A thorough investigation by Verity News has uncovered how the Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), Julius K. Sele, spent US$675,000 on tour and consultation in six counties. The leaked expenditure report in our possession detailed the USD 675,500 expenditure.
The December 12, 2024, report was addressed to the Liberian Senate in response to a request made during his appearance before the Senate Plenary on December 5, 2024.
In his letter accompanying the report, Sele stated, “I therefore accept full responsibility for this report.” The document outlines how the advanced payment from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning was disbursed across various operational activities. However, questions are being raised over the transparency and justification of the expenses.
According to the report, a substantial portion of the funds was USD 542,500 received as cash, with the remaining USD 133,000 unaccounted for in the provided breakdown. Among the listed expenditures, USD 298,500 was allocated for vehicle rental, including fuel for 20 days, while USD 160,000 was spent on travel-related expenses such as daily subsistence allowances (DSA) and accommodation.
One of the most striking figures includes USD 261,000 for “Districts Local Consultation,” with an additional USD 45,625 dedicated to “Media Engagement in Counties.” Despite these significant disbursements, there is no clear explanation of how these consultations were conducted or which media outlets received payments.
Further scrutiny surrounds the USD 107,175 allocated for an “Assessment Tour” in Montserrado County. Critics argue that such a figure is unusually high for a local assessment, especially without a detailed account of the activities undertaken. Another USD 97,000 is listed under “Office Support,” covering legal fees, board sittings, office supplies, and the publication of bid documents.
The report also outlines USD 55,975 for “County Office Space Engagement and Negotiations” across several counties, including Nimba, Bong, Grand Bassa, Bomi, Grand Gedeh, and Lofa. However, there is little clarity on what these negotiations entailed or whether competitive bidding processes were followed.
Julius Sele’s acknowledgment of full responsibility for the report has done little to quell suspicions. He has not publicly responded to the concerns raised since submitting his report.
With pressure intensifying, the outcome of the Senate’s review could have substantial implications for how public funds are managed across government projects. The USD 675,500 expenditure remains under intense scrutiny, with many demanding transparency and accountability from LACE and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
