In a bold move aimed at enforcing ethical standards in public service, the Office of the Ombudsman has sanctioned several senior government officials, including Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah and Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Managing Director Amos Tweh, for violating the nation’s Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
The decision, announced by Ombudsman Chairman, Cllr. Finely Kangar, followed a sweeping investigation into reports of unauthorized political activities carried out during official working hours and misuse of government assets, particularly vehicles.
Each official has been fined US$1,000 for what the Ombudsman termed “unauthorized participation in political activities while on duty” and “improper use of state resources.”
Other officials named in the action include Lucia Massalee Yallah, Emmanuel Zorh, Jr., Atty. Cornelia Kruah-Togba, Whroway Bryant, Emmanuel K. Farr, Ambassador Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh, Ben A. Fofana, Patience Randall, Edmund Forh, Selena P. Mappy, Melvin Cephus, Lucia Tarpeh, Robert Bestman, James Yolei, Collins Tamba, Kansualism B. Kansuah, and Cllr. Kuku Y. Dorbor.
Cllr. Kangar said the officials were found to have participated in partisan activities and political rallies without first resigning their posts or obtaining approved leave, as required under Part V of the Code of Conduct.
“This is not just about fines,” Cllr. Kangar emphasized. “It is about accountability and sending a strong message that public officials must act in the interest of the Liberian people, not political agendas.”
The Code of Conduct, enacted to safeguard neutrality and professionalism within the civil service, bars appointed officials from engaging in political activities while still serving in government, unless they resign or are granted a leave of absence.
The Ombudsman’s Office said the sanctions are intended to serve as a deterrent and help restore public confidence in the nation’s governance systems.
As of press time, none of the sanctioned officials had issued a formal response to the penalties.
However, sources within the Executive Mansion indicate that the administration is under mounting pressure to crack down on ethical breaches and set a new tone for governance.
“This is just the beginning,” Cllr. Kangar warned. “More heads will roll. We are committed to ensuring that every official respects the rule of law and the authority of the Ombudsman.”
The crackdown comes at a crucial time as Liberia enters a period of political transition, with citizens increasingly demanding transparency, accountability, and good governance from their leaders. By Amos Harris