Published: October 10, 2024
Monrovia – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has launched a new digital platform, the “Corruption Case Tracker” (CCT), aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption. The platform, introduced on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Monrovia, is designed to monitor corruption cases and provide the public with accessible information on their progress.
Speaking at the official launch event on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at a local hotel, CENTAL Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen emphasized that corruption remains a persistent challenge in Liberia, eroding public trust, hindering development, and perpetuating inequality.
“To support ongoing national efforts to address this pressing issue, CENTAL has developed the Corruption Case Tracker (CCT) under its National Integrity Building and Anti-Corruption Program,” Miamen stated.
Mr. Miamen revealed that the CCT is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia. He described the Corruption Case Tracker as a groundbreaking online platform designed to enhance transparency and accountability by making information about corruption cases—such as their nature, scope, location, and timeline—available and accessible to the public.
Through the launch of this platform, CENTAL aims to empower Liberians with the tools and knowledge needed to hold the government accountable and foster positive change in the fight against corruption. The organization also plans to collaborate with both state and non-state actors to document and highlight the progress made in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, while addressing the challenges that hinder anti-corruption efforts and integrity-building initiatives.
Miamen noted that the platform would be introduced to relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and the general public, with the aim of demonstrating its functionalities and significance in promoting transparency and accountability in the management of corruption cases.
He further emphasized that the initiative would foster information sharing and collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and the public, particularly in managing and sustaining the CCT.
The Corruption Case Tracker platform was officially launched by Nikolina Stalhand, Program Officer at the Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia. The event brought together citizens, development partners, and stakeholders from government, civil society, the media, and other sectors of society.
Madam Stalhand underscored the importance of transparency and accountability for inclusive development, stressing that ensuring state resources are used for their intended purposes is crucial for Liberia’s progress. She reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting CENTAL and other stakeholders in maintaining the CCT platform, expressing hope that it would help reduce corruption in Liberia.
The Swedish envoy noted that while the passage of laws and the establishment of institutions are critical steps in fighting corruption, true progress requires political will and adequate resourcing of those institutions.
Stalhand also urged Liberians to be law-abiding and called on the Liberian government to tackle the culture of impunity, ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions.
“Citizens and civil society play a crucial role in the fight against corruption, particularly in holding duty bearers accountable. For this to happen, facts and information must be easily accessible to the public,” she said.
She added, “I am therefore very pleased to be here today to launch the Corruption Case Tracker.” Stalhand highlighted that the platform provides a vital opportunity for citizens, journalists, civil society activists, and others to access updated information and track corruption cases in order to demand justice and combat impunity.
The Swedish envoy concluded by saying that the Corruption Case Tracker offers a one-stop shop for updated, fact-checked information on corruption allegations reported in the media. She expressed Sweden’s commitment to continuing dialogue and cooperation with CENTAL and other stakeholders to ensure the platform’s effective use and to strengthen anti-corruption advocacy in Liberia.
Discussion about this post