By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
The Liberian government has exonerated Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) Managing Director Ernest R. Hughes of corruption allegations and directed him to resume duties immediately, following an investigation that found no evidence of wrongdoing.
The probe, launched by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai after Hughes stepped aside over claims of a 15 percent kickback scheme, concluded that the accusations were unsubstantiated. In a statement issued by Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel A. Stevquoah, the government affirmed that no criminal conduct had been established.
However, the investigative panel led by the Ministry of Justice identified serious administrative and governance shortcomings within the LAA. These include strained relations between management and the Board of Directors, unclear institutional roles, weak financial reporting systems, and poor coordination in decision-making processes.
The report described the issues as structural rather than criminal, noting that overlapping responsibilities and limited consultation contributed to internal conflicts and concerns about transparency.
To address these gaps, the panel recommended strengthening collaboration between management and the Board, improving transparency in recruitment and financial reporting, and enforcing clearer governance frameworks. It also called for a review of the LAA Act.
President Boakai has instructed Hughes to implement the reforms without delay and to work with the Office of the President’s Legal Advisor on revising the Authority’s governance structure. Plans are also underway to reassess the composition of the LAA Board.
Additionally, the LAA has been directed to relocate to a new office by November 30, 2026, to better define its operational boundaries.
Hughes’ reinstatement closes the corruption investigation, but signals the start of broader institutional reforms aimed at improving accountability and performance within the Authority.
