Liberia’s House of Representatives Launches Probe into Leak of Former President George Weah’s Asset Declaration Documents
In a recent development, Liberia’s House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into the unauthorized release of former President George Weah’s asset declaration papers to the public.
As per the country’s regulations, all high-ranking government officials, including presidents, are required to disclose their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) upon assuming office.
This measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest and the accumulation of illicit wealth among public officials. However, it is not obligatory for these declarations to be made public.
The alleged leakage of the former president’s asset declaration documents to the public has raised concerns, as it is claimed to have occurred without his consent.
“Weah’s asset declaration form is now all in the public space and on various platforms,” Frank Saah Foko, a local legislator, said.
He stated that publishing the former president’s declared assets without his permission was against the law.
The source of the leak remains unclear, but lawmakers have called upon senior officials from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to provide explanations regarding the breach. They are scheduled to appear before the legislators on Tuesday.
In February, President Joseph Boakai, who emerged victorious in the November presidential run-off election, defeating Mr. Weah, publicly disclosed his assets, pledging to combat corruption within the nation.
During Mr. Weah’s presidency, accusations of corruption were rampant, and his administration faced criticism for the misconduct of senior officials.
Following Mr. Boakai’s inauguration in January, he urged former officials to promptly return any government assets they possessed “without hesitation or delay.”
