…Calls SCORE 2025 Report Wake-Up Call
By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA– The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has thrown its support behind the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia’s (CENTAL) 2025 State of Corruption Report, describing the document as a timely assessment of the country’s governance challenges and a call for stronger accountability.
The report was unveiled during a national dialogue at the Royal Grand Hotel in Sinkor, where government officials, legal practitioners, civil society actors, youth representatives, and development partners gathered to discuss the impact of corruption on public institutions and national development.
Representing AFELL at the event, the association’s Vice President, Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley, commended CENTAL for sustaining efforts to monitor corruption and encourage public discussions on transparency and good governance.
She said the SCORE 2025 report goes beyond presenting statistics, noting that it challenges both public officials and citizens to honestly examine the country’s progress while addressing persistent weaknesses within state institutions.
According to Cllr. Kelley, corruption continues to undermine essential public services, weaken confidence in government, and deny many Liberians equal access to justice. She stressed that the burden falls most heavily on women, children, survivors of violence, poor citizens, and other vulnerable groups.
She warned that corruption often determines whether victims receive protection, whether legal matters are handled fairly, and whether justice is delivered without delay.
Cllr. Kelley further emphasized that eliminating corruption is critical to strengthening Liberia’s justice system and democratic institutions.
She said AFELL remains committed to promoting the rule of law and believes that tackling corruption is necessary to safeguard justice, equality, and the rights of all Liberians.
She added that the association reaffirmed its support for initiatives that promote integrity, accountability, and transparency in public service, while encouraging collective action to combat corruption nationwide.
She emphized that, Liberia cannot afford Liberian cannot delay in strengthening the systems, laws, and institutions required to prevent corruption, protect public resources, and restore citizens’ confidence in governance.
Liberians are urgently call upon the National Legislature to prioritize and pass the National Anti-Corruption Bill without undue delay.
“This is a necessary step toward reinforcing Liberia’s legal and institutional framework for integrity, accountability, and public trust.
Let us move from discussion to implementation.” She stated
“Let us move from concern to coordinated action. Let us move from individual effort to sustained national partnership. ” She said
Cllr. Kelley claimed that, the fight against corruption requires courage, consistency, and cooperation; and AFELL stands ready to join hands with all stakeholders in advancing a more transparent, accountable, and just Liberia.
