His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia, has issued a proclamation declaring Thursday, December 9, 2021, as “International Anti-Corruption Day”, to be observed throughout the territorial confines of the Republic as a working holiday.
According to a Foreign Ministry release, the General Assembly of the United Nations on October 31, 2003 unanimously designated December 9 of each year as “International Anti-Corruption Day” when it adopted the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
The proclamation calls on all ministries, agencies, local and international organizations, United Nations organs in Liberia and the general public to join the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), in collaboration with civil society organizations and the National Integrity Forum to plan and implement appropriate programs befitting the occasion, while observing strict adherence to the prescribed COVID-19 health protocols.
The proclamation further declared that corruption in both the public and private sectors of a nation undermines the national and international framework of good governance, which seeks to promote economic development.
The proclamation also stated that in August of 2008 the Government of the Republic of Liberia (GOL) established the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission through an act of the Legislature and further developed a policy framework and a comprehensive strategy that outlines the preventive, educational and enforcement measures to combat corruption throughout Liberia.
The release added that this year marks the 12th commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day campaign in Liberia, and will be celebrated on Thursday, December 9, 2021, under the Global Theme, “Your Right, Your Role: Say no to Corruption”, and National Theme, “Promoting a Culture of Excellence: Character Building and Integrity for National Prosperity and Development”.
“The significant of the observance of the International Anti-Corruption Day is to raise awareness about corruption and promote anti-corruption campaign activities, including the role of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), in combating and preventing it,” the release noted.