Liberia: IAA, LRA Achieve 96% in 2026 National Integrity Index

• The Internal Audit Agency (IAA) and Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) jointly topped the 2026 National Integrity Index Pilot Assessment.
• Both institutions achieved a 96 percent score for transparency, accountability, and ethical compliance.
• They were recognized as High Integrity Performance Tier institutions by the Governance Commission at an awards ceremony.
• The IAA's high score was attributed to maintaining conflict-of-interest records, verifying staff asset declarations with the LACC, and conducting regular ethics training.
• IAA Director General David A. Kemah stated the recognition reinforces the agency's responsibility to lead by example in promoting integrity across government.

He profoundly emphasized that the 96 percent score represents more than mere institutional recognition; instead, it imposes an even greater responsibility on the agency to consistently uphold the stringent standards of accountability and ethical conduct that it actively champions across the entirety of Liberia's public sector.

The Internal Audit Agency (IAA) and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) have achieved the highest distinction in the 2026 National Integrity Index (NII) Pilot Assessment, each securing an impressive 96 percent score. This evaluation specifically recognized their exemplary performance in institutional transparency, accountability, and ethical compliance. The two government entities were formally acknowledged during an awards ceremony and dinner hosted by the Governance Commission (GC) at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex located in Congo Town, celebrating their commitment to robust governance.

Both the IAA and LRA were placed within the High Integrity Performance Tier, a testament to their robust adherence to governance standards. Their high standing was determined by an assessment across five critical indicators: transparency, accountability, ethical compliance, citizen engagement, and institutional capacity. Professor Alaric K. Tokpa, the Acting Chairperson of the Governance Commission, presented the award and the comprehensive assessment report, specifically commending the Liberia Internal Audit Agency for its significant contributions to strengthening institutional accountability and compliance mechanisms within the public sector. This recognition underscores the importance of the National Integrity Index Pilot Assessment in driving public sector improvement.

The Governance Commission Liberia report highlighted several key practices contributing to the IAA's outstanding performance. Among these, the agency diligently maintained comprehensive records pertaining to potential conflicts of interest, ensuring clear ethical boundaries. Furthermore, it undertook thorough LACC asset declarations verification for its staff, collaborating closely with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to ensure full disclosure and adherence to ethical guidelines. The IAA also consistently implemented regular ethics training programs, designed to reinforce and elevate professional standards among its personnel, thereby fostering a culture of integrity.

The National Integrity Index itself serves as a crucial framework for evaluating public institutions against established governance and integrity benchmarks. Its primary objective is to foster enhanced transparency, ensure regulatory compliance, and bolster institutional accountability across Liberia's governmental landscape. The rigorous assessment process, which led to the high Liberia Internal Audit Agency integrity score, provides a clear measure of how well public bodies are meeting these vital standards and offers a roadmap for continuous improvement.

David A. Kemah, the Director General of the IAA, accepted the recognition, characterizing the achievement as definitive proof of the agency's unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and overall institutional integrity. Kemah underscored that compliance remains a foundational element of the IAA's statutory mandate, emphasizing its critical role in the agency's operations. He further articulated that this prestigious recognition, particularly the high Liberia Revenue Authority NII score alongside the IAA's, reinforces the agency's obligation to set a leading example in promoting integrity throughout all government institutions, thereby influencing broader public sector conduct.

Director General Kemah dedicated the significant award to the dedicated employees of the agency, specifically acknowledging the technical team for their collaborative efforts with the joint technical unit, which comprises representatives from both the Governance Commission and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission. He profoundly emphasized that the 96 percent score represents more than mere institutional recognition; instead, it imposes an even greater responsibility on the agency to consistently uphold the stringent standards of accountability and ethical conduct that it actively champions across the entirety of Liberia's public sector. This commitment is central to the ongoing efforts to enhance the IAA LRA 2026 National Integrity Index performance and inspire similar achievements elsewhere.

Lawyers advising clients on interactions with the Liberian Internal Audit Agency or Liberia Revenue Authority should emphasize stringent compliance with anti-corruption and ethical standards, given these institutions' top performance in the National Integrity Index. This indicates a heightened expectation for transparency and accountability in dealings with these bodies, and potentially a benchmark for other public sector engagements in Liberia.

Source: Original reporting via New Dawn