Liberian Government (Monrovia)
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
15 December 2008
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Over the past few months, there have been numerous media reports and commentaries on corruption in public service, some constructive and others bordering on perception and the historic suspicion of those in government’s service.
The government welcomes the determination of the media and other well-meaning citizens to join us as true partners in the fight against corruption.
Undoubtedly, our nation has been plagued with long standing plunder and systemic corruption throughout society, both in government and beyond. This is a reality we must face.
All if not most of our institutions of government inherited a corrupt and criminalized value system that are so entrenched that some seem irredeemable. Corruption has been a way of life in our recent past.
It seemed so much the normal thing to do then and there are those trying to continue it today. We must therefore approach this menace with a well-thought out strategy rather than an emotional and euphoric response that plays to the gallery of public sentiments.
Precisely because acts of corruption are not accepted by the policies of this Administration, corruption cases are being brought to light and thankfully people are talking about it. We also know that impunity has been a norm for a long time. This is why our policy of transparency has sought to ensure the full participation of our citizenry by promoting and disseminating information which requires our people to discuss issues and reports of corruption openly.
Many of us may have forgotten that it is precisely because of the wide spread organized theft, looting, pillage and plunder of the state/public resources, that eventually resulted into the NTGL agreeing to the need for co-signing arrangements under the Governance and Economic Management Program (GEMAP). This arrangement, which alarmed many as putting the country into receivership, was a direct consequence of the weak system and lack of control in managing public resources. This government has continued to work with and support this program as part of our commitment to improve transparency and accountability.
When this Administration took office and declared Corruption as Public Enemy Number 1, it sought to improve compensation levels to minimize vulnerabilities, to punish violators of the public trust through legal action, to ensure a transparent budget and financial reporting processes with the Legislature and the public exercising their specific roles, to restructure the civil service and establish proper internal auditing systems. Other measures aimed at enhancing national integrity (Governance Commission) include activating the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) and the General Auditing Commission (GAC). In the case of the GAC, we facilitated financial independence and supported the program of reorientation and strengthening. As a result, the GAC has not only unearthed corrupt practices but disclosed the lack of or major shortcomings in our financial management systems.
The Anti-Corruption Commission Act has been enacted into law, Commissioners appointed, and a draft Code of Conduct Act to govern the behaviors and actions of public servants is currently before the Legislature for enactment. Government has also taken important steps to ensure the enactment of the “Freedom of Information Act”, the Public Broadcasting Act” and “The Draft Corruption Offenses Act” which have been sent to the Legislature for enactment into law.
These Acts will enhance public access to information and the role of the media and their ability to influence public decision making, as well as the fight against corruption. A further development is the establishment of the Liberian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI), including the forestry sector, to ensure that all payments to, and revenues received by the Government, including all royalty and tax payments, by extractive industries are transparent and fully reported publicly. Liberia is the first country under the LEITI initiative to also include the forestry sector within this reporting framework.
As we have stated consistently since inauguration, the battle against corruption and for transparency has been joined. It is by no means going to be an easy one. Like every war, the enemy fights back with their ill-gotten wealth but our resolve to confront this public enemy number one is firm. We detest and will punish corruption whenever and wherever we can catch and prove it.
We have not failed to act when the evidence is clear. For example, based upon internal audits and investigations that show financial malpractices, we have suspended, or dismissed a County Superintendent, officials and staff of the Ministry of State, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, and lately the Central Bank. This is just to name a few. In the case of LEC, where improper conduct or lack of oversight responsibility were established, all non statutory members of the Board of Directors were dismissed.
Many of these cases have been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution and the Ministry has been asked to enlighten the public on the processes and the status of public prosecution.
The current state of disclosure suggests that the steps taken by Government are beginning to work, the management of our resources is improving and the dividends are there for the public to see. Increased revenues and a bigger budget each year is the most indicative measure to date. How else did we go from US$80 million during the NTGL to almost US$300 million this fiscal year? Are we satisfied with this? No. Could it be better? Yes. That is the goal of any government that intends to govern in an atmosphere of transparency and accountability.
More recently, the Executive has received audit reports from the General Auditing Commission. We have accepted these reports, commented on a few and held meetings with the Auditor General on the way forward. The reports are reviewed for action consistent with the findings and recommendations, but auditing processes also have established procedures which must be followed. There is no intention to protect anyone, only caution to protect the innocent. While taking appropriate independent Executive action, we will also support the Legislature in the public hearings which they intend to hold on the reports and we will publish the reports for the public to be fully informed.
Corruption which permeates the entire society is to a large extent the result of a number of contributing socio-economic and political factors and the absence of values. This malaise needs to be fought by all branches of the government by all leaders in the society and by the people as well. For example over the years, especially in our most recent past, it appears that impunity has been encouraged by judgments that have exonerated corrupt officials even when the evidence was overpowering. The Minister of Justice, in concert with the Chief Justice has been asked to look into measures that can be taken to put corruption cases on a fast track judicial system aimed at closure of pending cases extraordinarily faster than the normal judicial cycle. Public participation with active media involvement will be helpful to educate everyone on the judicial process to be developed.
We might also need to be reminded that there is a discernible pattern of noise in the media when particular cases on graft and plunder of state/public resources are brought before the courts for trial. The motive seems to drown the public with perception of active corruption today so as to divert attention from those being arraigned before court. It can be logically assumed that the noises and criticism come from those who encouraged and benefited from the inherited culture of impunity and governance by Presidential dictates.
The Executive welcomes the media’s role as a watchdog of society. We only ask that prudence is exercised in the reporting of allegations or facts. Such reports should logically be done based upon audit reports or investigations. The media is encouraged to consider, if it must be taken seriously, seeking the full story before accepting to report or publish stories. We welcome the fact that the media can be a true partner in the fight against corruption. But in doing so, we, including the media, must ensure that freedom is matched with responsibility.
In its last two meetings, the Cabinet reviewed and discussed systems of proper internal fiscal control. This followed the Cabinet Retreat in Kakata where discussions were held on the need for better performance and management of the people’s resources. It was decided that a reevaluation of all civil servants to meet requirements of the Civil Service Law will commence early next year. Although time is required for results from such measures, the Cabinet is resolved to meet these challenges head on as part of the reform effort.
In the code of conduct for public officials and the anti corruption act, the ways and manner to conduct government business and definition of corruption are spelt out. Do we require new robust measures such as new laws that make corruption a nonbailable crime and require the confiscation of assets until a court judgment is rendered? These are being discussed and reviewed by the Justice Ministry to ensure that we operate in a system of law and order. No witch hunt or recrimination or individual discretionary measures that will lead to abuse will be allowed.
We know that firing and prosecuting people may be crowd pleasing but this has to be done in a legal and timely manner not through pressure from any source, public or private, but consistent with what is right and in conformity with the law.
Notwithstanding, we must all realize that we need a complete overhaul, a robust reform of our entire governance system. We are working with the Governance Commission to do just that. Everyone must do his/her part to achieve this objective.
We will also not be deterred in our focus to push the development agenda recognizing that poverty reduction among our population impoverished over two decades is one of the most powerful weapons against corruption.
It is in recognition of this commitment and progress that the World Bank, in its 2008 “Control of Corruption” Governance Indicator, moved Liberia up 72 places from where it stood three years ago. Liberia was ranked 185th out of 206 countries on control of corruption in 2005. In 2006, when this administration took office, Liberia moved up 39 places in the rankings to 145th place, and in 2007 it moved up an additional 32 places to 113th in the world. In other words, in just two years Liberia moved up 72 places in the world rankings. This is the largest improvement by far over the last two years by any country in the world thus recognizing Liberia as one of the countries having made best progress in fighting corruption.
The indicators are not based on a single source or opinion, but rather on the combined results of a large number of surveys of citizens, business enterprises, and experts in countries around the world.
As I previously said, the war has just begun. We will not relent. We will fight corruption. Our resolve is unshakable. The public need not only to wait, watch and see, but to be good faith participants in our fight against corruption. In the end, Liberia will win.
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