Article 10.1 of the National Code of Conduct law in Liberia mandates all elected and appointed officials of government to declare their assets “prior to taking office” But the General Audition Commission (GAC) has disclosed that President George Manneh Weah declared his asset on the eve of Liberia’s July 36, 2018 Independence anniversary, six months after taking office on January 22, 2018.
“PART X: DECLARATION AND REGISTRATION OF PERSONAL INTERESTS, ASSETS AND PERFORMANCE/FINANCIAL BONDS
10.1 Declaration of Assets and Performance Bonds Every Public Official and Employee of Government involved in making decisions affecting contracting, tendering or procurement, and issuance of licenses of various types shall sign performance or financial bonds and shall in addition declare his or her income, assets and liabilities prior to taking office and thereafter: a. at the end of every three years; b. on promotion or progression from one level to another; c. upon transfer to another public office; and d. upon retirement or resignation. “
Here is the full text of the Press release issued by the GAC:
The General Auditing Commission Old Executive Mansion Ashmun Street Monrovia, Liberia
For Immediate Release (July 27, 2018, Monrovia, Liberia)-
The General Auditing Commission (GAC) has received the declaration of personal interests, income, assets and liabilities forms from President George M. Weah, on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 6:05 PM.
The submission of the personal interests, income , assets and liabilities forms by President Weah is in fulfillment of Section 10.2 of the Code of Conduct which calls on public officials of the Executive Branch of Government to declare their personal interests, income , assets and liabilities to the General Auditing Commission. In line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the GAC and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission signed on October 6, 2016, the GAC will forward to the LACC the President’s Declaration and all other declarations submitted to the GAC.
The GAC calls on all Cabinet Ministers, Public Officials and Employees of Government involved in making decisions affecting contracting, tendering or procurement, and issuance of licenses of various types to declare their income, assets and liabilities.
The declaration of personal interests, income, assets and liabilities by public officials is intended to enhance accountability and transparency, curtail corruption and acquisition of illicit wealth and to increase public confidence and trust in our governance system.
Signed: George K. Barpeen, Jr
Chief Communications Officer