By: Emmanuel M. Kangar
Monrovia, Liberia- The academic credentials of Liberia’s Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Hon. Sekou M. Kromah, have come under public scrutiny following allegations made by exiled activist Martin K. N. Kollie.
The controversy escalated after the Ministry deleted a Facebook post defending the Minister’s qualifications.
Kollie, the lead campaigner of the Campaigners for Academic Crimes Court (CACC), released a detailed statement over the weekend, describing Kromah’s academic background as “problematic.” He pointed to inconsistencies in the Minister’s curriculum vitae and his degree certificate from the University of Liberia (UL), including missing standard elements such as four official signatures, a silver security seal, and an index number.
The activist also highlighted a discrepancy in the graduation date, which is listed as “1989/1990” in Kromah’s CV but appears as “February 16, 1990” on the diploma. Kollie questioned the plausibility of a graduation ceremony occurring during the early months of Liberia’s civil war.
Kollie noted that while the credentials of Kromah’s deputies: Hon. Augustine Soway Karpeh and Hon. V. Marshall Sambola are publicly available, Kromah’s academic history has not been posted on the Ministry’s website since his appointment in 2024. He suggested that this omission may be intentional.
The statement also raised questions about Deputy Minister Jeneba Paasewe’s qualifications, alleging she may have a nursing background despite holding a high-ranking post in a technology-focused ministry. An unnamed source cited in the release supports this claim.
Kollie criticized the Liberian Legislature for failing to conduct adequate vetting during the confirmation process, stating, “This is what happens when political loyalty is rewarded over competence.” He called on both Kromah and Paasewe to publicly address the concerns by Monday, while clarifying that his campaign is based on evidence and not conclusive judgment.
Fueling public suspicion, a Facebook post from the Ministry intended to discredit Kollie’s claims was abruptly deleted. The move has led many to question the Ministry’s transparency and has added weight to the activist’s allegations.
Public reaction to the controversy has been widespread, with many citizens taking to social media to commend Kollie’s efforts.
“Martin K. N. Kollie, you’re a great man. Continue the people’s job,” wrote Bobjoe Kpayili, Jr.
Another user, Fallah Roberts, commented, “When it comes to academic fraud, the number is more than you expect. Institutions must keep solid records and employers should verify all credentials.”
Other commenters expressed frustration with the government, accusing President Joseph Boakai of waging a selective fight against corruption.
“They are academic robbers,” wrote Joshua D.C. Musu. “Young professionals are jobless while cronies occupy top positions.”
In a final statement, Kollie reiterated his call for accountability: “The system is rotten. People who worked hard to obtain legitimate credentials are jobless. Mr. President, act accordingly.”
As pressure mounts, the nation awaits a formal response from Minister Kromah and his deputies.
