03/09/2026
ONE-DAY LEGISLATIVE ENGAGEMENT FOCUSES ON STRENGTHENING WITNESS AND WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION LAWS.
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
September 3,2026
Reported by Amb S Rashid Nowon
The Government of Liberia has intensified efforts to strengthen the country’s legal framework for protecting witnesses, whistleblowers, and victims through a One-Day Legislative Engagement with Relevant Committees of the National Legislature on proposed amendments to the Witness Protection Act of 2021 and the Whistleblower Act of 2021.
The engagement brings together relevant lawmakers and key justice and integrity institutions to examine the proposed reforms and discuss measures aimed at making the two laws more effective in protecting individuals who provide information or testimony in matters involving corruption, serious crimes, and other violations.
The proposed amendments follow a broader review process led by the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Witness Protection Agency (WPA) and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). Earlier consultations identified gaps in the existing laws, particularly concerning confidentiality, protection against retaliation, eligibility for protection, institutional coordination, and enforcement.
One major area under consideration is the strengthening of incentives for witnesses and whistleblowers who provide credible information. The government has proposed increasing rewards from 5 percent to 10 percent, alongside other bounty mechanisms intended to encourage reporting of corruption, smuggling of minerals and natural resources, organized crime, and other major offenses.
The proposed reforms also seek to introduce stronger safeguards against retaliation and unauthorized disclosure of protected identities. Other measures include enhanced confidentiality provisions, protection against digital surveillance, and stronger penalties for individuals or employers who violate the rights of protected whistleblowers and witnesses.
Another proposal under discussion is the establishment of a Victim, Witness, and Whistleblower Trust Fund, which would support protection mechanisms and related activities. The Ministry of Justice has proposed an annual national budget allocation of US$1 million for the fund.
The legislative engagement is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen accountability and public confidence in Liberia’s justice system. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai previously directed the Ministry of Justice to review and amend the Whistleblower Act, particularly to strengthen incentives for reporting and support efforts to combat corruption and illegal activities in the country’s natural-resource sector.
The discussions with the National Legislature are expected to provide lawmakers with an opportunity to review the proposed amendments, raise concerns, and offer recommendations before the legislation advances through the formal legislative process.
Stakeholders say stronger witness and whistleblower protection is essential to encouraging citizens to come forward with information without fear of intimidation, retaliation, or exposure.
The engagement therefore represents an important step toward building a more effective protection system and strengthening Liberia’s fight against corruption, organized crime, and other serious offenses while promoting transparency, accountability, justice, and the rule of law.
