An investigation by Verity News has uncovered a dossier of financial documents revealing that the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) spent a staggering US$53,356 on a single overseas trip, covering daily subsistence allowances (DSA) and tickets, for six employees attending the ICAO Assembly in Canada.
The meeting, which is scheduled for September 21 to October 3, 2025, involved participation in the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montréal.
The spending has sparked outrage over issues of financial prudence, purpose, and delegation composition.
Violation of Delegation Cap
According to Rule #2 of the Government of Liberia’s Revised Travel Ordinance (2025), delegates from ministries, agencies, and state-owned enterprises are limited to two persons. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is permitted three delegates.
However, the LCAA dispatched six staff members. Sources close to the Executive Mansion confirmed to Verity News that no approval was issued for 6 travelers, placing the trip in direct violation of the travel ordinance.
Delegation Composition Raises Eyebrows
Among those listed on the travel manifest are:
Ms. Macreen, Coordinator for Performance Evaluation, Compensation, and Attendance (HR Directorate);
Felecia Gray, Director of Human Resources;
Shenell Sarnor, Administrative Officer (Administration Directorate).
Critics have questioned why non-technical staff’s, including human resource and administrative personnel, were prioritized over aviation professionals with expertise relevant to ICAO’s highly technical policy and regulatory agenda.
“What exactly are they going there to do?” asked a senior aviation analyst who requested anonymity. “The ICAO Assembly is not a human resources seminar. It’s a high-level policy forum. This appears to be a costly junket, not a strategic mission.”
Notably absent from the team was the Deputy Director for Technical Services or any recognized technical personnel from LCAA.
Lavish Spending on DSA
Internal travel records show the DSA alone topped US$45,000, with the remaining amount covering airfare. The total cost of the 10-day trip reached US$53,356.
A senior official at the Ministry of Finance, speaking off the record, confirmed the amount had been flagged during processing but was approved under institutional discretion-despite concerns about compliance with the revised travel law.
Many argue that such discretionary approvals undermine the spirit of the regulation and contribute to unchecked public spending.
ICAO Assembly Goals Misaligned with Delegation
The ICAO Assembly’s agenda urged member states to present technical working papers, participate in aviation safety deliberations, and contribute to strategic policy resolutions.
Instead, Liberia’s delegation included staff with no technical aviation mandate, undermining the country’s potential influence at a time when its aviation safety and oversight record remains under scrutiny.
“This was a missed opportunity for Liberia to shape global aviation policy,” said a regional ICAO liaison familiar with Liberia’s prior involvement. “The wrong people were sent for the wrong reasons.”
The revelation comes amid mounting public frustration over government wage delays, fuel shortages, and a lack of essential services. News of the LCAA’s US$53,000 trip has sparked demands for accountability.
Civil society organizations are now urging the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) to launch a formal investigation into how the delegation was selected and who authorized the expenditure.
“This trip was a clear violation of both the letter and spirit of the GOL Travel Ordinance,” said a former GAC auditor. “If we are serious about public financial management reform, there must be consequences. Heads must roll.”
