The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has launched a nationwide initiative to conduct Corruption Risk Assessments (CRA) across government ministries, agencies, and commissions, aiming to strengthen internal systems and curb vulnerabilities before they lead to misconduct.
On March 13, 2025, a delegation led by Ms. Vivian S. Akoto, Executive Assistant and Program Manager in the Office of the Executive Chairperson, and Mr. John E. Tommy, Program Manager for Education and Prevention, held inception meetings with the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA). The sessions marked the first phase of the Commission’s preventive strategy.
Ms. Akoto clarified that the CRA is not an investigation but a diagnostic tool designed to identify weaknesses in institutional policies and structures. “Our objective is to help institutions build stronger safeguards against corruption before it occurs,” she said. The exercise is mandated under Part IV, Section H of the LACC Act, which empowers the Commission to advise and assist public, private, and civil society institutions in designing procedures that reduce the likelihood of corruption.
Mr. Tommy emphasized the proactive nature of the initiative, noting that the Commission’s role is to intervene before irregularities arise. “Where internal policies contradict the law or create loopholes, the LACC will provide formal recommendations for immediate improvement,” he explained.
Both the CDA and NLA welcomed the program, pledging full cooperation with the assessment process. Their leadership underscored the importance of strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability in service delivery.
The rollout of CRAs signals a shift in Liberia’s anti-corruption strategy from reactive investigations to preventive oversight. By embedding risk assessments into the operations of public institutions, the LACC seeks to foster a culture of compliance and integrity across government. The Commission plans to expand the initiative to other agencies in the coming months, reinforcing its mandate to safeguard public resources and restore public trust.
