The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has been called upon to investigate alleged corruption within the National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Commission (NWASHC) under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer George W.K. Yarngo.
In a detailed letter leaked to Verity News dated November 11, 2024, Prince D. Kreplah, Director of Program, Planning, and Technical Services at NWASHC, outlined a series of procurement irregularities and breaches of Public Financial Management (PFM) regulations that he claims demand urgent attention.
In the letter titled “Whistleblower Alert about Corruption in NWASHC,” Kreplah alleged that funds allocated for critical operational needs were mismanaged and misappropriated under the guise of routine expenditures. For instance, the commission received $20,000 for fuel to power a standby generator in 2024 despite a nearly uninterrupted electricity supply from the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC). Kreplah noted that only 1% of the allocated fuel was necessary due to the 99% availability rate of LEC electricity, but the entire sum was spent with falsified documents reportedly created as proof of usage.
Kreplah also highlighted concerns over $7,000 allocated for generator maintenance. He explained that these funds should not have been expended because the generator was seldom used. However, he claimed this amount was also fully utilized, with no legitimate justification or documentation. He alleged that these actions directly violated financial management best practices.
Further concerns about $30,000 allocated for cleaning materials and fumigation services were raised. Kreplah, who works extended hours at the NWASHC office, stated that no fumigation services had been performed during the period in question. Additionally, he doubted that cleaning materials worth even $5,000 could be accounted for, let alone the full allocated amount. He described a pattern of financial mismanagement, asserting that fabricated documents were used to support procurement and service delivery claims.
The whistleblower’s letter also accused the commission of irregular financial transactions. He revealed that checks were issued in the names of employees under the pretext of loan repayments. At the same time, funds were withdrawn from operational accounts without the required approvals from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP). Kreplah emphasized that these actions violated the financial management framework intended to ensure accountability and transparency in public funds.
Kreplah expressed dismay at the leadership of CEO Yarngo, noting that similar practices under the previous administration had been flagged and investigated by the LACC. He argued that Yarngo’s decision to continue these practices undermined his credibility and highlighted a failure in ethical leadership. Kreplah referenced the legal principle that those seeking justice must act with clean hands, pointing out the inconsistency in Yarngo’s actions.
The allegations raise significant concerns about the governance of NWASHC, an entity established to regulate and promote water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Liberia. Kreplah’s claims suggest that resources meant to improve public health and service delivery are being diverted for personal gain, potentially jeopardizing the commission’s mission and credibility.
The whistleblower argued that such misconduct wastes public resources and undermines Liberia’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. He stressed that immediate action is necessary to address these issues and restore trust in the commission’s operations.
Kreplah’s letter was accompanied by several documents intended to substantiate his claims. He expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with any investigation, reiterating his role as a whistleblower committed to protecting Liberia’s public resources. He noted that some members of the Senior Management Team had also raised concerns about these practices but encountered resistance from the leadership.
The alleged corruption at NWASHC also risks damaging Liberia’s reputation with international partners and donors. Kreplah warned that failure to act decisively could erode the trust of these stakeholders and compromise future support for the country’s development initiatives.
The case highlights systemic issues within NWASHC, which is mandated to oversee water, sanitation, and hygiene services nationwide. Kreplah’s claims underscore the need for more robust oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents and ensure that allocated funds are used effectively.
Kreplah also called attention to the broader implications of the alleged corruption. He argued that unchecked financial mismanagement within NWASHC could set a dangerous precedent for other government entities, undermining Liberia’s anti-corruption efforts.
The letter serves as a noteworthy test for the LACC, tasked with investigating the allegations. Public attention is now focused on the commission’s ability to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the fight against corruption in Liberia.
Kreplah’s decision to become a whistleblower highlights the importance of protecting individuals who expose misconduct and addressing their concerns.
As the LACC takes up this matter, it must demonstrate its commitment to upholding the principles of good governance. A swift and credible investigation will restore public confidence and reinforce Liberia’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
If substantiated, the allegations against NWASHC will demand immediate corrective actions, including holding those responsible accountable and implementing reforms to prevent future misconduct. Kreplah’s whistleblower alert is critical for Liberia’s anti-corruption framework and its commitment to safeguarding public resources.
