The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) today convened a one day youth centered symposium in Buchanan as part of the activities leading up to the observance of International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) celebration. The event brought together justice sector actors, students, youth leaders, civil society organizations, and integrity institutions under the national theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Installing Integrity in our Future Leaders for a Peaceful, Inclusive and Prosperous Liberia.”

Providing an overview of the symposium, Dr. Miatta Jeh, Commissioner for Monitoring and Investigations at LACC, described the initiative as part of the Commission’s commitment to expand community based interventions while strengthening citizen participation, especially among young people. She explained that discussions centered on two main pillars: improving cooperation between investigators, prosecutors, and the judiciary to reduce procedural delays and improve case handling; and developing practical pathways for youth to translate awareness into sustained action through civic engagement, community monitoring, reporting frameworks, and ethical leadership noting that nurturing integrity in young people today is essential to building a transparent and accountable Liberia tomorrow.

Panel discussions explored the real-world challenges facing the anti-corruption fight. His Honor Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice, spoke on the damaging effects of corruption on national development. He called for joint training programs for investigators, prosecutors, and judges, particularly on recently enacted laws, and stressed the need for clear roles and professional unity within the justice system.

Boakai M. Baba, Program Manager of the Monitoring and Investigations Department at the LACC and a panelist at the symposium, emphasized the need for closer collaboration with the judiciary in the selection of jurors. He said the process must be balanced and informed, adding that high-profile cases should involve jurors who possess adequate knowledge and the capacity to understand complex matters, rather than relying solely on high school graduates. “Let them be judges for their peers,” he stated.

Cllr. Jerry Garlawolu, Assistant Minister for Litigation at the Ministry of Justice and also a panelist, noted that the court can only act on cases that are properly brought before it. He explained that for justice to function effectively, cases must be well prepared and presented to the court. He further pointed out that Liberia now has several new laws that require careful review and application by justice sector actors.

The symposium placed young people front and center, creating a space where curiosity about corruption met honest dialogue about solutions. Students and youth leaders engaged panelists with thoughtful questions, demonstrating a growing demand for accountability and a desire to play a direct role in shaping a transparent future. One student posed a powerful question that captured the mood of the room: How can the anti-corruption agenda become more effective and independent? The question reflected a deepening youth interest in ensuring institutions remain accountable and responsive to the public interest.

Say NO to Corruption!

Say YES to Integrity!