MONROVIA, Liberia — In a significant initiative to curb corruption, President Joseph Boakai of Liberia has placed more than 450 government officials on suspension for their failure to timely declare their assets. This decisive action is part of the president’s broader anti-corruption campaign in the West African nation.

The suspension will remain in effect for a month or until those affected complete their asset declarations to the national anti-corruption agency. This move follows a period of unrest in December, where public protests escalated, resulting in damage to the parliament building located in the capital city of Monrovia.

President Boakai, who took office after the November 2023 elections, campaigned under the pledge to tackle corruption in a nation with a population of approximately 5 million. Notably, Liberia was ranked 135th out of 180 in the previous year’s Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Boakai clarified that the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission had provided a list of those non-compliant with asset declaration laws, leading to the immediate suspension of the individuals mentioned, which includes the ministers for education, health, and budget management.

The president underscored that the failure of the suspended officials to adhere to their legal obligation to declare assets by last November’s deadline has undermined national integrity efforts and accountability measures.

In a move reflecting his commitment to good governance, Boakai announced last July that he would be reducing his salary by 40%, aiming to set an example of responsible leadership and expressing solidarity with the citizens of Liberia.

Boakai’s predecessor, George Weah, faced numerous allegations of corruption and excessive spending during his administration, which contributed to widespread public dissent and demonstrations across the country.

In response to the suspension announcement, some of the officials who were placed on leave visited the anti-corruption commission’s offices on Wednesday to fulfill their asset declaration obligations and comply with the requirements set forth by the government.