The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UN-PBF), concluded a three-day capacity-building workshop for local government officials in Harper, Maryland County.

Participants were drawn from five southeastern counties: Maryland, Sinoe, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Grand Kru. The training aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of corruption—its various forms, root causes, and far-reaching impacts on governance, development, and community well-being.

Speaking on behalf of the LACC Executive Chairperson, Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, Vice Executive Chairperson, Hon. Ernest R. Hughes, emphasized the importance of ethical leadership.

“This session is more than just training, but an opportunity for each of you to become champions of accountability, integrity, and transparency. As local officials, you are the frontline of government interaction with the public. Your conduct shapes public trust, and therefore, integrity, professionalism, and responsiveness must remain central to your leadership,” Hughes stated.

He reaffirmed that the Commission’s work is anchored in the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance, values essential to democratic leadership and sustainable national development.

Representing UNDP, Mr. Trokon Bryant, Project Manager for the Social Accountability Project, reiterated UNDP’s commitment to promoting good governance and the rule of law.

Bryant highlighted that anti-corruption remains a priority under UNDP’s upcoming 2026–2030 Country Programme Document (CPD), which will focus on three key outcomes, including Human Capital Development, Economic and Environmental Sustainability, and Governance and Capacity Building. He assured continued support for initiatives that foster accountable leadership across Liberia.

Engagement and Feedback

During a session on the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Act, Cllr. Jerry DK. Garlawolu, Assistant Minister for Litigation at the Ministry of Justice, explained that whistleblowers are protected by law and that investigations based on protected disclosures must be completed within 30 days.

The presentation sparked active discussion. Participants from River Gee County raised concerns about the law’s implementation, alleging that the County Attorney had disclosed the identities of informants reporting drug-related activities, thereby compromising their safety. 

In response, River Gee Superintendent Hon. Mike Swengbe acknowledged the issue and assured participants that steps were being taken to address it.

This final training session, which convened approximately 65 participants, followed earlier workshops held in Ganta (Nimba County) and Buchanan (Grand Bassa County).

It aligns with LACC’s broader objective to equip local officials with the tools to identify and mitigate corruption risks while fostering collaboration among government, civil society, and anti-corruption institutions.

At the closing ceremony, participants received certificates of participation and expressed appreciation for the training, describing it as impactful, eye-opening, and highly educational.

Strengthening Partnerships

Through the joint efforts of LACC and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), local government officials from all 15 counties have now been empowered to lead with integrity, manage public resources responsibly, and promote a culture of accountability that goes beyond compliance.

Training sessions were facilitated by experts from the LACC, Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), Office of the Ombudsman, Ministry of Justice, civil society organizations, UNDP, MIA, and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP).

“We express our sincere appreciation to UNDP for making this public education and awareness session possible through its Social Accountability Project, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund,” said Hughes. “These sessions are part of a national effort to transform public service by investing in those who lead.”

UNDP Programme Associate Ms. Marzu Stubblefield Quaye commended participants for their active engagement and expressed confidence that they would apply the knowledge gained in their respective roles.

As part of its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP, through the Social Accountability Project under the Rule of Law and Governance pillar, continues to advance SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 

This underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to drive innovative development, particularly in countries like Liberia.

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