A deep-rooted corruption scandal has engulfed the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), implicating its Director, Warsuwah Barvoul, in a blatant abuse of power and conflict of interest. This long-hidden act of corruption, deliberately shielded since October 2024, has now come under the spotlight, exposing a disturbing case of theft, nepotism, and cover-up at the agency’s highest levels.
An investigation conducted by Verity uncovered that over $2,410 worth of gas and fuel coupons, along with cash, were stolen from the LNFS. The theft, which amounted to more than 650 gallons of fuel, was identified by the LNFS Chief of Procurement, Korpo S. Morris, who promptly reported the incident to Director Barvoul in an official letter dated October 11, 2024. However, instead of launching a credible investigation, Director Barvoul chose to bury the matter. The reason? The prime suspect in the theft was none other than his biological son, Aaron Barvoul, whom he had personally employed as a Procurement Assistant at the LNFS.
A letter from the Chief of Procurement, Madam Korpo S. Morris, sent to Director Barvoul on February 11, 2025, sheds light on the disturbing events that transpired. In the letter titled “Theft,” Morris recounted the theft that occurred on October 8, 2024, when an amount of US$220 in cash and US$2,190 worth of gas and fuel coupons went missing from the LNFS procurement warehouse. Morris requested an immediate investigation, citing the embarrassment and difficulty caused by the theft and the need for clarity. However, no investigation has been carried out despite this clear call for action.
Despite having full knowledge of his son’s involvement, Director Barvoul did nothing to ensure accountability. There was no break-in, no missing keys, just a direct case of theft. Yet, instead of holding his son accountable, he attempted to shift the blame onto Morris, coercing her to take responsibility and agree to repay the stolen amount in monthly installments of $100. This cover-up is not just unethical; it is criminal. It exposes the rot within Liberia’s institutions, where officials protect their own at the expense of integrity and justice.
Director Barvoul’s corruption extends beyond shielding his son. The LNFS has become a personal fiefdom, where nepotism thrives unchecked. Investigations reveal that he has packed the agency with his family members, transforming a public institution into a family enterprise. His other son, G. Warsuwah Barvoul Jr., serves as the Head of Fire for the VIP Section. His brother’s wife, Catherine Kennedy, is the Deputy Chief of Medic. His nephew, James E. Blackie, is the Chief of Inspectorate. Another nephew, Calvin Marley, acts as his personal bodyguard, while Charles Appleton, yet another nephew, oversees operations. Additional relatives, including three more nephews and two cousins, are also on the agency’s payroll. This is a flagrant violation of public service ethics and a mockery of Liberia’s struggling job market, where thousands of qualified citizens remain unemployed.
The Civil Service Agency (CSA), tasked with ensuring fair hiring practices in government institutions, has failed to flag this blatant fraud. How could an agency that claims to uphold merit-based employment allow one man to turn a national institution into a family business? The LNFS leadership has clearly manipulated the system, prioritizing nepotism over competence and public service. This level of corruption drains resources and undermines the effectiveness of an institution meant to serve the public.
Director Barvoul dares to claim that theft is not corruption. This is a desperate attempt to reframe the scandal, but it does not hold up. When public assets are stolen, it is corruption. When a public official protects the thief, especially when the thief is his own son, it is corruption. When family members hijack an entire institution, it is corruption. There is no alternative definition that excuses these actions.
If the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) is serious about fighting corruption, it must immediately launch an independent investigation into this scandal. The evidence is clear: the LNFS director has abused his authority to shield his son, manipulated procurement processes, and used public office for personal gain. He must be held accountable. Allowing him to continue in office would send a dangerous message that corruption is excusable when committed by those in power.
The Liberian people deserve better. They deserve institutions that operate with transparency, fairness, and accountability. They deserve a government that prioritizes public service over personal enrichment. The suffering in Liberia is not accidental; it is the direct result of unchecked greed and systemic corruption. Until these practices are confronted and uprooted, progress will remain an illusion.
This is not just about the LNFS. It is about a larger pattern of impunity that plagues Liberia’s governance. Officials steal, lie, and manipulate the system with no consequences. The country’s anti-corruption agencies either look the other way or target only those without strong political connections. This must change. The people must demand accountability, and institutions must enforce the laws without fear or favor.
Director Barvoul must be investigated, prosecuted, and removed from office if found guilty. His son and other implicated family members should be held accountable for their roles in this scandal. The government must also conduct a full audit of LNFS employment records to dismantle the nepotistic structure that has taken root. Corruption has crippled Liberia for too long.
