CENTAL Welcomes Anti-Corruption Court Bill

By Lewis S. Teh

Monrovia, May 28, 2026 – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has welcomed the submission of a draft bill to establish a National Anti-Corruption Court, describing it as a major step toward ending impunity and strengthening accountability in the country.

At a news conference held on Wednesda, CENTAL Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen praised President Joseph Boakai’s submission of two landmark bills to the Legislature: an act establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court, and an act adopting a new Title 17A to create the National Anti-Corruption Code. He noted that these actions demonstrate renewed commitment to justice and good governance.

CENTAL commended the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court for collaborating with diverse stakeholders to develop the bills. Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen explained that the proposed court would have exclusive authority to hear corruption-related cases, enabling swifter trials and addressing longstanding challenges such as overcrowded dockets, delayed prosecutions, and weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

“We applaud this remarkable step by the government to ensure the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Court,” CENTAL stated. The organization urged the House of Representatives and Senate to conduct timely, open, and inclusive hearings, and to pass the bill with adequate funding in the national budget.

Support for audit reforms:

At the same time, Miamen welcomed the General Auditing Commission’s compliance audit of government revenue collection and reconciliation processes for July 1, 2018, to December 31, 2024. The audit identified discrepancies in transitory and consolidated bank accounts and recommended stronger controls.

The organization also praised the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Liberia Revenue Authority, and Central Bank of Liberia for their joint response and ongoing remedial efforts. These measures include revising banking agreements, requiring daily sweep reports from commercial banks, and deploying upgraded automated systems to improve monitoring and reconciliation.

CENTAL Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen described these measures as vital steps to improve transparency and accountability. He urged authorities to fully implement the audit recommendations and ensure that past discrepancies are investigated by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and the Ministry of Justice.

Call for public engagement:

The organization encouraged Liberians, civil society, and the media to support the legislative process and demand timely action. “We further call on the government to provide periodic updates on the implementation of audit recommendations to ensure public resources are protected and used for development, health, education, and other priority services.”

“These efforts are vital steps in improving transparency and accountability in revenue collection, reporting, transfer, remittances, and tracking processes,” CENTAL said.