The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), in collaboration with UNDP and with funding support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), facilitated a three-day capacity-building workshop in Ganta, Nimba County.
The exercise brou8ght together local government officials from Bong, Lofa and Nimba counties.
The training was held from July 1 to 3, in Ganta, Nimba County, aimed at promoting ethical leadership by strengthening awareness of anti-corruption standards, enhancing transparency, and increasing accountability in public service delivery. LACC Executive Chairperson, Counselor Alexandra Zoe said, asset declaration is not just a matter of procedural compliance, but a reflection of integrity in public service. Zoe meanwhile, encouraged officials to view transparency and verification as central components of accountable governance. “This is more than a compliance measure; it is a mirror that reflects, who we are as public servants,” she said.
Cllr. Zoe urged officials to uphold the principles of integrity and accountability, adding: “By declaring our assets transparently, we affirm our integrity; by embracing verification; we demonstrate our commitment to accountability.”
She then encouraged participants to view the training as more than a mere obligation, describing it as a “call to action; to rise and to equip themselves with the tools, knowledge, and courage needed to lead with integrity.”
“We are here because we believe in something greater than ourselves. We believe in a country where leadership is not tainted by greed, but anchored in honor. We believe in communities where transparency is not just an idea, but a daily standard—giving each of us the power to make a difference.”
UNDP Liberia Deputy Resident Representative, Louis Kuukpen, recognized the workshop as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening subnational resilience against corruption.
Kuukpen underscored the critical role of collaboration among public institutions, civil society, and community stakeholders in fostering inclusive and responsive governance systems.
During the training session, more than 50 local government officials formally endorsed the country’s code of conduct for public officials.
This collective commitment followed a presentation led by Counselor Findley Karngar, Chairperson of the Office of the Ombudsman.
The Code of Conduct, enacted in 2014, establishes ethical standards and expectations for public officials. It is a foundational framework that fosters transparency, accountability, and integrity across government institutions.
The code addresses critical issues, including conflicts of interest, asset declaration requirements, and standards of professional conduct within public service.