MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) is urging current and former government officials accused of acquiring public assets through illicit means to voluntarily return them to the state.

The Taskforce warned that restitution could help avoid lengthy legal battles and reduce the time and resources required for recovery.

AREPT Chairman, Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, said:” The Taskforce’s primary objective is to recover assets believed to have been unlawfully acquired, rather than focus solely on investigations and indictments”.

Cllr. Martin said officials who voluntarily return assets will be issued Certificates of Restitution, a move he believes could encourage compliance and deter others from unlawfully acquiring public property.

He said the voluntary restitution process is intended to accelerate asset recovery that could delay the return of stolen public resources.

Meanwhile, AREPT has commended the Government of Liberia for what it describes as a strong political will to combat corruption and promote accountability.

Cllr. Martin said the three branches of government have demonstrated a commendable level of commitment to the fight against corruption.

The AREPT Chairman maintained that with the ongoing gains being made, Liberia is once again demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability.

He described corruption as a longstanding problem that has contributed to Liberia’s setbacks and undermined national development.

He said sustained efforts to combat corruption, recover misappropriated public assets, and strengthen accountability are vital to rebuilding public trust.