By Tiawan Saye Gongloe in New Kru Town at a program marking the celebration of the 178 Independence Day of Liberia
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am happy to be back here in New Kru Town—this historic and revolutionary community. This is the home of the Movement for Justice in Africa, and undoubtedly, the heartland of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP).
It was here that Tijajulu, the revolutionary musical group led by the late Anthony Nagbe, gave voice to the struggles of the oppressed. Speaking here today, I cannot help but honor the memory of our fallen comrades—Anthony Nagbe, Ishmael Campbell, and Joseph Nagbe—who served this country honorably, in the Legislature and on the Supreme Court Bench.
Let us rise and observe a moment of silence for them and all others from this township who gave their lives for justice and progress.
Thank you.
In the 1970s, we stood against oppression. We demanded the liberation of Guinea Bissau, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and most notably, South Africa. We also demanded democracy right here in Liberia.
Today, the struggle continues—but the battleground has changed. The chains of colonialism have been broken, but our people remain shackled by bad governance and corruption.
This is the new struggle—the new liberation war. Unless we defeat corruption, Liberia will remain one of the poorest countries in the world, despite our vast natural wealth.
That is why I am honored to speak to you today on the topic: “Strategies to Combating Corruption in the Society.”
Corruption is the cancer that eats away at the very soul of a nation. It robs schools of chalk and clinics of medicine. It denies our youth opportunity, our elders dignity, and our country progress. To fight corruption is not just a legal obligation—it is a moral duty.
Let me be clear:
Government is a place to serve, not to steal.
So how do we combat this monster?
I propose seven bold strategies:
First, we must lead by example. Integrity begins at the top. A president, a minister, a lawmaker, or even a town chief must live above reproach. Public service must be about serving the people, not enriching oneself.
Second, no official of government—elected or appointed—should take office without first declaring their assets. This declaration must be verified, published, and updated annually. We must know what our leaders own before they assume power—and what they acquire while in power.
Third, there must be quarterly lifestyle audits of all top government officials and heads of public corporations. If your lifestyle doesn’t match your salary, you must be investigated and held accountable. Public office must not become a cover for hidden wealth.
Fourth, we must strengthen our institutions. We need an independent and well-funded Anti-Corruption Commission, a fearless judiciary, and a free press. These are the pillars of accountability. When they are strong, corruption cannot survive.
Fifth, we must enforce transparency and accountability. Every contract, every budget, every cent of public spending must be open to public scrutiny. As the saying goes, sunlight is the best disinfectant.
Sixth, we must empower the people—especially the youth. Corruption thrives in silence and fear. But when the people are informed and united, they become powerful watchdogs. We must invest in civic education, protect whistleblowers, and promote community monitoring of government projects.
And finally, there must be consequences. No sacred cows. Those who steal from the people must be punished—no matter their rank or political affiliation. Justice delayed is justice denied, and impunity is the fuel of corruption.
My fellow Liberians, corruption is not invincible. It is a man-made problem—and we can defeat it through leadership, accountability, and the courage of the people.
Let us rise together and declare:
“Government is a place to serve, not to steal!”
Let us sweep corruption out of every office, every ministry, every agency—and build a new Liberia based on honesty, fairness, and hope.
