By George S. Tengbeh
In a functioning democracy like Liberia, the principle of accountability must be more than a slogan; it must be a lived reality. In Liberia, the 2014 Code of Conduct, grounded in Article 90 of the 1986 Constitution, was enacted to bring integrity to public service. It outlines clear behavioral standards for all government officials, from ministers to mid-level appointees.
Particularly, Section 5.1 prohibits appointees from engaging in political activities such as campaigning for elective office or misusing state resources for partisan purposes. Similarly, Section 5.8 speaks to conflicts of interest, requiring public officials to act ethically and without personal bias.
When government workers sign this Code, alongside the Performance Bond, they make a formal, legal promise to uphold these values.
But laws, no matter how well-written, mean little unless enforced. That is why the Office of the Ombudsman exists and was seen as a priority for the sake of good governance in our modern or emerging democracy. Tasked with investigating violations of the Code and recommending sanctions, the Ombudsman serves as a crucial check against abuse of office.
Its independence is key to ensuring that no official, regardless of political influence, is above scrutiny. These procedures must be upheld with punishment by law.
In late 2024, several officials came under the Ombudsman’s radar for allegedly violating these ethical standards. The investigation drew from verified reports submitted by the National Elections Commission (NEC), formal complaints by concerned citizens and political actors, and testimony presented before the Legislature. The Ombudsman concluded that several individuals breached Sections 5.1 and 5.8 of the Code.
In February 2025, the Supreme Court of Liberia upheld not only the legality of the Code but also the procedural integrity of the Ombudsman’s findings. This judicial affirmation should have been the green light for swift presidential action. However, to date, there has been silence from the Executive Mansion.
The Significance of the Ombudsman in Good Governance
Across the world, Liberia included, ombudsman institutions play a vital role in strengthening transparency and enhancing trust between citizens and the state. These are not symbolic offices; they exist to ensure the government acts within the confines of the law. In Liberia, unfortunately, the Ombudsman has often been undermined by weak enforcement and insufficient political will. That must change.
To improve governance and rebuild public confidence, the role of the Ombudsman should be expanded and fully supported. The code of conduct and other research on good governance have shown us how:
- Enforcement Power: The Ombudsman should not be limited to making recommendations—it should be given authority to trigger disciplinary proceedings through the Civil Service Agency, Public Service Commission, or directly through Presidential action.
- Financial Independence: Its budget must be shielded from political interference and controlled by law to allow it to act without fear or favor.
- Legal Backing for Whistleblowers: The Ombudsman should be legally empowered to protect individuals who expose misconduct within government.
- Civic Awareness Campaigns: Public education on ethical service and the powers of the Ombudsman would improve compliance across ministries, agencies, and commissions.
- Annual Reporting: The office should submit annual public integrity reports to the Legislature with names of violators, actions taken, and progress made.
An empowered Ombudsman does not weaken the Executive; it strengthens the entire democratic system by ensuring no public official is exempt from accountability. Liberians were happy when the president appointed the head of the Ombudsman.
However, the president’s refusal to provide political will or urging the executive to support the functions of the Ombudsman leaves Liberians in panic.
Why President Boakai Must Take Action
The President of the Republic holds the highest office in the land, and his actions set the tone for every arm of government. President Boakai must act not because it is politically convenient, but because it is legally and morally right.
First, failure to act would send a dangerous message that signing the Code of Conduct is merely a formality, a checkbox with no consequences. This undermines efforts to promote a culture of accountability in government and suggests a tolerance for lawlessness within the public sector.
Second, Liberia cannot afford another cycle of public disillusionment. Citizens are already skeptical of politicians who make bold promises and then disappear behind walls of bureaucracy. Acting on the Ombudsman’s report would help bridge the growing gap between the government and the governed.
Third, this is not merely a domestic issue; it is a matter of international concern. Development partners, multilateral lenders, and potential investors pay close attention to how Liberia manages internal affairs. A government that ignores its own Code of Conduct sends a clear message: business as usual is still the order of the day.
International Lessons Liberia Should Learn From many other countries practicing good governance.
Liberia is not the first country to grapple with enforcing ethical standards. But elsewhere, ombudsman offices have become instrumental in defending democratic principles.
- South Africa’s Public Protector: When Jacob Zuma used state funds for personal home improvements in Nkandla, the Public Protector investigated and exposed the abuse. The South African Constitutional Court later ruled in favor of the Public Protector, forcing the President to repay the money. It was a bold example of institutional accountability triumphing over political power.
- Nigeria’s Public Complaints Commission (PCC): Though often underfunded, the PCC has resolved thousands of citizen complaints ranging from delayed pensions to abuse of office. It is a forum where ordinary Nigerians can seek redress without hiring a lawyer or knowing a minister.
- Malawi’s Ombudsman: In a case involving mismanagement of a fertilizer subsidy program, the Ombudsman of Malawi uncovered systemic fraud, resulting in the dismissal of high-ranking officials and a comprehensive policy review.
- Scandinavian Countries: Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have some of the most respected ombudsman systems in the world. These institutions are not just advisory bodies—they command real authority and are widely trusted by the public. Their influence ensures that even the smallest infraction is investigated and corrected.
Liberia can follow this path, not by copying, but by adapting these lessons to our context. This path will only be enforced if the people of Liberia assemble to constructively demand that their government do the right thing in the event the government is relunctant. Article 17 of the Constitution of Liberia supports the people.
The Role of the People in Demanding Change
Ultimately, democracy is sustained not just by institutions, but by the people who demand that they work. The Liberian people must not remain spectators. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, student unions, traditional leaders, and professional associations must unite in urging the President to act on the Ombudsman’s recommendations.
Citizens must ask:
- Why are officials allowed to violate laws they swore to uphold?
- Why should public servants enjoy impunity when ordinary citizens face arrest for lesser infractions?
- Why should our leaders sign Codes of Conduct and Performance Bonds if they are never held accountable?
This is a time for civic awakening. The people must make it known that leadership is not about friendship, partisanship, or personal loyalty; it is about integrity, transparency, and service to the nation.
A Historic Opportunity for President Boakai
President Boakai has spoken frequently of his desire to restore integrity in public service. Here is an opportunity to show that those were not empty words. By taking decisive action, he would not only support a legitimate constitutional process, but he would also leave a legacy of leadership rooted in principle, not personality.
Failing to act would damage his credibility and cast doubt on his administration’s commitment to reform. It would also weaken the very institutions his government needs to succeed. In contrast, a firm stance would boost public morale, reassure development partners, and demonstrate to future leaders that Liberia is serious about accountability.
My supposition is in good faith because I love my country and want to see the best of our government.
Liberia is at a crossroads. We can continue on the path of selective justice, institutional neglect, and broken promises. Or we can choose to build a nation where the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of political affiliation or social status.
The Office of the Ombudsman has done its part. The Supreme Court has validated its process.
Now, the President must lead.
For democracy to thrive, the Executive must respect the recommendations of oversight bodies. For integrity to flourish, violations must be punished. And for Liberia to move forward, its people must rise and demand justice.
The time to act is now.
