By: Wilmot KonahContact: 0555666441 / 0775793638Email: dadekolly20@gmail.com
Bong County — The Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), in partnership with the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT), has concluded a one-day town hall meeting aimed at sensitizing citizens about the roles and responsibilities of the task force.
The event also sought to increase community-level advocacy for improved asset recovery and management in Liberia.
Speaking during the meeting held in Gbarnga on Wednesday, CEMESP’s Executive Director Malcolm Joseph emphasized the significance of the event as a crucial step in the government’s ongoing effort to retrieve stolen assets and restore accountability in public service. Jospeh noted that the citizen engagement initiative is part of a broader project being implemented with funding from the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).
He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge they had acquired in supporting the work of AREPT.
“You’re going back today as ambassadors of the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force,” Director Brown stated. “Please help spread these messages and report any suspected cases of stolen assets in your communities.”
Representing AREPT at the event was its Public Relations Officer, Joseph Daniels, who reiterated the task force’s critical role in recovering misappropriated public assets.
Daniels also highlighted limited budgetary support as one of the key challenges facing the task force, calling for increased government funding to strengthen its operations.
Meanwhile, participants described the town hall as an enlightening experience that enhanced their understanding of asset recovery initiatives and how they can contribute to the national anti-corruption effort.
“I’m very grateful for this awareness; it has improved my understanding of the AREPT,” said Peter Kollie, a representative of the Bong University Students Union.
“Today is my first time receiving detailed information about the Assets Recovery Team. I will definitely share the knowledge with others,” added Melvina Vah, a member of a local community-based organization.
