Forty-one members of Liberia’s 55th Legislature face potential indefinite suspension for failing to comply with mandatory asset declaration requirements, as stipulated under the Code of Conduct for public officials.
According to official records obtained by this publication, the Office of the Ombudsman has identified 29 Representatives and 12 Senators who have not submitted their asset declarations, in what appears to be a deliberate breach of statutory obligations.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing on Thursday, Cllr. Findley Karnga, Chairperson of the Office of the Ombudsman, confirmed that formal communication has been sent to House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence. The letters request the immediate suspension of the non-compliant lawmakers.
“Asset declaration is not optional; it is a legal obligation under the Code of Conduct,” said Cllr. Karnga. “All public officials in the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches are bound by this requirement.”
While Cllr. Karnga declined to publicly disclose the names of the lawmakers in violation, he asserted that the Office is prepared to enforce consequences without hesitation. However, the legal authority of the Ombudsman to recommend or enforce the suspension of sitting legislators—who are members of a co-equal branch of government—remains a matter of constitutional ambiguity and could potentially face legal challenges.
Section 4.1 of the Code of Conduct clearly mandates that “public officials shall, at all times, abide by all laws, regulations, and norms of the Republic.” The asset declaration clause is designed to promote transparency and deter corruption within public service.
Cllr. Karnga further revealed that the Ombudsman’s Office is recommending that the salaries of the non-compliant lawmakers be withheld and redirected to programs that directly benefit the public until such time that the lawmakers fulfill their legal obligations.
This move signals a significant escalation in the enforcement of Liberia’s anti-corruption framework and underscores growing institutional frustration with continued non-compliance by public officials. The situation also raises broader concerns about the political will within the Legislature to uphold standards of accountability and transparency.
The Office of the Ombudsman has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Code of Conduct and holding public officials accountable, regardless of status or position.
