Iron Lady Africa Edition: Liberian President Sirleaf suspends son, 45 others over asset declaration

Isi Esene

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has suspended 46 government officials, including her son, for failing to declare their assets.

Charles Sirleaf, the president’s son is the deputy governor of the Liberian Central Bank.

She gave the directive in a press release on Tuesday which read: “President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has, with immediate effect, suspended 46 government officials for failing to declare their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.”

“The suspension will remain in force until President Sirleaf receives confirmation from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission that they have met the assets declaration requirements.”

The Liberian Constitution mandates every government official to declare their assets not more than 14 days after being sworn-in.

According to reports, also suspended are prominent members of the Sirleaf administration which includes several deputy ministers and provincial superintendents.

“Before being reinstated, the suspended officials will have to pay the government an amount representing the value of their salaries and allowances for the period of suspension,” the statement said.

Corruption and nepotism has been widely identified as the main challenge to development in Liberia and President Sirleaf has vowed to tackle the menace head-on.

In June the International Crisis Group released a report warning that corruption, along with nepotism, impunity and unemployment, could “jeopardise Liberia’s democracy.”

At her second term swearing-in ceremony in January, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “Corruption is one of the roadblocks to greater prosperity here in Liberia.”

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