Documents uncovered by Verity Newspaper investigation have exposed entrenched nepotism, procurement fraud, and alleged misuse of public funds at the National Housing Authority (NHA), including claims that Managing Director Florence K. Geegbae hired her children and oversaw a US$39,360 contract whose work was allegedly never done.
The contract was reportedly awarded for land clearing, the erection of cornerstones and land surveying in Goweh Town, Glolokeline and Crozerville in Grand Bassa and Margibi Counties.
According to internal documents reviewed by Verity, the contract was awarded without following the NHA’s procurement procedures or obtaining the required approval from the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC).
The dossier further alleges that the work covered by the contract was never carried out, raising questions about alleged corruption.
Nepotism
The contractual and payment documents reveal that Geegbae used her position to give employment and contract opportunities to her three sons.
The documents, including a staff resolution, specifically named Tonia Richardson, Christopher Dukuly, and Daniel Dukuly as Geegbae’s sons, who were recruited as contractors without a proper merit-based selection process.
A formal complainant from majority of NHA’s staffers says the alleged practice violates Civil Service Agency (CSA) rules requiring recruitment and appointments in government to be based on merit, qualifications and experience.
The complaint also alleges that six contract officers were transferred from Geegbae’s office within three years and replaced by individuals described as relatives or their children.
It further claims that qualified and experienced employees were overlooked while others were given employment opportunities.
Another allegation is that recommendations from the National Chairman of the Unity Party concerning the employment of qualified Liberians were rejected because, according to the complaint, Geegbae maintained that hiring decisions rested solely with her office.
US$500 Engineering Contract
A separate document shows that the NHA entered into a one-month engineering contract with Tonis T. Richardson in March 2024.
The agreement identifies Geegbae as the NHA’s representative and Richardson as the contracted engineer.
Under the contract, Richardson was to receive US$500 for his services.
His duties included supervising engineering design and construction, providing technical advice, overseeing construction projects and preparing drawings and diagrams for civil works.
The agreement bears the signatures of Richardson and Geegbae.
Ombudsman Probe
The allegations come as the Office of the Ombudsman investigates separate complaints concerning Geegbae’s treatment of employees at the NHA.
In a letter dated September 11, 2026, the Ombudsman’s Office invited Joseph P. Kai Jr., Chairman of Concerned Citizens of Liberia, to appear before the office on September 22 at 10 a.m.
The invitation was signed by Chairperson-Designate Etmonia M. Martin, Esq.
According to the letter, Kai was invited because of his alleged direct knowledge of complaints against Geegbae.
“Your participation in this investigation is based on your direct knowledge of allegations of humiliation or abuse of employees, improper treatment of subordinate staff, and the creation of a hostile environment at the National Housing Authority,” the letter stated.
The Ombudsman asked Kai to provide documents supporting his testimony and informed him that he could appear with legal counsel.
The office said the investigation is being conducted in accordance with due process and the National Code of Conduct.
Complaints Over Transfers, Suspensions
The complaint also accuses NHA management of unfair transfers and suspensions.
It alleges that employees were transferred without clear operational reasons or proper terms of reference.
The complainants cited provisions of the CSA Human Resource Policy covering internal transfers and disciplinary proceedings.
According to the complaint, some employees were suspended without being given written reasons or adequate opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.
The complainants argue that such actions violate provisions requiring due process before disciplinary measures are taken.
Those claims remain allegations and have not been established by an official finding.
Geegbae Declines Detailed Response
When contacted by telephone about the allegations, Geegbae declined to comment in detail.
She said the matter had been referred to the NHA’s senior management.
“I am not going to comment now or make a decision now. I have referred this matter to senior management,” Geegbae said.
She did not provide further details about the US$39,360 contract, the concerns about hiring her sons, or the claim that the contracted work was not completed.
The allegations raise questions about recruitment, procurement, employee treatment and the management of public funds at the NHA.
The Ombudsman’s investigation is ongoing, and no final findings have been announced.
