Monrovia, Liberia–The Liberian Senate has formally launched a probe into the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment’s (LACE) controversial expenditure of US$675,000, following a damning investigation by Verity Newspaper, which revealed alleged systemic misuse of public funds under the guise of legislative project assessments.
The probe, announced during Senate plenary on Tuesday, June 3, is being led by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and Audit.
The investigation comes amid mounting public outcry and demands for accountability surrounding how money meant for community development was allegedly squandered without tangible results.
The Verity report published on February 28, 2025, triggered widespread outrage and prompted immediate legislative attention.
Titled “Institutionalized Theft: How US$675K Disappeared in the Name of Development Assessments”, the exposé raises troubling questions about LACE’s fiscal practices, transparency, and the overall management of taxpayer funds.
From Budget to Blowout
LACE, an autonomous agency tasked with implementing community-driven development projects, received the US$675,000 as part of an US$11 million legislative projects appropriation under the 2024 National Budget.
The funds were intended to support preliminary field assessments of over 300 legislative initiatives across Liberia’s 15 counties.
However, according to Verity’s investigative findings, the assessments occurred in only six counties-Nimba, Bong, Bassa, Bomi, Lofa, and Grand Gedeh-despite the budget covering all 15.
Notably, these six counties are among the most accessible in Liberia, further fueling skepticism over the high expenditures.
The report alleges that no physical infrastructure was developed during the period in question. Instead, the funds were funneled into meetings, vehicle rentals, allowances, and administrative tasks—many of which appear inflated or unsubstantiated.
Breakdown of Controversial Spending
US$160,000 was supposedly used for “district consultations,” yet local leaders claim they were never contacted or compensated.
US$84,000 went toward Daily Sustenance Allowances (DSA), despite staff already receiving government salaries-raising red flags about double-dipping and possible violations of the Travel Ordinance Law.
US$133,000 was paid for vehicle rentals over just 20 days, averaging a staggering US$6,650 per day.
US$11,200 was spent assessing Montserrado County—where LACE is headquartered—raising eyebrows over the necessity of travel-related costs.
US$37,500 earmarked for “media engagement” is unaccounted for, as several community radio stations in the assessed counties reported receiving no such support.
US$97,000 was logged for “printing bid documents, legal services, and board sittings,” figure experts say far exceeds standard administrative costs.
Verity’s report further implicates LACE Executive Director Julius Sele, stating that under his leadership, the agency has become “a revolving door for unchecked spending and bureaucratic enrichment.”
Senate Demands Full Audit
During Tuesday’s session, Senator Prince K. Moye of Bong County, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget, expressed outrage at what he described as “bloated and unjustifiable expenses.”
“US$675,000 was reportedly used for consultations and meetings, yet we’ve seen no report, no results, and no impact. This must be audited. The Committee on Public Accounts must get to the bottom of it,” Senator Moye stated.
Other senators echoed similar sentiments, demanding that LACE provide a detailed accounting of how the funds were used.
There is growing pressure on the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the National Legislature, both signatories to the framework governing the disbursement, to explain their oversight role.
Public Outcry and the Road Ahead
Civil society organizations and anti-corruption advocates have hailed the Senate’s action but are calling for swift and transparent results.
“This is not just about LACE—it’s about a pattern of impunity that continues to rob Liberians of basic services,” said Emmanuel Kpargoi, a governance expert with the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL). “The Senate must set a strong precedent here.”
As Liberia continues to grapple with economic hardship and public distrust in government institutions, the LACE controversy has become a litmus test for legislative integrity and accountability.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts and Audit is expected to summon key LACE officials in the coming days, with recommendations to follow based on audit findings.
