The NEWS (Monrovia)
George Bardue
10 March 2008
Monrovia — As corruption remains a daily routine in public and private places across Liberia, a startling revelation has been made by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf pointing to various sectors of society where corruption is endemic.
President Johnson-Sirleaf says corruption is real in churches, media, civil society, government and other domestic places, and called for collaborative efforts to combat this social problem.
She spoke Friday at the formal launch of the Corporate Governance & Forensic Solutions, Inc. (CGFS) in Monrovia.
Although the President did not state in emphatic term the level of corruption in churches, media and other sectors of the Liberian society, however, her statement seems to suggest that she is gradually losing the battle against corruption.
In her inaugural speech two years ago, President Sirleaf declared corruption as "Public Enemy # 1", stressing that she would deal with officials and other individuals caught in the web of corruption.
However, members of the civil society believe that the President's corruption fight is part of a political jargon often used rhetorical to portray her as being serious.
According to President Sirleaf, CGFS will be involved in fraud prevention, detection and deterrence and would provide services of white collar crime investigations, forensic accounting and investigations, among others.
In line with the objectives of CGFS, President Johnson-Sirleaf noted that corruption weakens the ability of society to ensure checks and balances adding, "Even in the richest country in the world, corruption remains a problem."
She indicated that corruption has widespread economic and social effects as well as depletes public wealth thereby hindering the development of fair markets and destroying competition.
Although the President did not name a particular institution, but observed that accountable political leadership can not govern in a corrupt climate.
"Corruption generates frustration and weakens civil society. Officials misuse power for private gains when institutions checks on power are missing," she said.
President Johnson-Sirleaf believes that fight against corruption requires a multiple approach with accountability and transparency being the key.
She noted that strong economic policy can help to fight corruption in every sector of society.
She also stated that civil society, political leaders, churches, media institutions have major roles to play in the fight against corruption by ensuring that public resources are not used for private gains.
She acknowledged that officials received bribes to under-value transactions and inflict allowances for kick-backs.
"Corruption distorts the rule of law and undermines societal development. Some sell assets, magistrates make questionable judicial decisions for kick-backs," Johnson-Sirleaf said amidst applause.
She added that her government required the declaration of assets, but failed to follow it to the letter, hoping that the Legislature would pass into law a Code of Conduct Act now before that august body.
She reiterated that corruption still exists in her administration evidenced by the prosecution of past and current officials.
"We need better system of accountability and transparency. We need qualified financial practitioners. We need media watchdogs that are effective and responsible," Johnson-Sirleaf stressed.
She said the CGFS was needed in Liberia to help detect fraud, adding that her government will support any endeavor undertaken by the anti-fraud group.
Earlier, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Corporate Governance & Forensic Solutions, Theo Dekonty Joseph, said economic crimes have increased in recent years where public servants take kick-backs.
He pointed out that occupational fraud and abuse were widespread and if his organization must help to stop it, they have to be sophisticated.
"Fraud is a growing problem, despite attempts to fight it. We need strong regulations, procedures and laws to fight fraud," Mr. Joseph emphasized.
He noted that he embarked on the establishment of the organization to support government's policy against fraud.
"Fraud remains the most problematic issues in our country. We urge the government to prioritize anti-fraud," he said.
He assured that his organization will conduct investigations with honesty, high ethical standards and comply with the code of conduct.
Joseph wants appropriate steps to be taken to minimize fraud in the Liberian society.
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