Contractors at the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) have raised serious concerns over financial mismanagement, lack of accountability, and unethical practices under the leadership of Executive Chairman (EC) Mr. Prince Anything Wreh.
The contractors, who had worked under six-month contracts that ended on December 31, 2024, claim they have not received their salaries since November 2024, despite fulfilling their contractual duties.
In a letter dated Tuesday, February 25, 2025, addressed to social justice advocate Martin Kollie, the contractors outlined the deepening crisis at LSEZA. The letter reveals alarming details of mismanagement and corruption that have continued unchecked at the institution. The contractors expressed frustration at the repeated failure to honor promises of payment, with many citing direct conversations with EC Wreh in which he assured them that their payments would be made. Despite these assurances, the salaries remain unpaid, causing significant hardship for the workers.
The contractors also raised concerns about the lack of formal staff at LSEZA, as the institution continues to operate without a full complement of employed personnel. Even the Board, which was established by President George Weah in August 2024, has reportedly not received its salaries or sitting fees, further highlighting the institution’s financial instability. The contractors claimed that despite their work, the Executive Chairman and his associates have misappropriated approximately $800,000 over the past several months, while 95% of the vendors working with LSEZA have not been paid.
The situation is further exacerbated by reports that individuals who are living abroad, or who are already employed in other government institutions, continue to receive salaries from LSEZA. This raises serious ethical and legal concerns, particularly in relation to the legitimacy of such payments. Contractors have also questioned the management of National Social Security contributions (NASSCORP), alleging that deductions have been made from their salaries without the issuance of National Social Security Identification cards, casting doubt on whether these contributions were ever remitted.
Beyond financial issues, the contractors have raised alarms about the politicization of hiring practices at LSEZA. According to their letter, 65% of contractors at the institution come from Margibi County, a region closely tied to EC Wreh’s senatorial ambitions. This pattern of hiring, based on political considerations rather than merit, has undermined the integrity of the institution and created a sense of unfairness among workers. The contractors are calling for a more inclusive approach to employment, one that reflects the diverse needs of all Liberians rather than catering to the political interests of a few.
The contractors are now appealing for the intervention of Martin Kollie, hoping his influence can bring much-needed attention to their plight. They are urging for immediate payment of all outstanding salaries and a comprehensive review of LSEZA’s financial management practices. The contractors emphasize the importance of fairness, transparency, and good governance in addressing these issues.
“We believe in fairness, accountability, and good governance,” the letter concluded. “We hope that with your support, corrective actions will be taken to ensure justice for all affected workers.”
Meanwhile, multiple attempts to contact the Executive Chairman, Mr. Prince Anything Wreh, for his response to the allegations against LSEZA were unsuccessful. Calls to his mobile phone rang continuously without an answer.
