An investigation by Verity News uncovered an alleged significant corruption totalling over US$1.6 Million involving two contracts awarded to local vendors without adherence to competitive bidding as required by PPCC standards. Senior officials discuss negotiated kickbacks in leaked audio and documents, including emails and WhatsApp messages.
A recent investigation by Verity News also discovered that “Ma-Mus Group of Investments” registered as a business in March 2024, less than four months before MCSS entered into a US$1,210,000 contractual agreement for Ma Mus to import 22,000 corrugated armchairs. This raises more concerns about transparency and compliance amid a breach of PPCC regulations.
According to the Business Registration Certificate of Ma-Mus Group of Investments with Business Registration #053368506 and Tax Identification #501718171, the company is registered mainly for retail sales of food, beverages, and tobacco in non-specialized stores. The Ma-Mus store is in Duazon, Margibi County.
The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) is allegedly embroiled in massive corruption and conflict of interest, including noncompliance with public procurement regulations.
A thorough investigation by Verity News uncovered a dossier, including leaked audio, contracts, emails, and WhatsApp exchanges, relating to two separate contractual agreements amounting to US$1,661,500 unilaterally awarded allegedly in exchange for huge kickbacks.
MCSS Superintendent James A. S. Momoh awarded Ma Mus Group of Investment a contract of US$1,210,000 to procure 22,000 corrugated armchairs, and Kpeinja Ventures Incorporated was awarded a contract of US$451,500 to procure laboratory equipment for 25 schools under MCSS. A gentlemanly agreement allegedly reached indicates that Supt.
Momoh and his accomplices anticipate a kickback of US$10 on each of the 22,000 chairs, valued at US$55 per Chair and US$25K, which Kpeinja Ventures Incorporated has already provided from the laboratory contract. The leaked audio also exposed how Superintendent Momoh is in a love affair with Ms. Sonita Dangan, Director for Instruction and Curriculum, as revealed by the Acting Procurement Director, Mr. Richardson Kromah, also an accomplice in this scandal, who is neither an employee of MCSS nor GOL.
Leaked audio and WhatsApp messages confirm a white Toyota Venza SUV bought for Ms. Sonita Dangan costing around US$8K from kickbacks Superintendent Momoh received. According to inside sources and leaked evidence, this car gift came from an initial US$65,000 kickback after importing the first consignment of armchairs.
Furthermore, the contract with “Ma Mus,” the company providing the 22,000 chairs, appears to be heavily influenced by Mr. William Kpardeyea. It is alleged that Kpardeyea is a close confidant of Pres. Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
Text messages and email exchanges in Verity News’ possession show that Superintendent Momoh and Kpardeyea’s interest in the armchair deal suggests a potential conflict.
The fact that each Chair costs US$55 also raises concerns about pricing and whether the arrangement offers the best value for public funds amid evidence that there was no competitive bidding process before awarding such a contract. Such alleged personal financial interests undermine the superintendent’s credibility and the integrity of the MCSS’s current leadership.
The 2005 Public Procurement Concession Commission (PPCC) Law requires that any service-based contract above US$10,000 go through a competitive bidding process. However, this was never the case for the US$1.21 million corrugated armchair contract and the US$451.5K laboratory equipment contract.
Such noncompliance raises concerns about heightened gaps in public procurement processes, including conflicts of interest and corruption. Supporters of Superintendent Momoh may believe that providing armchairs benefits students, which is a valid point.
However, the core issue isn’t whether students need armchairs—of course, they do. Instead, it’s about ensuring that these needs are met in a manner that is ethical, transparent, and follows legal procedures, including procurement processes.
Following proper procurement processes helps prevent resource misuse, safeguard public funds, and ensure educational improvements that benefit students without compromising accountability and value for money.
In the leaks, acting procurement director Richardson Kromah is also heard discussing how the kickbacks will be distributed between him, Superintendent Momoh, and others directly linked to this corruption scandal.
While students urgently need access to quality armchairs and laboratory equipment to improve their learning environment, the manner and form in which the two contracts were initiated, handled, and awarded undermine transparency and accountability.
Political and financial analysts believe that the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the General Auditing Commission (GAC) should immediately open a full-scale investigation into this matter based on findings from this investigation conducted by Verity News. President Boakai promised to crack down on corruption during his campaign in 2023.
Though some steps have been taken since President Boakai came to power, much has not been done, and there are heightened incidents of corruption, economic sabotage, and abuse of power across government ministries and agencies. Most Liberian voters who voted for President Boakai hope things will turn around.
