA BUSINESS FORUM HIGHLIGHTED

Meanwhile, Sando informed the press that the EU-Liberia Business Forum commenced February 24–25 in Brussels, Belgium.

The forum, jointly organized by the European Union and the Government of Liberia, is highlighting approximately US$1.5 billion in investment opportunities in agriculture, forestry, rural energy, infrastructure, tourism and sanitation.

The event features high-level plenary discussions, including sessions on doing business in Liberia, investment in agriculture and forestry, mining, oil and gas, fisheries and maritime, sanitation and waste management, as well as energy and transport infrastructure.

According to Sando, the forum aligns with Liberia’s broader economic diplomacy and investment promotion strategy and reflects shared commitments under the EU-Africa cooperation framework and the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

DIPLOMATIC AND LABOR UPDATES

Sando also disclosed that President Boakai recently hosted a New Year’s reception for members of the diplomatic community and development partners.

At the event, the President expressed gratitude for international support during Liberia’s transition from conflict to peace and sustainable development.

He highlighted Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and pledged that the country would approach the role with humility and commitment to global stability.

The President also reaffirmed Liberia’s dedication to regional integration through ECOWAS and the African Union and honored former UN Resident Coordinator Josephine Nkrumah and Ambassador Comfort Lamptey of UN Women for their services to Liberia.

On labor matters, Sando reported that the Civil Service Agency convened a meeting with the Phebe Hospital Workers Association, the Ministry of Health, hospital administrators and Bong County officials to address concerns raised by workers.

While the meeting was described as constructive and productive, the CSA later reported that four individuals allegedly instigated fresh protest actions, disrupting hospital operations and preventing staff from entering the facility.

One of the individuals, identified as Peter, was accused of leading journalists through hospital wards while broadcasting live on social media, allegedly exposing patient privacy.

The CSA described the action as a violation of Civil Service Standing Orders (Chapter 4, Section 2.2). The four employees have been suspended without pay for one month pending investigation into the February 24 disturbance.

GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS DUE PROCESS

Concluding, Sando reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to due process and transparency in prosecuting corruption cases.

“We are not acting arbitrarily,” he said. “The judicial process takes time, but it has to be concluded. Liberians are interested in how far the government is going in prosecuting those accused of committing crimes.”

He maintained that the administration remains focused on development, accountability and strengthening national institutions, while urging citizens to support reforms aimed at improving governance and national progress.

WHY THIS MATTERS

The proposed removal of the statute of limitations on corruption-related crimes could significantly reshape Liberia’s legal framework, allowing older corruption cases to be prosecuted while raising important questions about fairness, constitutional protections, and political neutrality.

As lawmakers debate the proposal, analysts say public trust will depend on transparent legislative processes, judicial independence, and equal application of the law to all officials regardless of political affiliation.