By: Rufus S. Berry II: Liberia's Long History of Corruption, Facilitated by Citizens that Turn a Blind Eye on the Government

Liberia's Long History of Corruption, Facilitated by Citizens that Turn a Blind Eye on the Government

By: Rufus S. Berry II

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Since the founding of the nation, the republic of Liberia has been a place where government officials can enrich themselves at the public’s expense with absolute immunity. When this kind of reputation lives on for so long, many in government start thinking that taking a bribe is acceptable. Even the public begins to buy into the deception believing, “If they can steal our money and build huge houses, and no one is held accountable, we too can do it too.” The typical saying in Liberia
is, "Everyone does it and has always done it.” There is a long history of corruption, facilitated by citizens that turn a blind eye on the government.

National sentiment against the current government is strong because corruption in the current administration is embarassingly out of control. Failed officials have been recycled. Leaders were appointed that add no value to their position.

Take a look at Frances Johnson-Morris, who served as Minster of Justice, a position where she could have fought hard against corruption. But she didn't. Then she was appointed Minster of Commerce but made no worthwhile contributions in that post. Now she has been appointed to head the Anti-Corruption Commission. Isn't this the same Frances Johnson-Morris who suggested that the Unity Party government is lacking
the political will to fight corruption, in a recent United Nations
panel of experts report on Liberia? The administration is becoming a major embarrassment, at the IMF, World Bank and the White House.

Frances Johnson-Morris

Then there is the case of the important corruption trial involving former transitional leader Gyude Bryant, Edwine Snowe and others. All were indicted by a grand jury in Liberia.
President Johnson Sirleaf thought it was acceptable to make an official public visit to Mr. Bryant, in the midst of the trial. Can you imagine if the United States President paid a visit to the home of an indicted government official in the midst of his criminal trial – it would never happen. Such a visit shows extremely poor judgement, in that it will likely affect the fair outcome of the trial.

These same elected officials and government appointees that participated in corrupt dealings, were asked to create “ethics reform” statutes. These same officials were then asked to appoint the enforcers of anti-corruption laws – what irony. These officials have no incentive to root out corruption, when it is the very system that enables them to enrich themselves. In step with her previous actions, the President responded with excuses for the lack of reform.

It is a grave disappointment to hear the President say, Corruption is a reality we must face.” Not too long ago, the President and some members of her inner circle raised funds for Charles Taylor, so that he could bring about the forceful and unconstitutional removal of the Late Samuel K. Doe. This was done in the name of stamping out “massive corruption”. But now, they themselves, are just as corrupt as members of the Doe administration. Like Doe, President Johnson Sirleaf is welcomed outside Liberia but loathed at home, for presiding over a corrupt and morally bankrupt society.

The President is unable to lead effectively, and act in the interest of the Liberian people. Ordinary Liberians are beginning to grumble. They say that the President is overly reliant on foreign expertise. There is a lack of vision, indecisiveness, and fear of radical change. The president's loyalty to friends and associates is at the expense of the nation.

The problem stems from entrenched graft and nepotism. Liberia
functions like a small town where everyone in government knows everybody. Many people are related to each other. There is an, "I'll stroke your back, if you stroke mine," mentality. We need a strong and forceful leader to oversee and end misuse of taxpayer’s dollars.

US Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield issued a harsh warning to President Johnson-Sirleaf's administration. “We can’t help Liberia if Liberians are not helping themselves, if they are not putting forth the kind of plan that we can see, the willingness of self help must come from Liberians.” Ambassador Greenfield’s boss, United States Secretary of States, Hilary Clinton went further to say that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf might not have the political will to combat corruption with her administration.

Former US President George Bush in Liberia

International partners are demanding more accountability and transparency, as a precondition for escalated donor support to Liberia. This was expressed when former U.S. former President George W. Bush stated that his government does not give money to governments that steal from their people. President Bush pledged US $698 million in aid to the republic of Tanzania,
a reward for its transparency, and accountability to its citizens.
However, he contributed only US $1 million toward chairs and books to the republic of Liberia. That should have been a wake up call for action.

The following measures must be taken to root out corruption in Liberia:

In the spirit of transparency, the administration needs to report the title and salary of every member of the Executive Mansion
staff, cabinet ministers, deputies, and heads of government agencies, along with their deputies. Also, the salary and title of every civil servant making US $50,000 or more should be reported.

Every cabinet minister, their deputies, heads of government agencies, their deputies, and every civil servant making US $50,000 or more must declare their net worth annually. This should also include their spouses. This declaration must be made under oath at the risk of perjury, if one is dishonest.

All government related travel expenses should be reconciled to their receipts.

Empower the National Security Agency to carry out undercover operations to catch criminals and corrupt officials both elected and appointed in corrupt practices.

Make the General Auditing Commission an autonomous agency that reports and makes recommendations to the legislative branch of government, not the executive branch. The Anti-Corruption Commission should be part of the General Auditing Commission, and this should be the investigative arm
of the legislative branch.

All Liberians who believe in transparency, accountability, and rule of law have a moral duty to speak out. We need to realize that public office is not to be used to enrich individuals at the expense of the general citizenry. We must live by principle. Otherwise, we as a nation will have no safety, no progress, no patriotism, and no trust in the government. In 2011, the people of Liberia will be wise to choose someone who understands how to be an effective, transparent, honest and accountable leader in the 21st century.

About the author:

Rufus S. Berry II, (former President of the Liberian Community Association of Northern California - LCANC) a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area (Northern California), and the author of many articles including: “Madam President your People are Angry: Corruption in your administration must end”, " Liberia's National Security Alert: President Johnson-Sirleaf's Government Needs Discipline to Stay the Course", and Ban Smoking in Public Venues Now,.


He can be reached at: rufus_berry@yahoo.com or (510) 393-1825.

rberry wrote:

..........administration needs to report the title and salary of every member of the Executive Mansion staff, cabinet ministers, deputies, and heads of government agencies, along with their deputies. Also, the salary and title of every civil servant making US $50,000 or more should be reported. AGREE

Every cabinet minister, their deputies, heads of government agencies, their deputies, and every civil servant making US $50,000 or more must declare their net worth annually. This should also include their spouses. This declaration must be made under oath at the risk of perjury, if one is dishonest.
AGREE partially. YOu cannot and should not compel the spouse of a public servant to disclose his/her private financial information. If you were to become Min. of Finance, it is none of the people's business what your wife does for a living and how much she earns. With the other measures in place that you've recommended, sufficient transparency will exist to ensure that you and other public servants remain honest.

All government related travel expenses should be reconciled to their receipts. Guess I assumed this was happneing already!

Empower the National Security Agency to carry out undercover operations to catch criminals and corrupt officials both elected and appointed in corrupt practices. This is not a NSA function. Perhaps the MOJ.

Make the General Auditing Commission an autonomous agency that reports and makes recommendations to the legislative branch of government, not the executive branch. The Anti-Corruption Commission should be part of the General Auditing Commission, and this should be the investigative arm
of the legislative branch. Linking the GAC to the leg branch allows its work to become more politicized and uncessarily beauracratic.

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