The African Press Agency reports that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has issued an Executive Order to protect anyone who discloses information about actions of impropriety against the public interest that is occurring, has occurred, or will occur in any public or private institution. It is known as Executive Order #22, and is also called a Whistleblower Act. The Act is expected to be submitted to the Liberian legislature for enactment, but already binds public and private employers through the Executive Order. The Act permits whistleblowers to bring claims in court for any alleged act of retaliation. Those guilty of retaliation will be subject to criminal penalties, including up to two years in prison. The scope and severity of Liberia’s Whistleblower Act already far exceeds that of any U.S. whistleblower protection law. Congratulations to Liberia.
