Monrovia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has commissioned the office of the Ombudsman and those he appointed to the office at the Executive Mansion, calling for adherence to governance concerns and the promotion of responsible leadership.
"Today is a pivotal moment in our country's history as we proudly establish the Ombudsman, an essential institution dedicated to ensuring transparency, justice, and accountability within our Government," President Boakai declared. "This also provides a platform to address some of the most pressing governance concerns citizens have."
According to President Boakai, the establishment of the Ombudsman originates from Article 90(C) of the Liberian Constitution, which mandates a Code of Conduct for all public officials and employees. "The Ombudsman, an independent official, will investigate and address complaints against government agencies or institutions regarding violations of this code."
"The Ombudsman is expected, through his work, to ensure public officials are held to high ethical standards and accountable for their actions, promote fairness in the resolution of disputes, and help to promote good governance," Boakai emphasized.
"With the commissioning of this office, we are now in a better position to complete the process of ensuring public accountability. This milestone allows us to move forward with implementing a code of conduct, which is a crucial step in enhancing accountability and oversight in our institutions," he stated.
"While I agree that certain sections of the Code need to be expanded and amended to address current realities, we should still embrace the Code of Conduct to help us build a society where justice and integrity prevail, and the rule of law serves the people of Liberia with fairness," Boakai remarked.
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In a symbolic and unprecedented act, President Boakai became the first President in Liberia's history to publicly sign the Code of Conduct, urging all other officials to follow suit.
"Today, I will take that commitment further by being the first President in our nation's history to publicly sign the Code of Conduct. And in so doing, I challenge and urge all others to sign and uphold the Code of Conduct," he announced.
The President also reminded officials across the government to respect the laws by declaring their assets, underscoring the expectations of the Liberian people.
Meanwhile, the event, attended by government officials, diplomats, and civil society representatives, was a testament to the country's dedication to reform and accountability.
