President Joseph Boakai has officially launched the country’s Ombudsman office, an essential institution dedicated to ensuring transparency, justice, and accountability within the government.
During the launch event held at the Executive Mansion, President Boakai took the opportunity to criticize his predecessors for failing to establish the Ombudsman’s office due to a lack of political will.
“We have long faced obstacles in establishing the office of the Ombudsman due to insufficient funding and unambiguous political support,” Boakai said.
“These challenges have slowed our progress in promoting public accountability, improving performance and service delivery, and enhancing state-society relations.”
The Ombudsman’s office originates from a provision in the Liberian constitution, which calls for a Code of Conduct to be followed by all public officials and employees. The Ombudsman is tasked with investigating and addressing complaints against government agencies or institutions regarding violations of this code.
According to President Boakai, the absence of the Ombudsman’s office has allowed the Code of Conduct to become the “most violated legal instrument in the country, becoming as others have put it, a ‘paper tiger.'”
“With the commissioning of this office, the government is now in a better position to complete the process of ensuring public accountability,” Boakai said.
“This milestone allows us to move forward with implementing the code of conduct, which is a crucial step in enhancing accountability and oversight in our institutions.”
The president also used the occasion to remind officials in the three branches of government to respect the law by declaring their assets, stating that “the Liberians expect that of us.”
Boakai emphasized that the appointment of the Ombudsman represents a significant step in the government’s commitment to a reform agenda and strengthening democracy in Liberia.
“As we undertake this important exercise, let me remind you about this one-in-a-generation opportunity to reform and transform our country for the good of our people,” Boakai concluded. “We do it now or fail generations of Liberians to come.”