Saturday, May 18, 2024–Tubmanburg, Bomi County – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has launched a Nationwide Education and Awareness Campaign simultaneously in Tubmanburg, Bomi County and Ganta, Nimba County.

The Nationwide Anti-Corruption Education and Awareness Campaign under the theme, “Strengthening the Rule of Law through Public Awareness on Enabling Anti-Corruption Legislation,” is funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Government of Luxemburg, and the Republic of Korea.

Through this initiative, the LACC aims to foster increased public engagement in a more concrete and sustained manner, enhancing knowledge and information sharing. The Commission also seeks to strengthen collaborations between the entity and the public, believing that such engagement will reinforce and enhance public confidence in the government.

At the official launch in Tubmanburg, Ms. Vivian Akoto, Executive Assistant to the Executive Chairperson of the LACC, delivered special remarks on behalf of the Chairperson. Ms. Akoto emphasized the detrimental impact of corruption, which undermines the institutional framework of good governance and impedes sustainable socio-political tranquillity and economic development in Liberia. She noted that due to the severe consequences of corruption, the people of Liberia have declared corruption as public enemy number one and resolved to combat and eradicate it.

The Nationwide Awareness Campaign aims to: increase citizens’ knowledge of the Amended LACC Act of 2022 and other anti-corruption legislations; enhance public perception and appreciation of the LACC’s mandate and activities and distribute over three thousand (3,000) copies of the amended and restated LACC Act of 2022.

Furthermore, alongside the amended and restated LACC Act of 2022, the Commission plans on distributing over one thousand (1,000) copies each of the Whistleblower Act and the Witness Protection Act. Additionally, the campaign aims to disseminate at least six thousand (6,000) copies of anti-corruption flyers and erect a minimum of two anti-corruption banners/ billboards at strategic locations to enhance visibility.

Through this initiative, the LACC anticipates improved citizens’ knowledge of the Amended LACC Act and other anti-corruption legislation, as well as enhanced public perception of the LACC’s mandate and activities by the end of the awareness campaign.

Representing the Superintendent of Bomi County, the County Administrative Officer, Mr. Alphonso Sherman, expressed overwhelming support for the presence of the LACC in the county, reaffirming the county’s readiness to join in the fight against corruption.

An overview of the New LACC Act, as well as the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Acts, were presented and discussed extensively, followed by a lively interactive questions and answers session. Participants at the event urged and advocated for the LACC to expand its public education and awareness initiatives within the county.

These participants represented various sectors, including the joint security, marketing association, the legal community, health and education sectors, religious community, intellectual centers, as well as students.

Meanwhile, reports emerging from the awareness launch in Ganta portrayed a resounding success.

During the event, Mr. Samuel Hardt, the Mayor of Gompa City, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption. Stressing the significance of such initiatives, the mayor extended a warm welcome to the campaign team and underscored the government’s readiness to support anti-corruption endeavors.

The question-and-answer session allowed participants to delve deeper into inquiries regarding the Whistleblower Act and Witness Protection Act. The session proved highly engaging, with the participants eager to grasp how these laws safeguard their interests and contribute to the fight against corruption.

Representatives from various sectors including the Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Teachers Union, Market Union, and other stakeholders delivered remarks. Each expressed acknowledgement of the crucial importance of combating corruption, starting with themselves. The representatives emphasized the necessity for collective action in eradicating corruption to ensure the nation’s continued progress.

The Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign in Ganta and Tubmanburg signified a notable stride towards cultivating a culture of integrity. The active involvement and commitment demonstrated by the LACC, and diverse stakeholders exemplify a united stance against corruption, laying a strong foundation for a more transparent and accountable society.