CONGO TOWN, Monrovia – Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has issued a cautionary warning about the state of governance in Liberia, raising concerns about corruption and calling for stronger legislative oversight to safeguard public resources.
Speaking during a radio interview, Sirleaf reflected on the anti-corruption framework established during her administration, while suggesting that current efforts may be falling short of expectations.
Concerns Over Weakening Accountability Systems
Sirleaf pointed to what she described as a decline in the effectiveness of integrity institutions, stressing that while corruption has long been a challenge, the mechanisms to combat it must remain robust and independent.
“We are the ones who established many of these integrity institutions and ensured they had independence,” she said. “But corruption has always remained a problem, and we need to see stronger effort on the part of the legislature.”
She emphasized that institutions such as auditing bodies and procurement authorities must be empowered to function without political interference, warning that weak enforcement erodes public trust.
Call for Transparency and Evidence-Based Action
The former President urged authorities to prioritize transparency and due process, noting that public discourse around corruption should be grounded in facts rather than speculation.
“We must ensure that audits are conducted and made public so that people can see what is happening,” she stated. “And when wrongdoing is proven, the law must take its course.”
Sirleaf cautioned against sensationalizing corruption allegations without evidence, arguing that such practices undermine credibility and distract from meaningful reform.
Economic Consequences of Corruption
Beyond governance, Sirleaf warned that corruption poses a direct threat to Liberia’s economic prospects, including foreign investment and international credibility.
“If corruption continues, Liberia loses the benefit of support and foreign capital investment,” she said. “It limits what we can achieve as a country.”
She noted that misuse of national resources weakens the country’s ability to leverage its natural endowments for development.
Shared Responsibility for Reform
Sirleaf stressed that tackling corruption is not solely the responsibility of government but requires a collective national effort, beginning with leadership at the highest levels.
“This effort has to start from the President himself and extend to all of us,” she said. “We must teach honesty in our schools and communities and ensure that our systems work.”
She also commended the role of the media in highlighting governance issues but urged journalists to maintain professionalism and rely on verified information.
A Call to Reset Governance Priorities
The former President concluded by calling for a renewed commitment to accountability, transparency, and institutional strengthening.
“We must not lose the gains we made,” she said. “Liberia must stay on the path of accountability and responsible governance.”
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