The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Participated in a One-Day Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Proposed Amendments to the Witness Protection Act of 2021 and the Whistleblower Act of 2021

The engagement, convened by the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Witness Protection Agency (WPA), brought together representatives of civil society organizations, the media, development partners, integrity institutions, and government agencies at Monrovia City Hall.

Held under the theme, “Strengthening Protection Mechanisms for Witnesses, Whistleblowers, and Victims: Advancing Liberia’s Anti-Corruption and Transitional Justice Commitments,” the engagement sought to gather stakeholders’ input on proposed legislative reforms to strengthen legal protections for witnesses, whistleblowers, and victims while enhancing Liberia’s anti-corruption and transitional justice framework.

Delivering the keynote address, Cllr. Oswald Tweh emphasized that effective justice depends on the willingness of ordinary citizens to come forward with truthful information without fear of retaliation. The Minister alsoo noted that the proposed amendments seek to strengthen witness and whistleblower protection by establishing a Victim, Witness, and Whistleblower Trust Fund, supported through an annual national budget allocation of US$1 million. Cllr. Tweh also called on civil society organizations, the media, legal professionals, and human rights advocates to provide constructive input before the draft legislation is submitted to the Legislature.

Speaking on behalf of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, the Executive Assistant to the Executive Chairperson, Madam Vivian S. Akoto delivered a statement on behalf of the Executive Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe. In the statement, the Commission reaffirmed its strong support for the proposed amendments, noting that fear of retaliation remains one of the greatest barriers preventing witnesses and whistleblowers from reporting corruption.

She further emphasized that many corruption investigations begin because courageous citizens choose integrity over silence, often at significant personal risk and also welcomed the proposed reforms, including stronger confidentiality, enhanced legal protections, incentives for reporting wrongdoing, tougher penalties for retaliation, and modern digital protection mechanisms, describing them as critical steps toward strengthening Liberia’s anti-corruption architecture.

She further elaborated hat the fight against corruption requires sustained collaboration among investigative institutions, prosecutors, the judiciary, civil society organizations, the media, development partners, and the Liberian people.

Recognizing Liberia’s obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), she noted that strengthening domestic witness and whistleblower protection laws demonstrates the country’s commitment to international standards while reinforcing public confidence in the rule of law.

In Concluding statement, Ms. Akoto reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working closely with the Witness Protection Agency, the Ministry of Justice, and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen systems that encourage citizens to report corruption without fear.