By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
GBARPOLU COUNTY — Allegations of corruption surrounding a road project in Bopolu City have resurfaced amid growing criticism of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) for reportedly closing an investigation into the matter without prosecution, despite claims that no work was ever carried out on the project.
The controversy centers on funds allocated by the Government of Liberia for the paving of roads in Bopolu City using chip seal technology. According to Boakai Jaleiba, the project was fully paid for and officially certified as completed even though residents say no pavement was ever laid.
Gbarpolu County, one of Liberia’s most remote and underdeveloped regions, has long struggled with poor road infrastructure and limited access to basic services. Residents reportedly welcomed news of the planned road project, hoping it would improve transportation and economic activity in the area.
However, critics allege that despite the release of government funds, “not one crushed rock” was delivered to the site.
Documents reportedly submitted to the LACC by the current administration at the Ministry of Public Works include payment checks, contracts, photographs of the existing road conditions, and what has been described as a fraudulent project completion report jointly signed by officials of the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
The documents were allegedly handed over more than two years ago.
According to the allegations, the completion report was used to authorize final payment for the project despite the absence of any visible road construction work in Bopolu City.
The issue has generated renewed public concern after the LACC reportedly listed the investigation as “concluded” on its website without announcing criminal charges or further legal action.
Critics say the decision raises troubling questions about accountability and the fight against corruption in Liberia.
The NOCAL Vice President also draw attention to a former Minister of Public Works, who allegedly signed the completion report for the project. The former minister is reportedly married to a current lawmaker representing Gbarpolu County at the Capitol Building.
Residents and observers argue that while official documents may indicate the project was completed, conditions on the ground tell a different story, as roads in Bopolu remain unpaved and communities continue to struggle with dust and poor accessibility.
The LACC has not publicly explained the basis for concluding the investigation, and no public prosecution linked to the project has been announced.
The matter continues to fuel debate over transparency, public accountability, and the handling of corruption-related investigations in Liberia.
