MONROVIA – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) held a one-day “Anti-Corruption Policy Dialogue” funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
By: Blamo N. Toe/Contributing Writer
The dialogue took place on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Monrovia under the theme: “Increasing Funding for Anti-Corruption Efforts, Benefits, and Recommended Actions.”
CENTAL Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen praised the Swedish Government and other local and international partners for their collaboration with anti-corruption institutions, civil society organizations, and the national government in combating corruption.
Miamen highlighted Liberia’s historical struggle with corruption and emphasized the need to strengthen anti-graft institutions financially to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
The dialogue aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the national budget as a tool for anti-corruption initiatives and reforms. It also aimed to facilitate evidence-based discussions and information sharing among stakeholders regarding the state, importance, and benefits of anti-corruption financing in Liberia.
Miamen emphasized the importance of mobilizing stakeholders’ support for increased budgetary allocations to anti-corruption efforts and initiatives.
He stressed the need for citizens to engage with the government to allocate more funds for anti-corruption endeavors.
In his remarks, Speaker of the 55th National Legislature, Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa pledged legislative support for accountability and transparency measures.
He acknowledged the challenges in combating corruption, especially when involving close connections, but affirmed the legislature’s commitment to enact necessary changes.
Koffa endorsed CENTAL’s call for increased government funding for integrity institutions.
Representative of Grand Kru County Electoral District #2 advocated for a domestic revenue audit to uncover hidden deals hindering national progress.
He proposed empowering the Public Accounts Committees of both houses to oversee the audit process.
Koffa emphasized citizen responsibility in fighting corruption and urged collective action to address accountability issues.
Madam Nikolina Stalhand, Program Director at the Embassy of Sweden, commended CENTAL for organizing the dialogue and acknowledged the attendance of key members of the 55th National Legislature and integrity institutions.
She underscored the urgent need for anti-corruption efforts and urged the Liberian government and citizens to prioritize transparency and accountability to foster development and improve governance.
Stalhand called for increased support and empowerment of integrity institutions through appropriate budget allocations.