Although, overall, corruption clearly remains a serious challenge in the public sector, Transparency International's (TI) 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that Liberia is making progress in the fight against corruption. According to the report, Liberia ranks 13th in 2009, out of 47 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa compared, to its 30th place showing in 2008, an improvement of about 13 places. This means Liberia improved its ranking 42 places, at number 97 out of 180 among the world's ranking of countries, compared to 138 out 180 in 2008.

The report states that "in Liberia, the post-conflict government has received international recognition for its efforts to stamp out corruption." However, it continues, "recent scandals affecting government procurement and financial management, and the perception that too many government officials are political appointees, continue to undermine transparency, accountability and public trust in the political leadership."

The Government of Liberia recognizes that with corruption being perceived as pervasive in the country, this indicates that it remains a serious threat to the development agenda and undermines chances of achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Increasing the risk that scarce funds earmarked for social spending are lost, misused or misallocated, the Government acknowledges that corruption could impede progress in its Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).

This year's improvement in Liberia's position in the Corruption Perceptions Index is a result of the sound policy measures the Government has instituted over the past three years to improve transparency and accountability mechanisms in public procurement and financial management, and the auditing of public institutions with the full backing of the President and Government of Liberia.

With Government taking steps to tackle corruption in Liberia, it is now clear that there is a renewed commitment to implement anti-corruption reforms and legislation and to introduce preventative measures, including education programs. This will help to restore public trust and contribute to a reduction in the levels of corruption throughout the country.