The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), with funding from the Swedish international Development Agency (SIDA), launched its second State of Corruption Report (SCORE) across the country on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Corina Hotel.
CENTAL’s Finance and Administrative Manager, William Tali, giving an overview of the program, said, “This event is an activity under the National Integrity Building and Anti-Corruption Program (NIBA), funded by the Swedish International Development Agency.”
He said explained that the report is aimed at enlightening the public on issues related to corruption in the society, and speaks specifically to the perception of corruption in in public and private sectors.
The State of Corruption Report began after the signing of the 3.5 year grant agreement with the Swedish International Development Agency in 2020, with the launch of its first report in September 2021.
According to him, the launch of this year’s report would not have been possible without the hard work and contribution of the launching committee, which includes Oscar Bloh, Consultant, and Anderson D. Miamen and Gerald D. Yeakula who supervised and assisted the process.
William Tail said the report details the state of corruption in Liberia, especially the role of government, civil society and development partners in combating corruption in society.
Making remarks at the program, Atty. Isaac Nyantte, CENTAL Coordinator, said 62% of those surveyed hold the view that the government’s commitment to fighting corruption is low, while 14% rate the government highly.
Speaking at the launch, Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, Urban Sjostrom, said corruption has become seriously alarming, requiring stronger partnership collaboration and understanding to fight corruption.
For his part, Cllr. T. Negbalee Warner, CENTAL Board Chairperson, said that the fight against corruption is a process, and that CENTAL values genuine partnership to strengthen the efforts against the menace in tackling corruption.
The Government of Liberia (GOL) was admonished to lead by example in the fight against corruption, increase budgetary support to public integrity institutions and impartially investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
The Deputy Head of Mission at the British embassy, Kate Thomson, said the British government places zero tolerance on corruption and will support every effort in Liberia.