The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has announced its intention to investigate allegations of off-budget expenditures by the Liberian government, which reportedly amount to US$15 million. Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, the Chairperson of the LACC, emphasized the seriousness of these allegations, asserting that if confirmed, such irregular spending could erode public trust in the government, disrupt fiscal discipline, and jeopardize the country’s financial integrity. Cllr. Zoe stated that the Commission is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation, involving critical stakeholders such as the Ministry of Finance and other oversight bodies, to ensure that the findings are credible and legally sound.
The investigation was prompted by revelations of budget manipulation, resulting from an inquiry by the 55th Legislature into alterations made to the 2024 National Budget. A Civil Society organization, the Civil Society Budget Platform, termed these alterations as a severe breach of public trust and indicated that two clerks of the Legislature were found culpable. The organization voiced concerns that if legislators manipulated the budget for personal or political gain, it would reflect a criminal act of corruption, undermining democratic governance and fiscal transparency in Liberia. Such actions not only contravene legal and ethical standards but also pose significant risks to the nation’s developmental objectives.
Harold Aidoo, the executive director of Integrity Watch Liberia and national convener of the Civil Society Budget Platform, expressed dismay over allegations of budget manipulation. He highlighted that such breaches of trust, particularly among the Legislature—an institution responsible for representing the people—endanger the integrity of Liberia’s democracy. According to Aidoo, budget tampering distorts national priorities, impedes resource distribution, and diminishes public confidence in governmental institutions while also fueling an environment prone to corruption due to a lack of accountability.
In addition, Aidoo cautioned that if these allegations are substantiated, they could hinder Liberia’s ability to attract international assistance, crucial for its economic revival. Emphasizing the Legislature’s central role in the allegations, he argued that it lacks the credibility to conduct an internal investigation effectively. To preserve public confidence, Aidoo has called upon the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to assume responsibility for leading the investigations. This recommendation aims to ensure that any examination of the alleged budget tampering is impartial and comprehensive, free from potential biases inherent in a self-investigation by the Legislature.
Cllr. Zoe reiterated LACC’s commitment to an independent investigation and urged stakeholders—including the media and the general public—to refrain from speculative commentary, allowing the investigation to unfold based on verified facts and evidence. She affirmed that if wrongdoing is discovered, the Commission will pursue legal actions, including the imposition of sanctions and possible prosecutions of those involved. Her remarks stressed the importance of upholding due process and transparency as cornerstones of good governance.
Ultimately, the ongoing investigation into alleged off-budget spending and budget manipulations signifies a critical moment for Liberia, as it grapples with issues of governance, corruption, and public accountability. The LACC’s proactive stance and the call for independent oversight reflect a growing awareness of the need for fiscal transparency and the maintenance of public trust in democratic institutions. The outcome of these investigations may have far-reaching implications for Liberia’s governance and its potential for economic stability and development, underscoring the necessity of diligent scrutiny of public financial management to foster a culture of integrity and accountability.
