President Sirleaf Declares Saturday, December 9, As ‘International Anti-Corruption Day’; To Be Observed as A Working Holiday

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has by Proclamation declared Saturday, December 9, 2017 as International Anti-Corruption Day and it’s to be observed throughout the country as a Working Holiday.

 

She further called upon all ministries, agencies, local and international organizations and the general public to join the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission in collaboration with civil society organizations and the National Integrity Forum, to plan and implement appropriate programs befitting the Day.

 

 

According to a Foreign Ministry release, this year marks the eight commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day campaign in Liberia, and it will be celebrated in Monrovia, Montserrado County, under the global theme: “Corruption: An Impediment to the Sustainable Development Goals”.

 

The significance of the observance of the day is to raise awareness about corruption and promote anti-corruption campaign activities as well as the role of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in combating and preventing it.

 

Corruption in both the public and private sectors of the nation undermines the international framework of good governance.

 

In August 2008, the Government of Liberia established the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, a Policy and Comprehensive Strategy that outlines the preventive, educational and enforcement measures to combat corruption in Liberia.

 

On October 31, 2003, the General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously designated December 9th each year, as International Anti-Corruption Day when it adopted the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).