The Liberian diaspora in Ghana finds itself mired in controversy following the recent Liberian Community General Elections held on July 19, 2025.
What began as a routine democratic process has quickly spiraled into a heated dispute, with allegations of rigging, disenfranchisement, and the resignation of the Electoral Committee Chairman clouding the legitimacy of the polls.
Held at two official polling centers-the Liberian Embassy in Accra and Valentine Enterprise in Buduburam, the elections were organized under the supervision of the Liberian Community’s Organizing Committee (OC).
A total of 416 voters were registered to cast their ballots, a figure now being questioned by members of the community who argue it inadequately reflects the Liberian population in Ghana, estimated at over 4,000.
Lomax Raises the Alarm
One of the loudest voices criticizing the process is Mr. Cyrus Sando Lomax, an outspoken member of the diaspora and a campaign official for one of the opposing candidates.
In a statement issued on Monday, Lomax decried the elections as “flawed and disenfranchising,” raising questions about transparency, voter access, and impartiality.
He specifically criticized the decision to center the election in Accra, despite the Central Region-home to Buduburam and the largest concentration of Liberians in Ghana-having a far greater share of registered voters.
“A leader elected through a process with such limitations may face challenges representing the broader Liberian community in Ghana,” Lomax asserted.
Resignation Sparks Doubts
Further complicating matters, Dr. Ralph Saykpa Wiah, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, abruptly resigned just five days before the election.
In his letter, addressed to the Liberian Ambassador and the community’s General Assembly, Dr. Wiah cited “a highly polarized atmosphere” and threats to his personal safety stemming from disputes over the polling venue.
“While the majority of the electorate is in the Central Region, the decision to hold the election in Accra, citing security reasons, has not been accompanied by adequate logistical support for voters to be conveyed,” Dr. Wiah wrote.
His resignation has fueled suspicion among Lomax and his allies that the electoral process was manipulated to favor a specific camp.
Rebuttals and Clarifications
In response to the growing controversy, supporters of Madam Julia M. Richards, widely regarded as the leading candidate in the race, have issued strong rebuttals.
They deny any collusion with the Liberian Embassy or participation in electoral manipulation.
“Mrs. Julia M. Richards is not a member of the Organizing Committee and therefore could not have influenced or rigged the election,” one spokesperson said.
Others were quick to point out that Mr. Lomax is affiliated with an opposing campaign, suggesting his claims may be politically motivated.
“He should provide evidence to support his accusations. These are serious claims, and without proof, they only serve to divide the community,” the spokesperson added.
Community Calls for Calm and Clarity
Despite the division, some voices are urging restraint and encouraging all parties to seek clarity through proper channels.
“Yes, there was a formal election conducted by the Organizing Committee. For more information, I encourage anyone concerned to speak directly with them,” a community member stated. “If Mr. Lomax has any concrete evidence, he should bring it forward and connect you with the OC for a full understanding.”
Others stress that the elections were free and fair, and that the votes reflected the will of the people.
Embassy Silent:
As of publication, the Liberian Embassy in Accra has not issued a public statement on the matter, nor addressed Dr. Wiah’s resignation or the rigging allegations.
With tensions simmering, there are growing calls for a formal review of the electoral process-either through the Organizing Committee or mediation by the Embassy itself.
What remains clear is that unless the issues raised are addressed openly and transparently, the controversy may not only affect the credibility of the elected leadership but could also strain unity within the Liberian community in Ghana.
