10/12/2025
Margibi County Observes International Anti‑Corruption Day with Youth‑Focused Program
Margibi County, Liberia
December 10, 2025
The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), in collaboration with the Liberia Anti‑Corruption Commission (LACC) and the National Integrity Forum (NIF), held an in‑county program to mark International Anti‑Corruption Day in Kakata.
The event was held under the theme , “Decentralizing the Fight Against Corruption:
"Mobilizing the Support of Rural Youth to Demand Accountability and Improved Service Delivery,” highlighted efforts to engage young people from rural areas in promoting transparency and accountability.
The program aimed to empower rural youth to demand better service delivery and fight corruption, reinforcing the national anti‑corruption agenda through grassroots involvement.
Addressing the audience in her keynote address on Tuesday, the Coordinator of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) in Margibi County and Radio Kakata Station Manager, Christina Sonpon said, the fight against corruption requires a collective effort, starting with individual mindset changes.
She added that corruption doesn't begin in high offices, it starts in the homes, schools, communities and other local places.
Stressing that corruption also begins when people start to celebrate and empower corrupt individuals, expecting favors in return, and also elect officials who are corrupt.
Sonpon emphasized that accountability is not just a government issue, but a societal problem that starts with individuals, youth, students, police, and journalists. She urged self reflection, asking if systems are in place, how effective they are, and who monitors them.
"We must examine our own actions," she said. "If we demand accountability from public officials, our hands should be free from corruption." She said.
Also speaking in a remark, Armah Johnson, Acting Deputy Director for Compliance, Independent Information Commission, and NIF representative, called on Liberians to renew their commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability.
He further that, corruption is a human rights violation and it, weaken healthcare, and stopping opportunities. "It is a silent killer of the poor, a violence against investment, and an enemy of progress". Johnson added.
The NIF representative emphasized that corruption must be opposed and dismantled, with systems built where integrity is rewarded. He saluted honest public servants, journalists, and civil society actors working to uncover the truth.
Adding, the fight against corruption is not just with institutions, but a national effort and everyone needs to tackle it together.
The observance is part of Liberia’s broader initiative to strengthen integrity and transparency in governance.
By Alfred J. Joemah.
