Tienni, Grand Cape Mount County and Gbarnga City, Bong County—The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has initiated a three-day training workshop across Tienni in Grand Cape Mount County and Gbarnga City in Bong County. This workshop is part of the project “Empowering Citizens and Communities to Foster Social Accountability and Transparency in Governance and Public Service Delivery,” funded by the Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by UNDP, UN Women, and Integrity Watch Liberia (IWL).

The project aims to enhance the ability of citizens and communities to collaborate with both national and local authorities to ensure accountability and equitable service delivery. It focuses on improving governance transparency and accountability, thereby ensuring that public services meet citizens’ needs effectively.

In Tienni, Grand Cape Mount County, the District Commissioner of Tewor District, Hon. Aaron B. Sambolah, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Superintendent of Grand Cape Mount County. He expressed his pleasure at hosting the LACC and anticipated future cooperation with the Commission.

Dr. Miatta Jeh, Acting Oversight Commissioner of the Education and Prevention Department, opened the workshop with a keynote address. She reminded participants of their rights to essential services such as electricity, running water, and education—services that are often withheld due to corruption. Dr. Jeh encouraged citizens to support the LACC’s anti-corruption efforts to foster accountability and transparency.

Mr. Amara Kanneh, UNDP M&E Specialist, provided an overview of the project, outlining its objectives some of which includes: (1) increasing citizen awareness of anti-corruption mechanisms and accountability frameworks, (2) educating the public on laws, policies, and processes related to preventing and addressing corruption, (3) informing citizens about their rights and responsibilities regarding government transparency and integrity, and (4) collaborating with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including women’s groups, to enhance outreach and credibility in local communities.

James Kingsley, LACC Program Manager for Education and Prevention, presented an overview of the LACC and its four departments.

While in Gbarnga City, Bong County, Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, Executive Chairperson of the LACC, officially launched the training. She emphasized the urgent and comprehensive nature of the fight against corruption, urging participants to report corruption actively to the LACC. Cllr. Zoe highlighted recent indictments of former public officials and signaled that further actions are expected. She also stressed the need for accountability among CSOs regarding donor funding.

Hon. Lola Hawa Norris, Superintendent of Bong County, welcomed the LACC team and highlighted the importance of combating corruption for national development. She noted that holding past officials accountable serves as a deterrent to current officials, ensuring they fulfill their responsibilities with integrity.

Mr. Emmanuel Kollie, the Civil Society Coordinator, thanked the participants and encouraged them to become anti-corruption ambassadors in their communities, emphasizing that this effort is a collective responsibility.

The day ended with a training session led by Mr. John E. Tommy, LACC’s Prevention Officer, who provided an overview of the Commission and engaged in a detailed discussion on corruption concepts.