Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has launched an investigation into alleged financial improprieties, procurement fraud, and misuse of public funds by the National Road Fund (NRF) under the leadership of Managing Director Madam Hon. Joseta Neufville-Wento.
In a letter dated February 21, 2025, the LACC formally invited Madam Wento to clarify the allegations. The letter, signed by Baba M. Boakai, Program Manager of the Monitoring and Investigation Division (MID), and approved by Dr. Matta Jeh, Oversight Commissioner, outlines serious accusations involving questionable contracts and the diversion of public funds.
According to the LACC, the NRF administration under Wento’s leadership allegedly awarded a US$160,000 contract in 2023 to Asian Liberia Investment, Inc. for the purchase and supply of 1,000 solar lamps and poles to Grand Cape Mount County. However, the complaint alleges that only 700 solar lamps and poles were delivered to an individual identified as Idrissa Massalay rather than the county authority. It is further claimed that the remaining items cannot be accounted for and were allegedly converted to Massalay’s personal property.
Another allegation involves the diversion of US$410,000 intended for the construction of the Madina-Cape Mount Highway. The LACC asserts that the funds were funneled to a company named “BLINCO” under the guise of implementing a road project that was never carried out, with the money now unaccounted for.
Additionally, the LACC alleges that Madam Wento instructed the NRF comptroller to make unauthorized payments amounting to L$277,619 and US$1,400 to Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala, a non-employee of the NRF. These payments reportedly covered bar and license fees for Cllr. Gbala without proper justification.
The LACC has requested Madam Wento to appear at its headquarters on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM, accompanied by her legal counsel and all relevant documentation to support her testimony.
The commission emphasized the importance of Madam Wento’s cooperation in its ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure transparency in public institutions. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the NRF’s leadership and broader accountability measures within Liberia’s public sector.
