Meet&CoMonrovia, Liberia – May 9, 2025: The Liberia Local Empowerment for Accountability and Development (LEAD) Project has contributed a collection of resources valued at approximately $70,000 to the Office of the Ombudsman. The donation, comprising two vehicles, two laptop computers, and assorted office furniture and equipment, was formally transferred during a ceremony in Monrovia on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
This initiative seeks to fortify the operational efficiency of the Ombudsman’s Office and amplify its mandate to combat corruption nationwide. George Akl, Chief of Party for the LEAD Project, underscored the significance of this contribution as the initiative nears its conclusion. He stressed that empowering critical institutions such as the Ombudsman’s Office is vital to preserving advancements in transparency and accountability across Liberia.
“As the LEAD Project transitions to closure, we are committed to ensuring sustainable support by providing essential resources that will enable your institution to uphold its mission,” Akl stated. “While we acknowledge the bittersweet nature of concluding this partnership, we take pride in equipping our collaborators to sustain the progress achieved collectively.”
Akl further emphasized that the donation extends its impact beyond the Ombudsman’s Office, benefiting additional institutions that have collaborated with the LEAD Project during its tenure.
Cllr. Findley Kangar, Head of the Office of the Ombudsman, expressed profound appreciation for the donation, characterizing it as a pivotal enhancement to the institution’s operational capabilities. “This contribution arrives at an opportune moment, alleviating persistent logistical challenges,” Kangar remarked. “Though we lament the impending conclusion of the LEAD Project, we are confident these resources will significantly bolster our efforts to advance accountability and governance reforms.”
He acknowledged the donated assets’ official valuation of $70,000 while noting potential depreciation due to prior usage during the project’s implementation phase. The LEAD Project, recognized for its role in driving governance reforms in Liberia, is distributing its remaining assets to partner organizations and civil society groups instrumental to its mission.
“This marks not a farewell, but a perpetuation of our shared legacy,” Akl affirmed. “Our alliance in championing integrity and accountability in Liberia endures.”
The Office of the Ombudsman is anticipated to deploy the donated resources to strengthen its oversight mechanisms, particularly in addressing corruption and abuses of authority.
