NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has intensified calls for the swift establishment of a Specialized National Anti-Corruption Court following alarming findings contained in a recent audit report by the General Auditing Commission (GAC).
By: Kabina S. Kabah – kabinaskabah98@gmail.com
Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia on Wednesday, CENTAL Executive Director Anderson Miamen described the proposed court as a critical step toward strengthening accountability and ending the culture of impunity surrounding corruption in Liberia.
Mr. Miamen praised the government and the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for collaborating with stakeholders to draft the legislation.
“The establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Court is a move in the right direction,” he said. “When established, the court will help address longstanding challenges relating to corruption and other related offences.”
CENTAL’s renewed push comes after the GAC uncovered major discrepancies in government revenue management.
According to the audit report, revenues totaling US$257,512,276 and L$23,633,186,485 deposited into transitory bank accounts could not be traced to the General Revenue Account.
The audit also reported unauthorized withdrawals amounting to US$59,786.14 and L$55,773.87 from the same accounts.
CENTAL said the revelations raise serious concerns about transparency and the management of public resources.
“We are deeply concerned by these findings,” Mr. Miamen stated. “They highlight the urgent need to strengthen transparency and accountability in the collection, preservation, and management of the country’s financial resources.”
The organization is urging the Joint Public Accounts Committee of the Legislature to conduct open and comprehensive hearings into the audit findings and ensure that individuals responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable.
CENTAL further called on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), the Ministry of Justice, and other anti-graft institutions to launch thorough investigations into the alleged abuses and financial discrepancies identified in the report.
The group also wants the government to provide regular public updates on the implementation of audit recommendations and measures being taken to safeguard state revenues.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), and the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) have welcomed the GAC findings and pointed to ongoing reforms aimed at improving accountability and transparency in revenue collection and reporting systems.
CENTAL acknowledged the reform efforts but argued that they are largely focused on preventing future irregularities rather than addressing alleged past abuses.
“We urge the Legislature to hold timely and inclusive hearings to pass the bill and adequately fund the long-awaited National Anti-Corruption Court through the national budget,” Mr. Miamen added.
CENTAL pledged to continue working with the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Courts, the Legislature, the Executive Branch, and other partners to ensure the establishment of the court.
