Upon assuming the assignment as Auditor General, John Morlu, declared that the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf  government was three times more corrupt than the previous administration; the President took strong exception to that statement.

Nevertheless, this administration has not shown any transparency in its actions and dealings and gives the perception of not being accountable to the Liberian people. Numerous allegations of corruption have been made with no attempt to investigate, and mitigate such concerns. Top level administrators walk around Monrovia with arrogance, exploiting the limited resources with no concerns for the Republic.

As I read Front Page Africa article in which the BMA managing Director, Binyan Kesselley, states:  “What does it benefit you to know how much I earn? Let take this issue right now, help me answer this question what does it benefit you to know how much I earn? What is the benefit?

Let’s understand one central premise from the onset, Mr. Kesselley; you work for the Liberian People. The salary paid to you and all appointed members of your staff are and must be made Public Knowledge. You have a fiduciary duty to disclose the amount and source of your salary. This will bring to bear whether or not your salary is commensurate with the job you have been hired to do. Moreover, this will justify whether or not, relative to others hired for similar position, you are being under paid or overpaid. Additionally, given the scarce resources of the Republic, this will justify why the Liberian Government, especially, the Ellen Johnson administration is compensating you commensurate with the salary structure of the Republic, if one exists.

Therefore, Mr. Kesselley, the President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf should compel you and herself to disclose your salary information and administrative Perks. It is the Public’s prerogative to know your salary and perks because you and she are employees of the Liberian People.

I am a big proponent of Liberians being brought back to Liberia to work for the advancement and progress of the Republic, are adequately and sufficiently compensated for the sacrifice they are making. To leave a well paid employment in the United States or any other place, is a tremendous sacrifice and one must be properly and adequately compensated.

Another reason for the disclosure is, it provide a check and balance to rein in corruption and corrupt practices.  If disclosures were the norm, there may be documentation to support demands for accountability. Nevertheless, I doubt the pillaging of resources would stop, unless institutions of Education, Law and Order, and Fiscal responsibility are established and enforced to ensured clear rules of the game.  And frankly, I cannot find one Liberian who can tell me the salary of the President.

The perception that Liberians who are called to service from abroad are paid by NGOs, the UN, companies that should be under their purview and or the Republic of Liberia, ostentatious salaries, that in many cases the individuals did not even earn in their previous employment. This is an affront to the Liberian People, should this be the case. In short, tell us how much you are being paid. In fact, provide documentation to validate your salary.

 Madame President, it is imperative for you to be a shining example, by disclosing your salary, the Vice President and every elected and appointed official. Corruption has been the Achilles heels of your administration. The Liberian people know you are not omnipresent to observe corruption, but by taking simple, fundamental steps, even if symbolic will go a long way. This administration is beset with corrupt practices and individuals. Let’s help turn this around and institute changes that will make Liberia prosper, a least with a little integrity.

Click here for past commentaries in 2009 and previous years