CENTAL Hosts Training On Freedom of Information and Anti-Corruption For GOL Employees
September 23, 2025
Monrovia: The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) in collaboration with the Independent Information Commission (ICC) has concluded a one day training workshop on freedom of information, compliance, integrity building, and anti-corruption for departmental and sectional heads across ministries, agencies, and commissions.
At the day long training, CSA Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai underscored President Joseph Yuma Boakai’s commitment to accountability while welcoming
participants saying “Today the Civil Service Agency is exceptionally grateful that it can host all of you… This symbolizes the President’s call for partnership, for collaboration. We are collectively doing exceptionally well and that is why the CSA is honored to host you today,” Director Joekai said.
Delivering an overview, Madam Lorpu P. Page, Executive Director of the IIC, emphasized the importance of embedding transparency in everyday governance. “Compliance with the Freedom of Information Act is more than responding to requests. It requires proactive disclosure of information, proper record keeping, and the willingness to engage the public in an open and transparent manner,” Page noted.
Representing the Ministry of Information, Deputy Minister Johnny Tarkpah highlighted the global role of FOI as a democratic safeguard. “At its core, FOI opens the machinery of the state to scrutiny, improves service delivery, and deters waste, abuse, and corruption by shining light on how public resources are managed,” Tapa said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to constitutional and international transparency standards.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) also pledged strong collaboration. Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe stressed that access to information is a weapon against graft. “Lack of access to information breeds secrecy, and secrecy is a breeding ground for corruption. Together, we can foster a Liberia where openness defeats secrecy, accountability defeats impunity, and integrity defines public service,” Zoe declared.
Findley Y. Karngar, Chairperson of the Office of the Ombudsman, reminded public officials of their duty to responsibly manage and release information. “Government officials and employees of government at all times should exercise due caution and discretion in handling confidential government information… Information when used is meant to enhance good governance,” he cautioned.
Finally, Mr. Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of CENTAL, urged a shift toward proactive information sharing. “The access to information law is supported by the Constitution and international frameworks. Your foremost priority should be to provide proactive information to the public,” he stated, adding that civil society must be seen as a partner, not merely a critic.
The workshop, supported by the Embassy of Sweden, concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between government, civil society, and anti-graft institutions to advance accountability and transparency across Liberia.
