09/12/2025
Gensee Urges Rural Youth to Join National Fight Against Corruption on International Anti-Corruption Day
By:Alex Determine Juah
Kakata, Margibi County – Torwon F. Gensee, Project Manager of the Strengthening Political Governance and Accountability in Liberia project, has called on rural youth and local citizens to join the national efforts in combating corruption as Liberia joined the world in observing International Anti-Corruption Day.
Speaking in an interview with reporters during the celebration held at the Kakata City Hall, Mr. Gensee stressed that the annual commemoration aims to increase public awareness on corruption-related issues and encourage citizens to hold their leaders accountable for both their actions and inactions.
According to him, promoting integrity at every level of society is critical if Liberia is to build a corruption-free nation.
To ensure a corruption-free society, everyone must act with integrity and honesty. The importance of today’s celebration is to take the message to the people,” he said.Decentralizing the fight against corruption requires the involvement of everyone.”
Mr. Gensee explained that the day’s activities were organized to bring together a cross-section of local citizens including students, youth, men and women’s groups, and people living with disabilities (PWDs). The aim, he said, was for participants to publicly commit themselves to the fight against corruption and to strengthen community support for accountability initiatives.
He emphasized that rural youth play a vital role in winning the battle against corruption.
If young people are educated on corruption issues, the war against corruption can be won collectively,” he noted.
“They will grow up with an anti-corruption mindset and act with integrity because the nation’s resources are meant to benefit all citizen
Serving as guest speaker, Madam Christaina Sonpon delivered a powerful message, urging participants to take ownership of the fight against corruption.
She challenged Liberians to reflect on personal responsibility before demanding accountability from leaders.
Systems do not build themselves; individuals build systems. Systems are not corrupt we are,” Madam Sonpon said.
“Before we demand accountability, we must first ask: Are our own hands free from the cookie jar?”
Her remarks resonated strongly with the audience, highlighting the need for mindset change, community participation, and personal accountability in reducing corruption across the country
This year’s in county celebration was held under the theme:Decentralizing the Fight Against Corruption: Mobilizing the Support of Rural Youth to Demand Accountability and Improve Service Delivery.”
Activities featured a parade through the streets of Kakata, cultural performances, and the reading of a petition to the Margibi County Administration calling for stronger anti-corruption efforts and improved service delivery.
Students, community dwellers, and local officials from the Margibi County Administration formed part of the day’s events.
The Strengthening Political Governance and Accountability in Liberia project is funded by the Embassy of Ireland in Liberia through Irish Aid. It is implemented in B**g, Margibi, and Grand Bassa Counties by a consortium of three civil society organizations:CENTAL,NAYMOTE,Center for Democratic Governance (CDG)
The project aims to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
