The Inquirer (Monrovia)
Morrison O.G. Sayon
12 December 2008
United States Ambassador to Liberia, Linda Thomas-Greenfield has sounded out that corruption still remains one of the major challenges confronting the rebuilding process of Liberia.
Speaking yesterday at the National Investment Commission where she paid a courtesy call on the National Investment Commission Chairman, Dr. Richard V. Tolbert, Amb. Thomas-Greenfield said in order to move the nation ahead in its reconstruction drive, Liberians must make corruption a thing of the past.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield's call comes in the wake of persistent reports of massive corruption being reported in the Unity Party-led government headed by a US-trained Liberian Economist, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
The recent audit that was conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) indicted several ministries and agencies of government of stealing millions of dollars from the coffers of the Liberian government while thousands of ordinary Liberians continue to languish in abject poverty.
Several Liberians including civil society organizations in the country have persistently called on President Sirleaf to live up to her campaign promise by ensuring that those entangled in the audit report be persecuted.
On the other hand, some officials of government strongly argued that the GAC is accountable to the National Legislature and therefore, that august body must first of all peruse the document before recommending any action against those linked to corruption in the GAC report.
In a brief chat with senior staff of the NIC, following a brief meeting with Dr. Tolbert, Amb. Greenfield reminded Liberians that there are still lots of challenges confronting Liberia, a country that is just emerging from a devastating civil unrest that destroyed every fabric of the nation. She noted, "Liberian is making a tremendous progress in its reconstruction effort because of the kind of President you have, but do not allow corruption to impede your progress."
She was quick to note that her government is watching activities that are ongoing in the country and reaffirmed the United States government's continuous assistance to Liberia. Amb. Greenfield then declared, "Though we applaud the rapid efforts that are being made, we must also be realistic that there are still lots of challenges facing the nation.
She then stressed the need for every Liberian child to be educated and that people must go back on the farm so that Liberia can be self-sufficient in the area of food production as was done in the past. "As we rebuild, people must go back to the farm to help in producing food as agriculture is one of the major pillars of the Poverty Reduction Strategic (PRS)
The US Ambassador also reiterated programs and policy of her government intended to assist Liberia as she moves towards the rebuilding process.
Earlier, NIC Chairman, Dr. Tolbert said an economic forum that was held some times last year in the US has benefited Liberia in a significant ways. Dr. Tolbert said the forum is making huge contribution to the growth of the nation's economy; thus, generating several millions investments. He then lauded the US government for its continuous support to the growth and reconstruction of war-ravaged Liberia.
Dr. Tolbert informed the US Ambassador that some of the responsibilities of the commission include attracting investment, and supporting domestic private sector.
The NIC boss then presented copies of the Investment Guide and Christmas Cards to Amb. Greenfield as a sign of appreciation to the US government.
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