Gbarpolu County Superintendent Sam K. Zinneh is under investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) alongside his associate, Lucia Massaquoi, in connection with allegations of financial mismanagement and secretive dealings tied to the procurement of heavy-duty equipment for the county’s development.
The investigation was prompted by reports suggesting that Zinneh and his Project Management Committee (PMC) had contracted City Lion, a private company, to procure and deliver the machinery for the county. However, rather than overseeing the allocation of funds transparently, Zinneh is accused of diverting money through unauthorized arrangements.
Sources familiar with the case revealed that Zinneh withdrew $2,500 from the county’s administrative account with approval from the Finance Officer. However, instead of returning the funds as required, he allegedly engaged in a separate deal with Bio Chico Mining Company, which was responsible for transporting the equipment, keeping the money for himself.
In addition to this, further allegations have surfaced suggesting that Zinneh demanded an additional $6,400 from City Lion in three installments. This demand allegedly came with the condition that the company be allowed to clear additional machinery purchased for Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Bility. At one point, Massaquoi, who heads Gbarpolu’s Nine Men Council, reportedly collected $2,400 on Zinneh’s behalf.
Amid rising concerns from within the county, local officials formally requested the LACC to intervene, leading to the current investigation. The accusations against Zinneh and Massaquoi have genrated anger, raising questions about the transparency and integrity of county-level procurement processes, and whether political figures are exploiting public funds for personal gain.
