Liberia: President Sirleaf signs administrative code of conduct

By Peterking Quaye, email: peterkingq@yahoo.comPresident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has signed Executive Order No. 38, to guide public officials in the performance of their duties. The document, otherwise referred to as the “Administrative Code of Conduct” for members of the Executive Branch of Government, among other measures, is to set out standards of behavior and conduct by public servants, guide, regulate and ensure compliance with the norms and behaviors required of a public servant.

President Sirleaf

President Sirleaf

Speaking Monday, January 9, during the signing ceremony at the Foreign Ministry, the President said the action is intended to send a strong signal to all those who will serve, as the new administration is set to be named following the inauguration next Monday.  The President hopes the National Legislature will take note of the action and act appropriately on the Code of Conduct that has been before that body for more than three years.

An Executive Mansion release says the President called on all individuals in the Executive Branch of government to read and study the document and be mindful and comply with its provisions. “My responsibility will be to ensure compliance or action in the absence of compliance,” the President said.

She commended the Governance Commission, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), the General Auditing Commission (GAC), the Law Reform Commission (LRC) and the Civil Service Agency (CSA), supported by the Legal Advisor to the President, for producing a document that would help to promote good governance.  Executives of all of those Commissions and the CSA witnessed the ceremony.

Speaking at the signing, the Chairman of the Governance Commission, Dr. Amos Sawyer, praised the President for what he described as an important step.  He said the President’s commitment to showing integrity in government has endured during the administration and was set to continue during the next term.

Meanwhile, the Executive Mansion has announced that President Sirleaf will declare her assets following Monday’s inauguration. The President expects all officials in the new administration, covered under provisions of Executive Order No. 38, to do likewise.

Credit : emasion website