Liberia’s Office of the Ombudsman has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to immediately dismiss 26 high ranking government officials for breaching the Code of Conduct by holding political party leadership roles while occupying senior public positions.
Those named span across ministries, agencies, county administrations, and state owned enterprises, including the Liberia Electricity Corporation, Ministry of Labour, National Port Authority, Petroleum Refining Company, Environmental Protection Agency, Liberia Business Registry, National Transit Authority, Montserrado County administration, Paynesville City Corporation, and the Liberia Special Economic Zone Authority.
Section 5.9 of the Code mandates the removal of any official found guilty of such violations after due process, and bars the use of public funds to pay them thereafter.
The Ombudsman also ordered that any other officials in similar situations must choose between their government post and political role, with proof of resignation from political activities required within 48 hours of receiving the report.
In a related ruling, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti was fined US$500 for personalizing government resources, after allegedly instructing a government official to represent her private interests during the investigation. The fine must be paid into the government’s general revenue account within 72 hours.
The investigation followed complaints from political parties, civil society, and citizens, with evidence including testimony from accused officials, complaints to the National Elections Commission, and a February 13, 2025 Supreme Court ruling.
The Ombudsman concluded that except for those who had resigned or suspended political activities, all 26 officials were actively engaged in political management while serving in government, warranting the mandatory penalty of dismissal.
The report has been forwarded to President Boakai, whose decision could trigger one of the largest waves of high profile dismissals in recent Liberian history.
