LACC Lists Karnga-Lawrence for Undeclared Assets; Senator Denies

MONROVIA – More than half of the members of the Liberian Senate have failed to declare their assets as required by law. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), in its latest report published on Thursday, listed Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence as one of the senators who failed to meet the legal requirements for asset declaration.

Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence, however, has categorically refuted the claims made by the LACC, stating that she has declared her assets in compliance with the law. Her office expressed deep concern over her inclusion on the LACC’s non-compliance list, asserting that she submitted her asset declaration at the beginning of the 55th National Legislature.

The Office of the Pro-Tempore stated in a press release: “Since the commencement of the 54th Legislature, Senator Karnga-Lawrence has been among the few senators who took the initiative to publicly declare and submit their assets to the LACC. In response to the recent oversight, the Pro Tempore has formally requested the LACC to review the asset declaration files submitted and to make the necessary corrections to their public records.”

The statement further clarified, “On January 25, 2024, in full compliance with the National Code of Conduct, Senator Karnga-Lawrence submitted her asset declaration documents. These documents were notarized and handed over to Mr. Nanbolor Singbeh, the Secretary of the Liberian Senate, with explicit instructions to publish the information as mandated by law. This action reaffirms her commitment to transparency and accountability—a cornerstone of her leadership.”

While Senator Karnga-Lawrence insists that she submitted her assets to the Secretary of the Senate, the LACC has maintained that it never received the declaration directly. The LACC insists it has no record of Senator Karnga-Lawrence’s asset declaration, as it was not submitted to them.

Other senators named by the LACC as yet to declare their assets include Alex J. Tyler, Simone Taylor, Botoe Kanneh, Zoe E. Pennue, Thomas Nimley, Joseph Jallah, Wellington G. Smith, Bill Thehway, Dopoh Francis, Crayton Duncan, Augustine Chea, Numene Bartekwa, James Biney, Saah Joseph, Prince Y. Johnson, and Nya D. Twayen Jr.

Meanwhile, the LACC noted an increase in overall compliance among government officials. Chairperson Alexandra Zoe reported that 53% of officials have now declared their assets, a notable improvement from the previous figure of 26.5% in July. The commission attributed this rise to a grace period extension from August 1 to August 31, allowing more time for officials to comply. Yet, over 800 public officials remain non-compliant, a situation that continues to erode trust in Liberia’s political class.