President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has by Proclamation declared Friday, December 9, 2016 as “International Anti-Corruption Day” to be observed throughout the country as a Working Holiday.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader has called upon all ministries, agencies, local and international organizations, United Nations system 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 observance of the Day.

This year marks the seventh commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day campaign in Liberia and will be celebrated in Gbarnga, Bong County, under the global theme: “Corruption: An Impediment to Sustainable Development Goals.”

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

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

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

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