Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai has established a task team to combat corruption and recover stolen state assets.
Mr. Boakai directed it to find and prosecute any top officials involved. Current and former government officials are to be scrutinized.
His executive decree stated that assets “wrongfully acquired at the expense of the government and people of Liberia” must be returned.
The president stated that “curtailing this alarming menace that has engulfed our country” was critical.
People who illegally obtained government assets would likewise be required to return them.
Individuals who live outside of Liberia and are suspected of siphoning public funds may face extradition.
The task force has been awarded funding, and it will begin work immediately.
Mr Boakai promised to fight corruption during his campaign last year.
He went on to win the election, defeating former President George Weah in a runoff by little over 20,000 votes.
Mr Weah’s presidency was plagued by corruption allegations and criticism for senior officials’ excesses.
Following Mr Boakai’s inauguration in January, he directed previous officials to hand over government assets “without delay and hesitation”.
