By Matthew Turry
The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), a leading anti-corruption civil society organization, has called on President Joseph Boakai to take immediate and decisive action to address a series of corruption allegations, off-budget spending, and widespread violations of asset declaration laws by public officials.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, CENTAL’s Program Manager, Gerald Yeakula, highlighted several concerning issues, including a $150,000 vehicle purchase scandal involving the Minister of Commerce, Amin Modad, $15 million in off-budget expenditures by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), and a dismal compliance rate of only 26.5% among the 1,900 government officials required to declare their assets.
Regarding the vehicle purchase, CENTAL questioned why funds meant for capacity building in trade-related activities were diverted to purchase a luxury vehicle, which violated the 2024 Budget Law that caps such purchases at $45,000 for most officials.
CENTAL urged President Boakai to commission an independent investigation into the purchase and hold Minister Modad accountable. The organization also stressed the need to strengthen the management of funds generated through customs services to prevent future abuse.
Addressing the issue of off-budget spending, Yeakula noted that the $15 million in expenditures from January to August 2024 exceeded the 2% threshold of annual domestic revenue allowed by Liberia’s Public Financial Management (PFM) law. CENTAL called for action against those responsible and a comprehensive report justifying the spending.
The lack of compliance with Liberia’s asset declaration laws was also a major concern for CENTAL.
The organization urged President Boakai to suspend all Executive officials who have failed to declare their assets and called on the Chief Justice and Legislature to ensure full compliance within the Judiciary and Legislative branches.
CENTAL pressed for immediate action from President Boakai, including an independent investigation into the vehicle purchase scandal, sanctions against officials responsible for off-budget spending, and the suspension of non-compliant officials.
The organization also urged the public to hold lawmakers accountable, as asset declaration is a critical component of transparency in public service.
“We cannot allow these violations to continue unchecked,” Yeakula said . “President Boakai must take decisive action to uphold the rule of law and restore public trust in Liberia’s institutions.”
