MARYLAND COUNTY, Liberia — An investigation by Verity News into alleged financial irregularities at Cape Palmas High School and the Cape Palmas Vocational Education and Training Center (CAPE-VET) has raised questions about the management of school funds, the authenticity of receipts submitted for expenditures, and the accountability of officials responsible for overseeing educational resources.
The investigation centers on allegations involving a poultry project reportedly established at CAPE-VET, the replacement of sliding glass windows at Cape Palmas High School, and the purchase of 80 bags of cement allegedly linked to a business associated with the school’s principal, Annie T. Sleweon.
Documents and information provided to the Verity News indicate possible discrepancies between receipts reportedly submitted to account for certain expenditures and the actual conditions and facilities at the institutions. However, further independent verification is required to establish whether the transactions were fraudulent or whether the reported discrepancies resulted from other circumstances.
One of the major issues concerns receipts reportedly documenting the purchase of chicks from Côte d’Ivoire for a poultry project at CAPE-VET. Information obtained during the investigation alleges that the purchase was recorded, but no chickens were present at the facility when the matter was raised.
The investigation has also brought into question receipts reportedly showing that sliding glass windows at Cape Palmas High School had been replaced. The available allegations indicate that the work may not have been completed as documented.
In another matter, questions have emerged over a reported purchase of 80 bags of cement from a business identified as ATS, which is alleged to be associated with Principal Sleweon. The circumstances surrounding the transaction, including whether the required procurement procedures were followed, remain subject to verification.
The allegations raise broader concerns about financial accountability, procurement practices, and the use of resources intended to support education and vocational training in Maryland County.
Investigation Ordered by County Education Officer
Verity News has also learned that Maryland County Education Officer Larry D. Nimely, Jr. ordered an investigation into the matter, which reportedly has since been completed.
However, questions remain about the investigation’s findings and whether the concerns surrounding the disputed receipts and reported expenditures were adequately addressed.
Information provided to Verity News indicates that the outcome of the investigation has attracted further concerns, including an allegation that Maryland County’s Executive Officer was dissatisfied with the process or its findings. Verity News has not independently confirmed this claim and has not obtained the investigation’s official report.
The absence of publicly verified findings leaves important questions unanswered, including whether the reported purchases were properly documented, whether the goods and services were delivered, and whether the expenditures complied with applicable financial and procurement requirements.
Such concerns are particularly significant for institutions responsible for providing academic and vocational opportunities to young people.
Principal Fails to Respond to Inquiry
As part of its effort to ensure fairness and obtain the principal’s account of the allegations, Verity News made efforts to contact Annie T. Sleweon for comment.
However, all efforts to obtain a response proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages directed to the principal went unanswered ( phone off since Sunday Morning) before publication.
Verity News remains open to publishing her response and any documentation she may provide to clarify the disputed transactions.
The newspaper also intends to seek responses from County Education Officer Larry D. Nimely, Jr., the relevant Maryland County authorities, and the Ministry of Education regarding the investigation and the financial oversight arrangements governing the institutions.
Verity News will continue examining the available documentation and seeking responses from the officials concerned in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the protection of resources intended to benefit students at Cape Palmas High School and CAPE-VET.
