Liberia: Top Officials Fined for Dodging Ethics Hearings

Monrovia, April 7, 2025 – In a rare show of enforcement, the Office of the Ombudsman has slapped fines on two high-ranking Liberian government officials for repeatedly failing to appear at hearings into possible breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials.

Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah and Amos B. Tweh, Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), were both sanctioned after missing scheduled appearances before the Ombudsman—even after being granted previous postponements to prepare their defenses.The disciplinary measure, announced last week by the Ombudsman’s Chairperson, Professor Finley Y. Kamgar, includes a US$1,000 fine each and a mandatory order to appear before the panel on April 9, 2025.

“The consistent failure of these officials to honor the summons, despite accommodations made, undermines the authority of the Office and the spirit of accountability enshrined in the Code of Conduct,” Prof. Kamgar stated.

He further warned that continued noncompliance could lead to harsher penalties, as the Office seeks to enforce ethical behavior among public servants and restore trust in government institutions. The actions stem from ongoing investigations into possible violations of Liberia’s 2014 Code of Conduct Law, which outlines rules governing the behavior, asset declaration, and political neutrality of individuals holding public office. Public reaction to the fines has been mixed. Some Liberians have praised the Ombudsman for taking a firm stance on ethics enforcement, calling the move a long-overdue step toward improving public accountability.

“This sends a message that no one is above the law, not even high-profile ministers,” said Daniel Sumo, a civil society advocate in Monrovia. However, others expressed skepticism over the impact of the fines, questioning whether monetary penalties alone are sufficient to deter misconduct in a system where consequences for ethical breaches are rarely enforced. “A US$1,000 fine is a drop in the bucket for senior officials,” said Sarah Johnson, a governance analyst. “We need stronger measures, including suspension or dismissal, for repeated defiance.” The Office of the Ombudsman, reactivated in 2023 after years of dormancy, has pledged to take a more aggressive approach in ensuring ethical governance. Its latest move is considered a test case for whether Liberia’s institutions can hold top officials accountable, even in a politically charged environment. As April 9 approaches, all eyes will be on whether Kruah and Tweh comply with the latest summons—or risk escalating disciplinary action that could set a new precedent in Liberia’s evolving accountability landscape.