By G. Bennie Bravo Johnson |
Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s quest to combat corruption through the establishment of the Assets Recovery Task Force has been marred by controversy and internal strife.
The Executive Order #126, issued on March 5, 2024, aimed to legally recover assets wrongfully acquired by current and former government officials, but has faced criticism and allegations of mismanagement.
Opposition political parties have accused the Access Recovery Team of being a tool for targeting officials of the current administration, rather than a genuine effort to restore stolen assets.
Internal discord within the team has further exacerbated the situation, with members expressing concerns about the lack of experience and leadership within the organization.
The recent resignation of Emmanuel Gonquoi, the chair for property recovery, has shed light on the challenges facing the Access Recovery Team. Gonquoi cited a lack of direction, corruption, and a failure to adhere to established protocols as reasons for his departure.
“I just stepped down from the Assets Recovery Code Team by submitting my official letter of resignation to the office of the President. I’m particularly grateful to the president for always trusting me and my leadership. I’m still committed to your agenda, not just as a leader of the EFFL but also as your son. I believe in your agenda for better Liberia, and you can count on me as always for support. We will think of Liberia, love Liberia, and build Liberia together.”
Pundits say his resignation acknowledges the truthfulness of the growing disillusionment within the team and raises questions about its ability to effectively carry out its mandate.
Gonquoi: “I resigned from the team because the access recovery team is not proceeding well and two, I don’t want to be caught in the web of corruption. Because the access recovery is not proceeding the right way it should, I decided to remain with the Freeport and leave the access recovery.”
He added, “But because we have a leadership deficit and we have sent out a clear message consistently and nobody wants to listen, I decided to walk away. We were established without a drafted term of reference and without an office space. The chairperson spent US$47,000 on the rental of an office without the knowledge of other team members. If the leadership deficit continues, the access recovery team will not succeed. I have told the people in the executive mansion we have to reconstitute the access recovery team. I do not want to be a part of a team that will not succeed after spending the Liberian people money.”
Another member of the team, Martian KN Kollie, has also raised allegations of corruption and leadership deficit within the organization. He highlighted inconsistencies, lack of transparency, and unauthorized expenditures by the chairperson, Kla Martin.
Howbeit, as calls for restructuring and reestablishment of the team grow louder, political pundits believe it is evident that urgent action is needed to address the challenges plaguing Liberia’s asset recovery efforts.
They believe that without a clear roadmap, effective leadership, and adherence to ethical standards, the Access Recovery Team risks losing credibility and failing in its crucial mission to combat corruption and restore stolen assets.