The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) latest report, a copy of which is in possession of this paper, has revealed a series of ongoing cases that expose deep-rooted corruption across various government institutions, programs, and projects.
The allegations involve millions of U.S. dollars, misapplied public funds, missing state assets, and questionable wealth accumulation by public officials –both past and present.
From the misappropriation of health sector resources to property acquisitions grossly inconsistent with public servants’ incomes, the scale of these cases reflects systemic abuse of public trust and a disturbing culture of impunity.
Millions Misused, Justice Elusive:
Among the most high-profile cases is the alleged misapplication of USD $1.4 million by USAID implementing partner Chemonics, funds intended for transporting essential medical supplies.
Although the case was closed in April 2022 due to “insufficient evidence,” its closure raises serious concerns about oversight in donor-funded projects.
Another significant case, based on a General Auditing Commission (GAC) report, detailed the diversion of several millions from the National Road Fund between 2018 and 2020.
The investigation was closed in May 2022 due to the statute of limitations-underscoring how legal loopholes continue to shelter the powerful from accountability.
Ongoing Cases Reflect Persistent Abuse:
Currently, several critical investigations remain “ongoing” or “under intelligence”. These include: An unaccounted USD $114,000.00 at the Ministry of Health’s Gavi-Health Strengthening System Project, A full financial audit of Sinoe Community College (2018–2022), Allegations that a Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Finance acquired multiple duplexes worth millions-vastly disproportionate to his known public earnings, and a USD $55,000.00 school renovation fund allegedly misappropriated by administrators at Cotton Tree Public School, Margibi County.
The mysterious disappearance of a tugboat purchased by the National Port Authority for the Greenville Seaport- a stark example of state property vanishing without a trace.
Further, citizens have filed complaints accusing lawmakers of diverting public funds for personal and political use, including a USD $30,000.00 development fund allegedly used for re-election campaigning by a Montserrado County District #9 Representative.
From Promises to Paralysis, A Stolen Future:
Despite the gravity and volume of these cases, many have either been prematurely closed or remain stagnant, offering the public little more than official silence and bureaucratic inertia.
This growing pattern of “investigate and forget” undermines public confidence. It signals a justice system that recognizes wrongdoing but is either unwilling or unable to act decisively.
Mr. President, It’s Time to Lead through Action:
President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, who campaigned on a promise to restore integrity to public service, now faces a defining test of leadership. The time for rhetoric is over. What Liberia needs now is resolute action.
President Boakai must go beyond just suspicion and acknowledging corruption and calling for investigations.
He must act boldly and decisively, even when the accused are political allies or long-standing associates.
Many Liberians are urging President to order administrative suspensions for officials under credible investigation and empower the LACC and related agencies with the resources and political cover to pursue cases independently.
They are also calling on him to launch a lifestyle audit for public officials whose assets far exceed their lawful income, and recover stolen assets and ensure public funds are returned to the people, while initiating prosecutions based on available audit findings and evidence, not political convenience.
The People Deserve More Than Caution
Liberians are not demanding miracles. They are demanding justice, accountability, transparency, honesty, and the political courage to confront corruption without fear or favor. Anything less would betray the public’s faith in the Boakai administration and signal continuity and business as usual –not changes.
As the LACC’s caseload grows, so too does public disillusionment. International partners are watching. Citizens are watching. And history will judge this administration not by its words, but by its actions.
Mr. President, you hold the gavel. Go beyond just suspension. Will you wield corruption, or will you hesitate, and risk becoming a caretaker of corruption rather than a champion of change?
