The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has unearthed a massive corruption scandal at Lofa County University (LCU), implicating both former and current top officials in the embezzlement of more than $360,000 USD in public funds.
In an indictment filed before the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court in Lofa County, the LACC charged several key university officials, including former President Dr. Samuel K. Ngamai, current President Dr. Isaac P. Podah, and multiple senior administrative staff, with economic sabotage, theft of property, criminal conspiracy, and misapplication of entrusted funds.
Ghost Employees and Payroll Padding
At the heart of the LACC investigation is a fraudulent payroll scheme that saw government funds diverted through ghost names.
A January 2025 audit by the Comptroller and Accountant General’s Office (CAG) revealed that 13 non-existent or unqualified individuals were listed on the university’s payroll for September 2024 alone, leading to over $48,000 in illegal disbursements, with a net loss of $15,939.42 USD after taxes.
Shockingly, several individuals on the payroll had either resigned or were deceased, but continued to receive salaries.
The scheme, according to investigators, was orchestrated by former President Dr. Ngamai, Comptroller Peter C.P. Taylor, and a Civil Service Agency (CSA) technician.
Fake Fuel, Phantom Retreats, and Financial Irregularities
The indictment outlines how public funds were systematically misused through falsified vouchers and unauthorized withdrawals.
In November 2024, more than LD$103,985.70 (~$550 USD) was withdrawn in the name of a fuel supplier for the university president’s travel.
However, no documentation or official travel records were provided to justify the expenses.
Even more damning is the case of a fabricated board retreat. A total of $3,350 USD was withdrawn under the pretense of hosting a university retreat, an event that never occurred.
The funds were allegedly split between Dr. Podah, Board Chair Rev. G. Victor Padmore, and Co-Chair Madam Annie M. Flomo for personal use.
Questionable Textbook Sales Raise Ethical Concerns
Investigators also highlighted a conflict of interest involving the sale of textbooks authored by President Podah.
These textbooks, priced between $5 and $10, were sold to students under an LCU-approved revenue-sharing arrangement.
The proceeds were to be split between the university, students, and the author himself, raising serious ethical questions about profiteering from students.
Unauthorized Checks in Staff Names
Perhaps the most shocking revelation involved checks issued in the names of junior staff, including a security guard and a mechanic, without their knowledge or consent. These individuals denied ever receiving the funds, which totaled tens of thousands of dollars. The funds were allegedly withdrawn and misused by senior administrators.
One staffer, Alieu Kamara, was named on checks totaling over $200,000 USD for construction materials.
Another, Moiselekie K. Duwana, a mechanic, was named on a $54,367 USD check. Both denied any involvement.
Total Losses Estimated at $361,990 USD
The LACC estimates that $361,990.00 USD was stolen through a series of coordinated and deliberate acts of corruption, including:
Falsifying payroll records
Misusing operational funds
Writing unauthorized checks
Creating false documentation
Diverting institutional funds for personal gain
Indicted Officials
The individuals named in the indictment include:
Dr. Stephen K. Ngamai, Former President, LCU
Dr. Isaac P. Podah, Current President, LCU
Peter C.P. Taylor, Former Comptroller
Danwolo B.S. Catakaw, Sr., Vice President for Administration
C. Anthony Crayton, Administrative Assistant
Rev. G. Victor Padmore, Chair, Board of Trustees
Madam Annie M. Flomo, Co-Chair, Board of Trustees
Alieu Kamara, Moiselekie K. Duwana, Amara Sheriff, Vamuyah Kanneh, and others
LACC Demands Prosecution and Accountability
The LACC has called for the full prosecution of all those implicated, citing violations of Liberia’s Penal Code, the Public Financial Management Act, and multiple anti-corruption laws.
The case, now before Her Honour Nancy Finda Sammy, Resident Judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court, is expected to become one of the high-profile corruption trials in recent history in Lofa County.
The revelations have sparked widespread outrage among students, civil society groups, and community leaders, who are demanding justice and a complete restructuring of the university’s administration.
